Middlesex is a rural bedroom community of Montpelier
Middlesex started as a small farming community in the 1780s and grew into a center for milling until slammed by the Great Vermont Flood in 1927. Today this community, which sits west of the state capital along the Winooski River, offers residents plenty of land and lawn space. Homes can be found scattered throughout the surrounding hills and forests. “Middlesex is thought of as a desirable place to be,” says Lucy Ferrada, an agent with Heney Realtors- Element Real Estate. “It’s just got that really nice mix of feeling rural but still being close to everything.”
A variety of single-family properties with low HOA activity
The median home price here is $414,000, higher than the national median and about even with the state. Styles in Middlesex include Cape Cods, farmhouses, split levels and Second Empire homes. Plots of land are also available. Properties move quickly, remaining on the market for 30 days, lower than the national average of 48. Ferrada says homeowners' associations are rare in the area.
Slight flooding risk on the Winooski River
According to flood zone maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, areas and properties along the Winooski River can be a flood risk. “Middlesex isn’t thought of as a flooding area. However, anything close to a river is going to be in a floodway,” Ferrada says. Vermont can have long winters and snow accumulation, but Ferrada says roads are well-maintained.
Washington Central Unified School District
Middlesex’s pupils are served by the Washington Central Unified School District, Union School District No.92, ranked B on Niche. A-minus-graded Rumney Memorial School, located within the community and teaches K through sixth grade.
Local green spaces and swimming holes
Green spaces in the area include Walter H. Kelley Park, which has a multipurpose field and a gazebo. Kenneth Ward Park is south of the locale along the Mad River and features swimming and diving spots. Wrightsville Beach, north of Middlesex, opens in the spring and summer months and offers small boat launches, a disc golf course and swimming holes. Middlesex residents also receive discounts on season passes. Camp Meade, located in the center of the town, is a gathering space for concerts, art exhibitions and other events.
Independent restaurants and markets
Middlesex's dining options include only locally run establishments. The Red Hen Baking Company makes bread and pastries and has a café that serves sandwiches, soups, and coffee drinks. Chico’s Tacos, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offers Mexican classics such as burritos, enchiladas and nachos. More options can be found in downtown Montpelier and Waterbury.
The Roots Farm Market has organic produce, pre-made meals, wellness items and other groceries. The Local has a selection of craft beers, wines and other drinks and features a tasting room. Montpelier has larger grocery stores, including Shaw’s and the Hunger Mountain Co-Op, along with big-box retailers. Central Vermont Medical Center is 10 miles east in Berlin.
Green Mountain Transit and Interstate 89
Green Mountain Transit provides bus service to Middlesex, with the #83 service connecting the area to both Montpelier and Waterbury. The entrance to Interstate 89 is in the community and connects to Burlington and the Quebec border. The Vermonter Amtrak service stops in Berlin and runs between St. Albans and New York City.
