Lower-priced homes, charming businesses and the great outdoors
Richford, 55 miles northeast of Burlington, is a mostly rural Franklin County community offering small-town charm and lower home prices than surrounding cities. “Better housing prices are the biggest thing,” says Amanda Hansen, temp secretary for Richford. “The Saint Albans and Burlington areas are very expensive.” Richford also offers easy outdoor access, including hiking trails, cycling routes and the Missisquoi River for canoeing and kayaking. There’s also a modest shopping and dining scene of locally owned businesses. “It’s a close-knit community,” Hansen says. “If you like sitting on your porch and saying ‘Hi’ to your neighbors, it’s a great environment.
Diverse housing priced lower than in Burlington
Housing in Richford is diverse, with homes built during the 19th century through today; manufactured, ranch and Victorian-inspired styles are typical. “My own house was built in the 1920s,” Hansen says. “Most of them will be around that age, but they have been maintained really well.” Single-family homes in Richford’s town center are generally set close together along sidewalk-lined streets with features like front porches and uncovered off-street parking. “Further out from the town center, you’re definitely going to have more of that rural feel,” Hansen says. “You’re going to have to drive to your groceries, but you’ll get more privacy.” On the outskirts of town, homes often have acreage, allowing for additions like barns, workshops and detached garages. The median home price in Richford is about $260,000, compared to $350,000 in Saint Albans and $500,000 in Burlington.
Free college classes through Vermont Dual Enrollment
Richford is part of the Enosburgh-Richford Unified Union School District No. 88, rated C overall by Niche. Kids may attend school right in town at Richford Elementary and Richford Junior/Senior High. At the latter, juniors and seniors in the Vermont Dual Enrollment program may take two free college courses at any Vermont College. “For the high school graduating class, we’ll get a little banner and hang their portraits up to honor them at the town offices,” Hansen says.
Hike, bike and canoe
There are a few pocket-sized parks around town, including Richford Park with a playground. Davis Park is a popular green space with a scenic view of the Missisquoi River, where folks can swim, canoe and fish for smallmouth bass. Hikers and bikers share the 26-mile Missisquoi Valley Rail-Trail, and birdwatchers on the trail may spot blue jays, red-eyed vireos and ovenbirds. Golfers can hit the links at the Richford Country Club’s public 9-hole course.
Fresh produce, pastries and creemees
Residents can get a meal and groceries without leaving town. “If you live in the town center, you can walk to the market,” Hansen says. Main Street Market has most grocery needs covered with pantry staples, butcher cuts and fresh produce. From June through October, the Richford Farmers Market is held on Saturdays across the street from the market. “There are little odds and ends, and fresh fruits and vegetables,” Hansen says. There are also a few convenience stores for general items or snacks, including South Main Quick Shop, Wetherby’s Quick Stop and a Dollar General.
To start the morning, Greenwood Bakery and Deli has fresh pastries and breakfast classics like blueberry buttermilk pancakes smothered in locally sourced Vermont maple syrup. The Thirsty Burger is the go-to for comfort fare like burgers, fries and pizza, and Mokah’s Restaurant and Pub has Caribbean cuisine with beer on tap and occasional live music. For a sweet treat, Hansen recommends The Pinecone. “If you’re in the heart of Richford, it’s about 8 miles away,” she says. “It’s a snack shop open during the summer. They do creemees and simple street fare, but it’s a really popular place for tourists and locals who want to go on a little jaunt.”
Celebrating the holidays
Richford has a handful of holiday gatherings throughout the year. “We’ll do a little parade and festival for the Fourth of July,” Hansen says. “We don’t always do a fireworks display, which can be beneficial for veterans.” The Richford Fire Department also sponsors events, including the annual Easter egg hunt and Christmas breakfast with Santa. In October, the Harvest Festival at Davis Park includes food, live music and fun traditions like the cornhole tournament and pie auction. “They’ll do hay rides for kids and you can pet a baby cow,” Hansen says.
Commuting to Burlington and St. Albans
Vermont Route 105 passes through Richford, granting connecting access to employment hubs like St. Albans and Burlington, 29 and 55 miles away. “A lot of people commute to work,” Hansen says. Green Mountain Transit offers a commuter bus from Richford to St. Albans. Residents generally drive to get around, but the town center is walkable, and Hansen says biking is also common. “People are very courteous on the shoulder of the road for walking and bike paths,” she says. Northwestern Medical Center is 29 miles away, and Burlington International Airport is 56 miles away.
Annual snowfall
Winters in Richford are cold and snowy. The town receives 86 inches of snow annually, compared to the U.S. average of 28 inches. Frequent snowfall means school delays and travel disruptions are common.
