East Montpelier’s balance of rural living and nearby city amenities
East Montpelier is a rural town between Montpelier, Barre and Plainfield. The Old Meeting House, which dates back to the early 1800s, marks the center of the community. From there, back roads stretch out over the rolling landscape, with farms and maple orchards lining the way.
Despite its pastoral feel, “it’s still close to everything,” says Ruby Larich, a real estate agent with Central Vermont Real Estate, who was born and raised in the area. “You have the balance of being near the city, where there is work, leisure and fun, and living in a small community with awesome local businesses.”
Shopping from farms and small markets
Residents have the luxury of buying produce directly from the many small farms in town. They can stop by Peck Farm to get a fresh apple cider donut or to pick winecrisp apples in fall. People can also tour Bragg Farm’s sugarhouse, where maple syrup is made each spring. Maple creemees — a Vermont frozen specialty — and other regional treats are sold throughout the year. At Cate Farm, there’s a little of everything from heirloom tomatoes to herbs.
Several businesses are along U.S. Route 2. Fox Market and Bar is part store and part gay bar. “It’s a small, but bright location. They do karaoke nights, and if you’re looking to buy local veg or some goodies, they’ll have it,” Klarich says. Fox Market also offers a small selection of breakfast sandwiches, salads and charcuterie boards. The Plainfield Co-Op & Hardware is a full-service grocery with a deli, produce section, and bulk spices. “You can also pick up your CSA box and shop for hardware supplies,” Klarich says. “For bigger grocery stores or restaurants, people drive into Berlin or Montpelier.”
Farmhouses and Colonial Revivals on large lots
Many homes rest on multi-acre lots, which gives some owners space to farm or hunt, Klarich says. “There are not a lot of listings, though. A lot of people buy and then stay.” Buyers might find an older farmhouse in need of repairs priced between $150,000 and $350,000. From $400,000 to $700,000, options may include Colonial Revivals and farmhouses with 5-acre lots or larger. Manufactured homes sometimes list from around $60,000 to $150,000. Most homeowners are responsible for maintaining their own septic systems. East Montpelier has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, compared to 4 nationally.
East Montpelier schools
Children can attend East Montpelier Elementary School, which earns a B-plus. After that, they transition to the B-rated U-32 Middle & High School. U-32 offers career and technical education, virtual learning, and dual-enrollment courses through the University of Vermont and other state schools.
Town trails and seasonal outdoor recreation
Although some homeowners have their own woods or fields to wander, the town also has a system of trails. The East Montpelier Trails network begins in the town forest, just off Haggett Road. Hikers can follow the 15-mile route down to Gallison Hill Road or stop off at one of the trailheads along the way. In the summer, many people head to Coburn Pond for a swim. Snowmobiling is popular in winter, and some locals use the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers app to get up-to-date maps of snowmobile-friendly trails in the area.
Travel routes and essential services for East Montpelier residents
East Montpelier’s main travel routes are state Route 14 and U.S. Route 2. Barre is about 6 miles south, and Montpelier, the state capital, is a similar distance west. Rural Community Transportation buses provide transportation from the town’s park-and-ride lot to Montpelier and other area towns. The closest emergency room is at the Central Vermont Medical Center, less than 10 miles southwest, and Burlington International Airport is about 40 miles west.
Brooks may overflow after heavy rains
Rivers and brooks run through many parts of East Montpelier, and heavy rains can cause them to overflow. The land near these bodies of water may also flood during storms.
