Middlebury is a quaint college town in the Vermont mountains
Middlebury is a quaint college town with a walkable shopping district and plenty of access to the Vermont wilderness. “I can't imagine a more beautiful place to live, especially in the spring when the lilacs are coming out and the daffodils are blooming,” says resident Ray Fortier, a Realtor with Keller Williams Vermont. “When you get out on Route 7, you can see mountains in both directions. There’s just such a strong quality of life here — so much lower stress and more comfortable than larger cities I’ve lived in.”
The town’s anchor is Middlebury College, a private liberal arts college with a student population of around 2,700. The school was the state’s first college, and today, it’s known for its language, environment and international studies programs. “We’re a small Vermont town, but we are just infused with life,” Fortier says. “The college brings in different groups of people from all over the world, we have a great local theater, and there’s an active sense of community. You can walk your dog down the street and feel completely safe.”
A high-demand housing market with upcoming new construction
Middlebury’s properties span decades, with some homes dating back to the early 1800s. The average single-family home price is $430,000. Smaller ranch styles and condos can get as low as $200,000, and historic farmhouses with significant acreage get up to $1 million. Areas around Otter Creek have a slight risk of flooding. Although East Middlebury can be a bit more affordable, prices are on the rise here thanks to high demand.
“People just love living here, so they aren’t moving,” Fortier says. “It’s frustrating for our out-of-state buyers, but also the locals who are being priced out.” According to Fortier, it’s common to see multiple offers on homes, and buyers often look as far south as Brandon for more affordability. To address the housing demand, the town is building Stonecrop Meadows, a community that will add over 250 houses, townhomes, and apartment units in the next few years. The first phase is available for move-in in 2025.
The downtown’s quirky boutiques and local eateries close early
Centered around Otter Creek, Middlebury’s lively downtown is lined with restaurants, art galleries and quirky boutiques. Among a selection of coffee shops and delis, American Flatbread has wood-fired pizzas and Fire & Ice is an old-school steakhouse that serves unlimited chocolate milk from a local dairy farm. Pretty much all retail options close around 8 p.m., but Two Brothers Tavern keeps the lights on almost until midnight on weekends, making it popular with the college crowd. There’s a Hannaford and a Shaw’s for grocery shopping, plus the Middlebury Natural Food Co-Op specializes in organic produce. Around the edges of town, Lincoln Peak Vineyard and Woodchuck Cidery have tasting tours and views of the sweeping farmland.
Recreation around lakes and mountains
The Otter River runs through Middlebury, cascading through the central Riverfront Park. In the summer, the waterside green space is often the site of concerts and festivals. Residents can enjoy the town's outdoor pool and indoor ice rink, as well as the well-maintianed Trail Around Middlebury, which spans 16 miles past the college campus, a dog park and a golf course.
Middlebury is located in the foothills of the Green Mountains, where the deep woods and sweeping vistas once inspired Robert Frost's poems. Locals can head 20 minutes into the mountains to visit campgrounds, hiking trails and skiing at the Middlebury Snowbowl. Lake Dumore and Lake Champlain are also around 20 minutes away, offering swimming and boating opportunities. “On Champlain, we have these great bass fishing tournaments, and the outdoor activities keep people warm in the winter,” Fortier says. “Between the lakes and the mountains, there’s plenty of four-season activities.”
Art galleries, theater productions and a new library
For a small town, Middlebury has a robust arts scene. In addition to numerous art galleries, the Mahaney Art Center has rotating exhibits and a performing arts center. The Town Hall Theater hosts local productions, youth programs and an annual film festival. New blockbusters are shown at Marquis Theater & Café, which serves authentic southwestern food like burritos and tacos alongside the big screen. The Ilsley Public Library is expected to open its major addition in 2026, adding more space for community events and an outdoor green roof.
Local schools offer an IB program and technical courses
Kids can attend Mary Hogan Elementary and Middlebury Union Middle, which both receive a B-minus rating from Niche. Middlebury Union High School gets a B-plus. The district offers an International Baccalaureate program in middle and high school. Students can also take technical courses at the Hannaford Career Center, including Engineering, Medical Professions and Culinary Arts. The local Bridge School offers a private alternative for kindergarten through sixth grade.
Amtrak trips to Burlington and New York
The two largest employers in town are Middlebury College and Porter Medical Center. To reach city employers and amenities, residents can head to Burlington, 35 miles away. The city is usually less than an hour away along U.S. Route 7 and has the closest airport and shopping mall. An Amtrak station in Middlebury goes to Burlington and south to New York City. Route 7 also connects north to Vergennes and south to Brandon in about 20 minutes.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
