$681,947Average Value$383Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Lake Champlain living in northern Vermont’s Grand Isle
Located on the northern half of the largest island in Lake Champlain, the northern Vermont town of Grand Isle provides year-round recreation and serene atmosphere north of Burlington. “Grand Isle is called ‘The Beauty Spot of Vermont’ and it lives up to its name,” says Ingrid Hedbor, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Island Realty. “To the east is the Inland Sea, so-called because the water is contained by the length of the islands and mainland Vermont, and views of the Green Mountains. West is the broad lake and New York’s Adirondack Mountains.” About 2,100 people live here, with seasonal residents and tourists drawn to the lake in summer. “Islanders really appreciate the often-breathtaking beauty of the area,” Hedbor says. “We like to be outside, maybe slow down for a minute during a busy day and just enjoy a sunset or sunrise, a rainbow, an osprey flying overhead.”
Boating and fishing are popular activities that take place on Lake Champlain.
Trees line the coast of Grand Isle.
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Rural area with a mix of year-round and seasonal residents
Ranch-style homes, farmhouses and Colonial Revivals are scattered throughout the township amid woods and farmland, with vacation homes and expensive estates along the lakeshore. “The town is rural, with large and small farms dotting the roads,” Hedbor says. “It’s very much a mix of year-round and seasonal homes.” Some buyers purchase seasonal homes intending to convert them to year-round residences. “Vermont has some strict wastewater rules, so conversion can be expensive,” Hedbor says. “And lenders won’t do a primary residence mortgage if a home is considered seasonal, so that’s something to consider.” The median single-family price is about $630,000. Recent sales have ranged from $340,000 to $1.8 million, depending on size, age and lake access. Grand Isle has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1, lower than the national average of 4.
There are homes that have acreage of land that residents can use for farming purposes.
Driveways are common amenities for homeowners in the area.
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Lake Champlain headlines plentiful recreation opportunities
Lake Champlain is the center of outdoor life in Grand Isle. “The water is clean and wonderful for swimming, boating, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, you name it,” Hedbor says. “In the winter, the Inland Sea freezes over, and folks skate, ski and snowshoe for miles.” Residents can camp and rent boats at Grand Isle State Park and hike the Ironwood Nature Trail. The Colchester Causeway crosses the lake from South Hero to Colchester on the mainland. “There’s a summer bike ferry that bridges a gap in the Causeway trail, so a bike trip to Burlington is a great way to spend a day,” Hedbor says. “If you like outdoor recreation, there’s no better spot,” Hedbor says.
Residents who enjoy walks along the water would find a lot of enjoyment in Grand Isle.
There is plenty of camping room at Grand Isle State Park.
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Music, winter bonfires on the lake and July 4th fireworks
The Champlain Islands Farmers Market sets up shop in Grand Isle on Wednesdays and Saturdays. “Snow Farm Winery has a weekly free summer concert that people come from all around to attend,” Hedbor says. “And in February, North Hero has Great Ice, which has a bonfire and winter activities on the ice.” The islands celebrate Independence Day with a parade on South Hero and fireworks on North Hero.
One local school and choices off-island for middle and high school
Champlain Islands Unified Union School District operates the local schools under the umbrella of the Grand Isle Supervisory Union. Grand Isle Elementary serves Isle La Motte, North Hero and Grand Isle for kindergarten through sixth grade and earns a C-minus grade from Niche. “Another interesting aspect of the Islands is that we don’t have a high school, so it’s school choice,” Hedbor says. “Students go off-island after sixth grade.”
U.S. Route 2 and a ferry connect Grand Isle to Burlington and Plattsburgh
Grand Isle's remote and rural quality means there are no public transit options and only a few major roads besides U.S. Route 2. “It’s wonderful for cyclists and pedestrians,” Hedbor says. U.S. Route 2 runs up the length of the island, heading north toward the Canadian border and south toward Burlington and its international airport, about 26 miles away. Interstate 89 is accessible in Colchester, north of Burlington. A year-round ferry travels to Plattsburgh, New York. Montreal, Quebec is about 70 miles north.
U.S. Route 2 is the main road to drive through in Grand Isle.
Farm homes with large yards lie across Route 2.
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Essentials and farm-fresh products across the island
Grand Isle is not a shopping destination, and there are no major grocery stores, but essentials are largely covered. “Robinson’s Hardware can get almost anything you need if they don’t have it in stock,” Hedbor says. A handful of convenience stores also provide necessities. Farmstands around the area provide more. “You can get fresh eggs, pies, jams, fruits and vegetables, plus local chicken, pork and beef,” Hedbor says. “And don’t forget to gasp when you come up over a hill and catch a glimpse of the lake and mountain views.” Hedbor recommends Hackett’s Orchard for apple crisp. “Allenholm is go-to for maple creemies,” Hedbor says. “That’s what Vermonters call soft serve.” Local restaurants cluster in South Hero, and more shopping and dining is available in Burlington and Plattsburgh, New York.
