Orwell’s country lifestyle and close community by the lake
Orwell is on the banks of Lake Champlain, whose waters straddle the border between Vermont and New York. The town is exceptionally rural, and best known as the home of Mount Independence, a significant Revolutionary War site. Days out on the lake, snowshoeing in winter, church dinners in town and views of pastureland shape life here. "Everyone knows everyone. Everyone waves to their neighbors. If a neighbor is in need, the whole community rallies around them, and they are there, which is typical of small Vermont towns," says Nancy Liberatore, a Realtor of 13 years who works for Lakes & Homes Real Estate. Residents also have their share of privacy, as many of Orwell's country homes sit on vast acreage.
Main Street is a community touchpoint
First Congregational Church & Society of Orwell, the bank and post office are on Main Street. "A lot of people will use those places as a touch base," Liberatore says. "Rather than having their mail through the rural delivery, some choose [to visit] the post office because it's their reason to get out and see who they run into." Local retailers include Barnfinds Antiques and the consignment shop Village Beginagains. Orwell One Stop is a go-to for gas, snacks and deli items. Red Sky Farm, one of several farms in town, has a year-round market selling meat, baked goods, maple syrup and handcrafted gifts. Liberatore says most travel around 15 miles to Fair Haven to grab groceries at Shaw's and dine out at places such as Ruby's Bistro & Bakery and Fair Haven Pizza House & Subs.
Homes on acres, by the lake or closer to town
Creeks and country roads flow through Orwell. Cabins, Colonial Revivals, ranch and farmhouse-style homes are common, with new properties being rare and the oldest dating back to the 1800s. "People treasure and want to buy these older homes, and so we are seeing those being modernized and renovated and plumbing and electrical upgrades," Liberatore says. "Very seldom do you see someone tear one down." Some properties are on Lake Champlain, with expansive waterfront views, while others are in the countryside or closer to town. Differences in lot sizes are vast, from a quarter of an acre to upwards of 90 acres. The median sale price in Orwell is $402,500, but a fixer upper could sell for around $185,000, and a historic home on vast acreage could go for around $750,000.
Seasonal outdoor recreation, from hiking to boating to ice fishing
Mount Independence is a historical site on the shore of Lake Champlain with a museum and 6 miles of trails leading through grounds where archaeological finds, from cannons to buttons, have been uncovered. Several marinas and a boat launch give access to the lake. Local creeks flowing through Orwell are used by kayakers and anglers. Wintertime introduces different kinds of fun, from snowshoeing to ice fishing to skiing. "Snowshoeing and cross country are right out your back door just about anywhere you live in Orwell, but for skiing, most folks will go to Killington [Resort]," Liberatore says. The resort is around 40 miles away.
Education begins at Orwell Village School
Students here are part of the Slate Valley Unified Union School District. Orwell Village School, rated C-plus on Niche, is in the heart of town and covers pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Fair Haven Union High School serves seventh through twelfth graders and also scores a C-plus. The school’s principal, counselor and teachers visit Orwell Village School to meet with students transitioning to the next step, helping them get comfortable by answering their questions.
Main roads through town and a ferry to New York
Main roads connecting Orwell to other areas are Vermont 22A and Vermont Route 73. Route 73 is a path to the Ticonderoga Ferry, less than 7 miles away, which takes travelers to New York.
Orwell can flood
The lower-lying areas near the water in Orwell are prone to flooding. The last major incidence to affect Orwell, and Vermont as a whole, was in 2023.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
