Newark provides tranquility surrounded by recreation
In the lush greenery of northeast Vermont, Newark offers seclusion within a region loaded with recreation options. The opportunities for outdoor activities, such as mountain biking and hiking, are a draw to this small community. And while the inventory is limited, buyers can find spacious properties for relatively affordable homes. “It’s a lot less than a lot of people coming from far away are used to,” says Andrea Kupetz, a local Realtor with Century 21 Farm & Forest, who has more than three decades of experience. “They can get a lot for their money.”
Acreage is a common denominator in this area
Spread out in a hilly landscape shaped by the Green Mountains, the homes around Newark vary greatly. “In my mind there are basically three types of homes,” Kupetz says. “And that’s old farmhouses — most of the older houses in our area were farmhouses. And then there are the newer ranch-style homes and traditional Capes and the newer colonial homes.” Whatever the style, most houses in Newark come with multiple acres — sometimes dozens. Many properties are secluded among trees on winding, gravel roads. Prices range from $250,000 for a property under 1,000 square feet to $550,000 for an option well over 2,000 square feet. Listings last 166 days on the market on average, more than three times the national average of 48. However, there are exceptions. “The inventory is down everywhere,” Kupetz says. “So, when things hit the market they all get a lot of attention. If they are good homes and well-priced, then they usually sell pretty quickly.”
Northeast Kingdom has trails galore
Newark is part of a region known as the Northeast Kingdom. One of the area's hallmarks is the Kingdom Trails system, a series of trails that stretch more than 100 miles and are popular among mountain bikers. In the winter, more than 7 miles of the Kingdom Trails paths are available for skiing. Hiking is available in Newark’s more than 1,100-acre Bald Hill Wildlife Management Area. The Newark Pond Natural Area is open to fishing and canoeing. Local golfers can tackle Grandad’s Invitational Golf Course, a nine-hole course that is open to the public.
Main roads are connections to nearby communities
Newark Street and Vermont Route 114, also known as Island Pond Road, are Newark's primary, paved throughfares. They are ways drivers can head out of the mostly residential community and to some of the commercial amenities in nearby areas. The town of Burke is just under 10 miles away using Newark Street, for example, and Lyndon is a 15-mile trip on Vermont Route 114. Newark Street connects to U.S. Route 5 for drives toward the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury, 22 miles away. The Lebanon Municipal Airport, 86 miles south, offers daily commercial flights through Cape Air to Boston Logan International Airport and Westchester County Airport.
Education in the region comes with plenty of flexibility
Kids in the area can attend public school in the Kingdom East School District for prekindergarten through eighth grade, a system with a D rating on Niche. The C-plus-rated Newark Street School is close by, but the district allows families to apply to Kingdom East’s other pre-K to eighth grade schools. Students have more flexibility in terms of high school choice. The private St. Johnsbury Academy is an A-rated school with about 900 students and a student-teacher ratio of 8-to-1. St. Johnsbury has 120 faculty members teaching more than 220 courses, including over 30 AP classes. The B-rated Lake Region Union High School is a public option with elective courses in agriculture and technology.
Burke and Lyndon offer commercial conveniences
Newark residents travel to other Caledonia County communities for grocery shopping, dining and more. Aldrich’s General Store, 6 miles away in West Burke, is one of the closest options for food items. There are two locations of local grocery chain The White Market in Lyndonville, a village within Lyndon. Lyndonville is also home to businesses like Green Mountain Books and Prints, a bookstore open since 1977, and Depot Street Revivalist, a clothing store.
The Wildflower Inn in Lyndonville is a place to sit down for a meal, which Kupetz says is one of the most beautiful spots. The restaurant is part of a hotel known for its views of the area’s mountain scenery. The Orange Rind in East Burke offers a more casual environment, with over 20 craft beers and cocktails and a menu with items from cheesesteaks to nachos.
Burke hosts an annual fall staple
One of the most prominent nearby events is the Burke Fall Festival, held on the final Saturday of every September. The festival features more than 75 craft vendors, a parade, a barbecue, a petting zoo, live music and more. There’s also an annual boat parade on Lake Willoughby in neighboring Westmont.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
