Randolph is a small, rural town and the retail hub of Orange County
The small town of Randolph dates back to 1778. The area was used to raise livestock and was home to thousands of sheep. Today, the community remains pastoral, with maple syrup and goat farms across its green hillsides. It also has multiple covered bridges on its east side that emphasize the rural setting. The area has grown into the largest town within Orange County, Vermont, with a population of approximately 4,800 and a thriving downtown retail district. Main Street has galleries, eclectic restaurants and community events.
Main Street retail and dining in historic downtown Randolph
Downtown Randolph is centered around Main Street. This historic retail district has Italianate architecture and many locally owned businesses. “We seem to have a lot of art-inspired businesses,” says owner/broker Sherri McPhetres, who works with Vermont Heritage Real Estate and has about two decades of experience in the area. The shops include galleries like Third Branch Pottery Supply and ART, etc, plus the boutique New Moon On Main. “We have a James Beard winner called the Saap Restaurant,” McPhetres says. This laid-back eatery, which won the award for best chef in 2022, serves authentic Thai food. More dining spots range from the casual brunch spot wit & grit to The Forge, an American eatery that houses a more formal dining room and a bar with a pool table. On the town's south side, Shaw's has groceries.
Historical architecture, ranch-style homes and contemporary houses in Randolph
The Randolph area's west side has the city’s retail center and denser housing, with multiple streets of single-family homes. The lawns in this area tend to have tall maple and evergreen trees. The architecture includes Victorians, Craftsman bungalows and Colonial Revivals. They often come with driveways and detached garages. On the outskirts of town, midcentury ranch-style houses rest on lots that can span a couple acres. All of these housing options range from $200,000 to $600,000. Contemporary houses on multiacre lots, with views of the Braintree Mountains or hills, range from $520,000 to $830,000. Land ranges from $30,000 for a quarter-acre to $350,000 for over 80 acres.
Events, including First Fridays and the Annual New World Festival
“We have some interesting community events like First Fridays. Usually there’s some live music, food events and arts,” McPhetres says. On the first Friday of every month, downtown hosts an array of vendors, including local artisans. Just north of downtown, Chandler Music Hall hosts concerts throughout the year. One of the most notable events is the Annual New World Festival, often held in late August through early September. It features dance and musical performances, with a focus on Celtic and French-Canadian cultures.
Randolph Elementary, Randolph Union High and Vermont State University
Randolph Elementary School has a B rating on Niche. Randolph Union High School, which serves middle through high school grades, has a C rating. The high school’s courses cover topics from forensic science to service learning abroad, an international travel opportunity to practice foreign language skills. For higher education, the community is home to the largest campus of Vermont State University, located in central Randolph.
Randolph Pool, Randolph Ice Rink and more recreation
Most of Randolph’s recreation options are concentrated around the White River on the west side of town. The community pool and tennis courts are just south of the waterway. Many also take walks on the pedestrian bridge over the river. Just across it, there’s a disc golf course, a picnic shelter and a ballfield. Randolph Ice Rink, less than a mile east of the pool, provides wintertime fun, with skates of every size available as well as a snack shop that sells hot chocolate. About a mile north of the rink, the Randolph Reservoir Loop is a mountain biking trail that spans 2.5 miles.
A 25-mile commute to Montpelier and other transportation
Via Interstate 89, Randolph is located about 25 miles from Montpelier. “Many move here for the community and location; we’re centrally located in Vermont, with easy access to 89,” McPhetres says. The town has an Amtrak station located downtown, plus Tri-Valley Transit bus stops along Main Street. On the south side of Randolph, Gifford Medical Center provides healthcare and job opportunities close to home. For commercial flights, Burlington International Airport is about 60 miles away.
