With under 8,000 residents, Montpelier is the smallest capital city in the United States. In lieu of high-rise towers, the city’s skyline is decorated with aged brick buildings, the gold-domed state house and ornate steeples, backed by the striking Green Mountains. “It has a lot of the same culture as Burlington, but with a small-town vibe,” says Realtor Janel Johnson with Coldwell Banker. “There’s really strong community involvement here with a friendly atmosphere.” Major employers include the State of Vermont and the National Life Group, an insurance company, founded and operated out of the city. Though it’s relatively small in size, Montpelier has a rich culture, full of history, art and outdoor recreation.
The Vermont Capitol dome peaks through the turning leaves near Berlin Street.
Murray Hill is a historic suburban community located minutes from Montpelier.
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Condos in College Hill and large lots in Park West
Housing options vary by neighborhood, though architecture remains fairly uniform, with many colonial- and ranch-style builds, Victorian-era homes and Cape Cods. “There’s not a lot of new properties,” Johnson says. “To us, new housing is ‘90s housing. There’s just not a lot of space to build.” Smaller multifamily units and condos can be found in the more urban neighborhoods, like College Hill and Downtown Montpelier . Park West and Towne Hill have mostly single-family options on lots that are often large enough to accommodate private pools and expansive lawns. The median price falls at about $430,000, which is in line with the national figure.
A light blue Victorian home in College Hills has a wraparound porch and detached two-car garage.
A colonial style condominium complex in Northfield Street has red shutters
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Mountain views at Hubbard Park
With the Winooski River and Green Mountains nearby, nature abounds in Montpelier. “There’s a plethora of outdoor recreation,” Johnson says. “You can mountain bike, skate on the ponds or be downhill skiing within a half hour.” Hubbard Park, right in the center of the city, features multiuse trails, athletic fields and shaded picnic areas. Montpelier gets an average of 93 inches of snowfall each winter, and during these storms, kids head to the park’s sledding hill, while cross-country skiers and snowshoers hit the trails. Hubbard also has an off-leash dog park and a 54-foot observation tower that overlooks the mountains. Those looking to catch a game can cheer on the Vermont Mountaineers college baseball team, which gets a lot of community support during the summer.
Folks walk along the Winooski River on the Montpelier VT Cross bike path near Northfield Street.
Towne Hill is known for it's beautiful scenery with the green mountains in the distance.
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No McDonald’s in Montpelier
The city has the feel of a New England village, with small businesses and strips of boutique shops along Main Street, housed in colonial-inspired and Victorian-era buildings. “We have a strong, vital downtown, where we do our best to support local businesses,” Janel says. Other than a Shaw’s for groceries, most big-box options are miles outside of the city or in Burlington, and as Janel concludes, “We like it that way—it’s intentional.” The dining options also primarily include independently owned restaurants, rather than major international chains. “We are the only capital city without a McDonald’s,” Janel says. “Small, intimate, farm-to-table spots are a strong part of our food culture.”
Barr Hill Distillery, near Towne Hill, serves cocktails, mocktails and small plates.
Birchgrove Bakery in The Meadow is known for its delicious and fresh baked goods and pastries.
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Montpelier High ranks No. 1 in Washington County
According to Niche, Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools scores a B-plus and ranks among the top five districts in the state. Each division has one school, and Montpelier High is the No. 1 high school in the county. The city is also home to the Vermont College of Fine Arts, which offers graduate programs in a variety of creative fields.
Montpelier High School is a public secondary school in Montpelier and serves grades 9-12.
A pair of skaters practice their tricks on the steps of a VCFA building in College Hill.
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Short films and Lost Nation Theater shows
The Green Mountain Film Festival showcases independent films each spring, and the Winter Fest is all about outdoor recreation, with local shops renting out skis and snowshoes. The city’s Fourth of July celebration features a parade and a fireworks display over the State House lawn. The arts scene thrives with Vermont College of Fine Arts exhibitions, Lost Nation Theater productions and Langdon Street restaurants that double as small music venues.
The Montpelier Art Walk is a community event that showcases local artists and businesses.
The Brown Bag Lunch Concert Series happens Wednesdays in the courtyard of Christ Church.
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Green Mountain Transit buses and major interstates
Most people get around by car in Montpelier, and Interstate 89 and U.S. Route 2 cut through the city. I-89 heads into Burlington, 40 miles away, and the Burlington International Airport, about 35 miles away. Green Mountain Transit buses stop throughout the city. Amtrak’s Vermonter line also stops at the Montpelier-Berlin station and provides southward services to big cities, such as New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The closest hospital, the Central Vermont Medical Center, is 3 miles away in Berlin.
Crime patterns in previous years
According to the FBI, the number of violent crimes in Montpelier decreased between 2022 and 2023, though the number of property crimes increased during this time period.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
