Lyndon is a small town where outdoor recreation is big
In the heart of the Northeast Kingdom, Lyndon is a community of about 5,500 residents in Caledonia County. “It’s a great rural small-town,” says Patricia Emery, Owner/Broker with Parkway Realty, who has been selling homes throughout Vermont since the 1970s. “People are attracted to the area for its scenic beauty and access to outdoor recreation.” The Kingdom Trails, a premier bike path, runs through the area, and Burke Mountain, with a renowned alpine academy and ski slopes for various levels, is a short drive away. Plus, Lyndon features a quaint downtown area, where historic buildings surround a central common, local restaurants feed hungry residents and a warm-weather farmers market sells fresh produce.
The Kingdom Trails, Burke Mountain and more
Lyndon is an outdoorsy community, located near many of the area’s premier recreation options. The Kingdom Trails, an over 100-mile bike trail network, runs through the town, attracting cyclists from across the country. Additionally, Lyndon is located near Burke Mountain, which features a world-renowned ski resort and the Burke Mountain Academy, an elite ski school where over 30 Olympians have trained. Spanning over 70 acres, the Lyndon State Forest is a prime spot for bird watching, hiking, cross-country skiing and berry picking.
But Lyndon also offers more relaxed outdoor activities. In the town common, Bandstand Park is manicured, with benches shaded by blooming trees and a gazebo at its center. Surrounded by brightly-colored 19th-century homes, the park is the site of many town events, including the Lyndon Farmers Market, which runs from early June to early October. In July, the Stars and Stripes Festival and Parade ends its route here, welcoming folks with barbecue, music, vendors and more.
Second homes and permanent residences with scenic views
Tucked into pine forests and among rolling hills, homes in Lyndon sit on rolling hills with mountain views. Due to the area’s access to outdoor recreation opportunities and scenic beauty, many folks have second homes in the area. Potential homebuyers can find classic New England saltbox homes, small cottages, Colonial Revivals or ranch-style houses for between $140,000 and $730,000, depending on the size, age and condition of the property. Plots of land are also available, typically ranging in price from about $30,000 to $100,000.
Local Lyndon eats
Lyndon has a quaint downtown district lined with local businesses. Residents can grocery shop at quaint stores, like The White Market and Freighthouse Market & Café, which both offer prepared foods in addition to grocery items. For a more traditional grocery store, residents can travel about 9 miles south to the Price Chopper in St. Johnsbury. To eat out, there’s Estella’s Bar and Grill, whose menu offers a wide range of American fare. In the morning, Lyndonville Bagel Depot is popular, serving fresh, house-made bagels and breakfast wraps.
Kingdom East School District and Vermont State University Lyndon Campus
Lyndon is served by the Kingdom East School District, with four kindergarten to eighth-grade schools. For those grades, Lyndon students can attend Lyndon Town School, which gets a C-minus from Niche. For high school, Vermont students have options through the Vermont Town Tutoring Program, in which they apply to any public or private school, in or out of state, that is approved by the Vermont Board of Education or an equal state authority. The Lyndon Institute, a private high school that earns a B-plus from Niche, is one option. Founded in 1867, the school has an accredited Career & Technical Education program that is part of the National Technical Honor Society. Vermont State University Lyndon Campus is also in the area. This small, public university offers 37 programs and educates around 1,200 students. “They offer courses to the community to participate in wellness,” Emery says. “For example, if you’re a senior, you might be able to do some physical activity in a program that is more active. It helps the students get hands-on training and brings the community together.”
Car-dependent with access to major roadways
Lyndon is rural and car-dependent. U.S. Interstate 91, a major thoroughfare in western New England, runs north-south through the community. U.S. Route 5 and Vermont state Route 114 also run through the area, leading throughout the state. Due to the Kingdom Trails, bike-related traffic can occur during the warmer months. For air travel, the Northeast Kingdom International Airport is about 32 miles northwest.
Town strong despite 2024 floods
Due to its location along the Passumpsic River, Lyndon is prone to flooding. Twice in July of 2024, severe flash floods caused significant damage in town. Lyndon continues to recover, with programs in place to aid the town, like the Lyndon Business Flood Recovery Fund, which helps small business owners who were impacted.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
