Northfield is more than a rural town in Vermont's Green Mountains
Blink on State Route 12 and passerbys could miss the small, central Vermont town of Northfield. This community of about 5,900 people sits in Vermont's scenic Green Mountains, offering a vibrant downtown area and full-on college-town vibe, thanks to Norwich University. The affordability, vibrancy and proximity to the state capital, Montpelier, are helping spur something of a renaissance, says Hannah Dawson, broker and owner of The Real Estate Collaborative. "I sell a lot of homes to young couples, families and individuals who really look at Northfield as an affordable place to call home that's not too rural," she says. "They still have a walkable downtown with a main commons that hosts the farmers market, parades and local activities, so it does have that small-town sense of community."
Nineteenth-century homes in need of some TLC
Vermont has some of the country's oldest homes, and Northfield is no exception, with Victorian, gambrel-roof Dutch Colonial and New Englander-style homes from the 19th century. These often have deferred maintenance, from foundational work to replacing the old leaded glass windows. "A lot of folks will come in and buy these homes that haven't seen a lot of love in decades and revitalize them, and that's why the community as a whole has seen this facelift in the last decade," Dawson says. Some also serve as rentals near the university. Northfield is considered an affordable alternative to Montpelier, with a lower median price of about $350,000. However, low inventory can pose a challenge.
Hiking, swimming and skiing in nature-loving Vermont
Outdoor activities are abundant in the heart of nature-friendly Vermont. "To live here in Vermont, people are outside all the time," Dawson says. "We don't let cold keep us in." The Dog River offers catch-and-release trout fishing and swimming. The Northfield Town Forest and the Norwich University trail systems benefit from collaborative maintenance efforts. "There are a lot of great marked trails for both hiking and mountain biking, and in the winter people will backcountry ski," Dawson says. "And it's walkable right from town." Ranging from beginner to advanced, the trails overlook slate quarries, mountain vistas, ponds and streams. Sugarbush Resort is a popular destination for winter skiing and summer concerts.
Coffee and ice cream in the downtown commons
Cafes, pizza shops, other downtown storefronts overlook the grassy common area with picnic tables. Tops supermarket is also in town. "While it feels small and quaint, and there's not too much anonymity — walking downtown, you'll probably bump into someone you know — it has everything you need, and you can supplement very easily by venturing out," Dawson says. Carrier Roasting Company uses house-roasted beans for its latte art-topped drinks. "In my opinion, they do the best coffee in the county — really well-thought-out espresso drinks, and they host little community events," Dawson says. The Common Cone, a new addition in 2023, is another town hotspot. "There will be a line out the door in the summer in good weather," she says. Locals also flock to the town center for Halloween, summer concerts, free community yoga and Fourth of July celebrations.
Military and civilian studies and K-12 schools
Norwich University, the country's first private military college, is an educational and economic engine for Northfield. "It helps keep the town really vibrant and consistent and helps our local shops," says Lucas deSousa, a Northfield resident and Realtor with Vermont Real Estate Company. Today, it serves cadets and civilian students with various undergraduate and accelerated master's programs. Younger kids also have a full K-12 pipeline through the Paine Mountain School District. Northfield Elementary and Northfield Middle & High School earn overall C grades from Niche. The district offers an afterschool program with activities such as robotics, music, creative writing and fly fishing. The work-based learning program helps to coordinate job shadows, internships and mentors for capstone projects.
Transportation and weather considerations
The town is about 10 miles south of Montpelier via State Route 12. From Montpelier, Interstate 89 connects to Burlington, about 50 miles away, and the Burlington International airport. Green Mountain Transit's number 93 bus also connects Northfield to the capital. Vermont experiences cold, snowy winters and muddy springs, impacting travel. Residents living on dirt roads navigate potholes, mud and other obstacles. "I always ask people what kind of car they drive," Dawson says. "Do you have four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive? Are you driving a little sedan? Maybe we want to stay on a paved road."