Most brews on tap at Two Heroes Brewery tend to be on the heavier side, as the location experiments with malts and hops.
You can find local produce and artisan gifts at Arbor Market.
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Written By
Ty Phelps
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Hall
Video By
Logan Cox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mona Branon Lemieux,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Grand Isle, VT sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Grand Isle, VT over the last 12 months is $672,500, up 36% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
***NO BUILDING ON THE LOT - BLDG HAS BURNED DOWN*** Will most likely need a new septic tank. Only a 16 wide mobile home could go there because it is a non-conforming lot. Walk to elementary school. Public water, power on lot. Great opportunity.
Great spot for your for your family estate/compound; equine facility; beef cattle ranch. Mostly level, open and wooded unimproved parcel with extensive road frontage on paved, town-maintained T.H. 18 with electric and Grand Isle Consolidated Water directly across road (Seller will grant easement to both.). Currently agricultural use. Approx. 25 mile/35 min drive to Burlington, BTV Airport, UVM
Located at the end of a dead-end road in Grand Isle, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch sits on a generous 1.38-acre lot offering privacy and space in a convenient Island setting. With 1,092 square feet of single-level living, the home has seen several practical updates since 2018, including a newer roof, furnace, flooring, fencing, and kitchen improvements. The eat-in kitchen is fully equipped and
Beautiful Grand Isle lot with trails, meadows, and more! Discover the perfect blend of open meadows and peaceful woodlands on this gorgeous Grand Isle property. Enjoy established walking and ATV trails, a scattering of old apple trees, and plenty of space to explore and unwind. This lot is ready for your vision, with a 4-bedroom wastewater permit in place, electricity on site, driveway installed,
Rare opportunity to purchase the last waterfront lot on Passage View Lane, at the Northern tip of Simms Point. This incredible and private parcel includes 5.28 acres and approximately 308 feet of gradual shoreline with a mix of open meadow and hardwoods. The property has been owned by the same family for 4 generations and has been thoughtfully developed with a handful of other lots with acreage
Wooded 0.28-acre parcel located in the Lake Champlain Islands with optional shared lake access through Champlain Estates. This unpermitted lot measures 100 ft by 120 ft and has power and town water available at the street, offering future potential in a peaceful setting. As a member of Champlain Estates, you’ll enjoy shared access to a private beach, boat ramp, and clubhouse just a half mile from
Welcome to 52 East Olive street, a single-level Craftsman-style home featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 elegantly designed baths. Nestled on a peaceful 3.56-acre lot, the property offers both front and rear covered patio and porch—perfect for entertaining or enjoying serene sunrises and sunsets.Inside, radiant heat warms every room, complemented by 9-foot ceilings and an upgraded lighting
Scenic Grand Isle lot with lake and mountain view potential! Located just 30 minutes from Burlington, this beautiful Grand Isle lot offers the perfect blend of convenience and serenity. Set among rolling hills with a mix of open pasture, woods, and established trails, the property provides a stunning natural backdrop. Build a two-story home and enjoy potential east and west views of Lake
This brand-new Grand Isle home offers modern comfort in a peaceful setting just minutes from town and Lake Champlain. This recently completed 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers the comfort of new construction on a 1.1-acre lot with a private, tree-lined backyard. The single-level layout features vinyl plank flooring throughout and an open main living area with an efficient Rinnai heater and sliding
Immaculate Home with Stunning Lake Views! Private In-law apt or Rental income. BUYERS, Seller is offering $5500.00 Toward buyers closing costs,Pre-paids and or escrows at closing Discover the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience in this meticulously maintained, fully updated home—nestled in a peaceful setting with breathtaking lake views and open surroundings. Step inside to find a
Seller offering $5,000 concession for improvements! A rare opportunity to own a piece of Vermont history! Set on a spacious 1-acre lot in the heart of Grand Isle, this classic 1920s farmhouse captures breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. Three large picture windows fill the interior with natural light, highlighting the home’s blend of old and new. The updated kitchen features sleek concrete
Enjoy a unique style of life in the Champlain Islands, where views of the lake & mountains are the backdrop for relaxed island life. Located in the village of Grand Isle, this 1934 home retains its original Craftsman style while modern updates add function and flair. A covered front porch leads to a foyer/mudroom where oak flooring begins & runs throughout the first floor. The front living room
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