Irasburg is truly rural but near Newport and Derby
Rich in farmland and acreage homes, Irasburg appeals to those seeking a country lifestyle. "It's got a beautiful little commons in the center of town. Outside of that, it's all rural and largely a farming community," says Nicholas Maclure, the managing broker and co-owner of Century 21 Farm & Forest, with 25 years of experience. Irasburg lacks a dedicated park and has largely sidestepped commercialization. Still, its location within Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is near skiing spots, state parks, and more robust towns like Newport and Derby. Life here is relatively private and quiet. "[People] keep to themselves or run into each other at the local stores. There are community events, but there isn't a major gathering place. The common is probably the most iconic outside space in Irasburg," Maclure says.
Established homes surrounded by farmland and forest
Long stretches of country road lined by corn fields and pastures connect homes in Irasburg. Minimal traditional and farmhouse styles settle on lots from less than an acre to over 30 acres with long-range views of rolling woodlands and no neighbor in sight. Some neighbors have ponds in their back yards or live across the street from a hiking trail. Homes are established, with the newest being from the early 2000s and the oldest from the 1800s. Most are single-family homes, but a small pocket is manufactured homes. Single-family homes typically range from around $225,000 to $600,000, depending on condition, square footage and land. Manufactured properties tend to range from $200,000 to $300,000. Outlying prices in Irasburg are under $50,000 for significant rehab or tear-down projects, to nearly $2 million for stately homes.
Limited retail and dining at town square but more options nearby
A simple "Welcome to Irasburg" sign stands beside a small gazebo with a steeple in the background at Irasburg Square. The square is an undeveloped green space featuring a paved walking path lined with benches. Surrounding it are a small grocery store with fresh produce and an in-house butcher, the local post office, Irasburg Town Hall and the Leach Public Library. Just outside the square, Triple J Pastures Farm Stand sells fresh cuts of meat and eggs. Bob's Quick Stop sells gas and quick bites, including deli sandwiches and burritos. Irasburg's retailers are also few but include Green Mountain Sporting Goods and Northeast Farm Services. The village of Orleans is less than 5 miles away with a Subway and a few local restaurants. Carriage House Cafe & Grill is a casual spot serving comfort food like homemade meatloaf. Maclure says most head to Newport and Derby, within 15 miles, for more options. Newport has a Walmart Supercenter and a Price Chopper. One of its most popular spots is The East Side Restaurant & Pub on Lake Memphremagog.
Socializing beyond Sunday through Irasburg's churches
New Hope Bible Church hosts monthly gatherings in Irasburg, including bible study, teen club and "ladies breakfast." The church also has pop-up events during the week, including live music. Irasburg Church Fair, a tradition since 1952, is held annually at Irasburg Square. The event showcases handmade goods and baked goods made by local vendors, children's games and a parade.
Outdoor fun in the Northeast Kingdom
While Irasburg doesn't have a designated park, Maclure says the downtown square is used by baseball players. Informal trails, creeks and ponds give hikers, snowboarders, off-roaders and anglers places to play. Tree Corners Family Campground is open from May to September for staycations. The campgrounds offer different types and tiers of camping, including luxury and RV, as well as a swimming pool, playground and ice cream shop. State parks, ponds and lakes surround Irasburg. Baker Pond and Crystal Lake Park are the closest, within 8 miles. Craftsbury Outdoor Center, roughly 10 miles away, is a popular Nordic ski center. The Orleans Country Club and Barton Golf Club are roughly the same distance away, giving local golfers public courses to enjoy. Irasburg is approximately 30 miles from Jay Peak Resort and Burke Mountain for more skiing.
Irasburg's students attend two schools
Students attend the Lake Region Union Elementary Middle School District. They begin at Irasburg Village School, which covers kindergarten through eighth grade, and earns a C-minus rating on Niche. From there, they filter into the B-rated Lake Region Union High School. Irasburg Village School hosts summer camps for fourth through seventh graders with weekly themes, including a “nature week” full of hiking, rock climbing and adventures in the woods.
The Northeast Kingdom can be affected by flooding
The Northeast Kingdom is prone to flooding due to its bounty of rivers, ponds and lakes. In 2023, the town of Hardwick, less than 35 miles from Irasburg, was hit hard. Irasburg was also affected, with road closures in town.
Routes to and from Irasburg plus a free public transit option
Vermont Routes 14, 58, and Highway 5 flow through Irasburg. Highway 5 is a gateway to Orleans to the west. Burlington, the largest city in Vermont, is roughly 70 miles away. Rural Community Transportation, a non-profit transportation provider, operates a free ride service for those living in the Northeast Kingdom, including to Irasburg’s home county of Orleans.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
