Remote, rural, outdoorsy and inclusive character in Reading, Vermont
Reading, Vermont is a township near the New Hampshire border composed of the villages of Hammondsville, South Reading and Felchville, the latter often called simply “Reading,” or “downtown.” Rural and wooded land surrounds the villages. “I was a city boy growing up, and I couldn’t imagine going back,” says Danny Kogut, associate broker with Williamson Group Sotheby’s International Realty, with over 15 years of local real estate experience. “It’s just a different environment, a different way of life.” The population here is small, with under 700 residents as of the 2020 census, and infrastructure shows it. “The majority of the road systems are dirt roads,” Kogut says. “So they are conducive to all kinds of recreation. People jogging, walking dogs and riding horses.” The highly rated middle and high schools here are another significant factor.
Relative density “downtown” and varied styles tucked along wooded roads
Though there isn’t much inventory given how spread out the population is, there is a wide variety of styles and prices. Recent home sales have ranged from $250,000 to $1.6 million, with a median single-family home price of about $500,000. “We have younger people moving from the city to towns like this because they can work remotely,” Kogut says. While homes are clustered in Felchville, the small “downtown” area, other properties in Reading are far more spread out. Styles include Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes, some with outbuildings, some tucked amongst tall trees on large lots. The most expensive properties may include nearly 40 acres. Some homes are visible from the roads, while others are deep in the dense trees at the end of long gravel driveways. Reading has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1, lower than the national average of 4.
Historic sites, natural areas and hidden gems
In addition to the do-it-yourself recreation on the area roads, a mix of scenic attractions and natural areas dot the landscape, plus a few well-kept local secrets. “There are a lot of incredible things around,” Kogut says. Jenne Farm is among the most photographed in the world, though tourists have overrun it and some have trespassed; surrounding roads will now be closed at times as a result. The Reading Natural Spring is a historic landmark that still runs year-round. Two nearby historic covered bridges, Bowers Bridge and Best Bridge, are along or near Vermont Route 44. Camp Plymouth State Park has camping. Mount Ascutney, the highest summit in southeast Vermont, offers skiing and hiking trails. The ski area is volunteer-run. “There’s the 20-foot swimming hole off of Tyson Road,” Kogut says. “There are places that if you don’t live here, you don’t know about.”
Outdoor-focused elementary and highly ranked middle and high schools
Reading Elementary serves a small group of pre-kindergarten through fourth-grade students and offers an outdoor-focused curriculum. Students spend time outdoors every day, rain or shine. The school does not have a Niche score. Upon entering fifth grade, students can attend Prosper Valley School for the next two years. Prosper Valley earns an A-minus. Niche also ranks it as the seventh-best public middle school in Vermont. Woodstock Union High School and Middle School serves grades 7 through 12 and scores a B-plus. Niche also ranks Woodstock Union as the seventh-best public high school in the state.
State highways and country roads, with the interstate and Amtrak nearby
Vermont Route 106 runs north-south along the eastern portion of Reading, while Tyson Road runs east-west along the southern part of town along the North Branch Black River. Interstate 91 and U.S. Route 5 are accessible about 15 miles east near Weathersfield. Burlington International Airport is about 100 miles north. The Vermonter Amtrak line stops in Windsor, about 15 miles east. Mount Ascutney Hospital in Woodstock is about 14 miles north of Felchville via Route 106.
Favorite local restaurants and additional choices in Woodstock
Bohan’s Café and Bakery serves brunch Saturdays through Mondays in Hammondsville. The Reading Greenhouse and Farm Market is in Felchville. Brownsville Butcher & Pantry in nearby West Windsor has become a draw for the area. “The food is magnificent, with local grass-fed meat, fish from Boston, a wonderful wine selection and a café,” Kogut says. The Echo Lake Inn near Camp Plymouth State Park serves upscale dinners at its restaurant, which is open seasonally. For groceries and additional choices, Woodstock, Vermont, is under 14 miles away. “You’re within 20 minutes of Woodstock, which has restaurants and a supermarket,” Kogut says.
Hall Arts, Historical Society and Bookstock provide diverse cultural offerings
The Hall Art Foundation hosts small concerts, film screenings and artist talks. The Reading Historical Society holds an annual meeting and potluck dinner. The Bookstock Festival of Words brings author talks, poetry readings and activities to Woodstock most years since its founding in 2009. “The area is rich in arts and recreation,” Kogut says. “There are a lot of wonderful opportunities.”
