Clarendon, Vermont, offers a neighborly vibe and outdoor recreation
Clarendon lies south of Rutland in Vermont. The small community is home to about 2500 residents and blends scenery, privacy, history and community. “It’s nice in these small communities around Rutland,” says Alison McCullough, the principal broker with Alison McCullough Real Estate, who also owns a women’s clothing boutique in Rutland. “It’s privacy-based, but you still know your neighbors. Like, actually know your neighbors.” Surrounded by outdoor recreation opportunities and several places on the National Register of Historic Places, Clarendon’s proximity to Rutland means necessities are close at hand even in the secluded and remote areas. “People enjoy the fact that you can be both with others and away from it all, too,” McCullough says.
Low inventory and low taxes among forest and farmland
Clarendon is largely wooded, with trees looming over country roads and homes tucked back amongst the foliage. Farmland opens up in the southern portion of the township along Clarendon Road, and some businesses pop up along U.S. Route 7 Business. The township contains four hamlets where the housing density increases a bit. “We don’t have too many available properties, but we don’t have huge sprawl or massive highways,” McCullough says. Ranch-style homes, farmhouses and Colonial Revivals are some of the typical styles here. The median home price is about $440,000, higher than the national median, but relatively affordable compared to some other parts of the northeast. “Our taxes are basically nothing if you’re coming from Jersey or Connecticut,” McCullough says. “And you can get out in that fresh Vermont air.” The area has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1, significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Natural areas, resorts and historical areas with hiking, golf, skiing, paddling and more
Residents can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities in and around Clarendon in the Vermont mountains. “There are tons of hiking spots,” McCullough says. “And easy access to ski resorts.” White Rocks National Recreation Area has many trails, and the Appalachian Trail crosses Vermont Route 140 near Wallingford to the south. Clarendon Gorge is another popular spot for hiking. Nearby skiing areas include Killington Resort, with six peaks and 150-plus trails. Mountain bikers can ride around the area when there’s no snow. Stonehedge Golf Course has a variety of games, including footgolf, which uses soccer balls, flinggolf, which uses equipment much like lacrosse sticks, and traditional golf. “There are lakes and rivers, with lots of places to kayak,” McCullough says. “Fishing is a big attraction in spring and summer.” Covered bridges, such as the Kingsley Covered Bridge and historical buildings, such as the Clarendon House, are other popular attractions.
Mill River Unified School District offers a focus on outdoor experiences
Clarendon Elementary School earns a C-minus grade from Niche and serves students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. The school’s proximity to the Appalachian Trail and places on the National Register of Historic Places provides unique opportunities for the roughly 150 students who attend. Mill River Union High earns a C-plus and serves grades seven through 12. The school offers endorsements in visual and performing arts.
U.S. Route 7, a regional airport and Amtrak service in Rutland
U.S. Route 7 runs through Clarendon south to Wallingford and north to Rutland, where it intersects with U.S. Route 4. Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport is right in the township. For a wider range of flight options, Burlington International Airport is about 70 miles away in its namesake city. Amtrak service is available in Rutland, with a train that runs to Burlington. Rutland Regional Medical Center is the closest hospital to Clarendon, no more than 11 miles away.
Shopping and dining are minutes away in Rutland
Clarendon has minimal commercial activity but Rutland is right there for shopping and dining. “It’s 10 to 15 minutes to Rutland,” McCullough says. “So it’s convenient for shopping with the plaza there with Hannaford.” Rutland also has Aldi and Walmart. McCullough’s own boutique, Divine, can be found on Center Street. Restaurants in Rutland include Vermont Tap House, a pizzeria, the Hop’n Moose Bar and Grill and Paisano’s Italian Kitchen. It also has some national chains such as Dunkin’. Residents can explore Vermont’s maple syrup industry at area sugar houses. Maple Sugar & Vermont Spice is one such place north of Rutland on U.S. Route 4.
The Vermont State Fair, concerts and plays, and a nearby rodeo
Rutland hosts the Vermont State Fair each August, drawing visitors from all around the area. The Paramount Theater in Rutland hosts touring artists and theatrical performances. “If you like rodeos, we have the Pine Hill Rodeo in Castleton,” McCullough says. Castleton is about 15 miles away via U.S. Route 4.
