Mountains and lakes are the closest neighbors in Hubbardton
Hubbardton is a remote rural town in western Vermont, roughly 10 miles from the New York state border. The Taconic Mountains dominate the landscape, along with forests, lakes and ponds. The northern branch of Lake Bomoseen, one of the state’s largest, stretches alongside the town’s main thoroughfare. “It’s definitely a place to sit by the lake and read a book,” says Lisa Friedman, broker and owner of Great American Dream Realty, who has 15 years of local experience. “It’s quiet and peaceful. You might have a hard time getting cell service, but it’s nice if you want to get away from it all.” The nearest cities, Rutland and Middlebury, are each about 25 miles away, allowing the town’s 800 residents to experience a laid-back New England lifestyle.
Homes on winding roads surrounded by dense forests
Hubbardton is sparsely populated, with winding wooded roads. Dense forests occupy much of the acreage, making it hard for residents to spot their neighbors through the branches. “There are usually only a handful of homes for sale in Hubbardton, but you’ll get bigger properties than you would in Rutland — maybe 1 to 3 acres,” Friedman says. Housing styles vary, but buyers can expect to spend about $175,000 to $425,000 on a Colonial- or ranch-style home. Lakefront properties typically command prices from $450,000 to $900,000, but it’s possible to buy a waterside land parcel for $80,000 to $125,000. Properties on or near the water are at risk of flooding, especially during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt.
Scenic hiking trails, campsites and a Revolutionary War memorial
The only Revolutionary War battle ever fought on Vermont soil erupted in Hubbardton in July 1777. The Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site commemorates the event and honors the fallen soldiers with a flag-raising every Memorial Day. Nearby, wildflowers and tranquil Zen gardens accent the scenic hiking trails at Taconic Ramble State Park. Half Moon State Park is tucked into the evergreen forest surrounding its namesake pond, which doesn’t allow motorized watercraft. Paddle and pedal boats are available for rent, and campers can spot waterfowl and white-tailed deer from waterfront tent sites. Hiking, swimming and fishing are other popular activities.
Fair Haven Grade School serves students through Grade 6
Most students attend Fair Haven Grade School through sixth grade. The elementary school receives a C-minus from Niche. For grades 7 through 12, students can attend the C-plus-rated Fair Haven Union High School, but Vermont’s school choice program allows them to apply to any high school in the state.
Heading to Rutland or Middlebury on U.S. Route 130
U.S. Route 130 skims the shores of Beebe Pond and Lake Bomoseen on its north-south trajectory through Hubbardton. It’s about 10 miles to Castleton, where commuters can connect to Route 4 for the 25-mile drive to Rutland. The closest hospital is Rutland Regional Medical Center, and Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport offers Cape Air flights to Boston three times a day. Alternately, travelers can make the 60-mile drive to Burlington International Airport, which offers nonstop flights to over a dozen U.S. destinations. Residents might also commute to the college town of Middlebury, about 25 miles north via Route 130.
Shopping and Dining
Popular local restaurants in nearby Castleton
With no commerce in Hubbardton, residents head to nearby towns to get their shopping done. The closest grocery options are Shaw’s in Fair Haven and Price Chopper in West Rutland. Sweet Caroline’s, a local favorite serving breakfast all day, is next door to Price Chopper. Castleton is home to several restaurants with strong local followings, namely Bomoseen Diner and Blue Cat Bistro, an upscale option specializing in Italian-inspired classics. When summer rolls around, folks line up for burgers and dogs at Roxies Fries and sip craft beer and cocktails at The Lake House.
