Sheldon offers quiet living near two hubs
Just 10 miles from the Canadian border, Sheldon’s farmland makes room for small villages and homes on large lots. “There’s not really a whole lot of businesses there, but you’re right in the middle of two pretty big-sized hubs,” says Tyler Hull, a Realtor with Sherwood Real Estate, who’s been selling homes in the area since 2016. “It’s fairly quiet, we don’t have a lot of throughways except for the 105.” Named after Revolutionary War Colonel Elisha Sheldon, the town was incorporated in 1791 with an initial population of just 64 people. Sawmills dominated most of Sheldon’s early industry, but agriculture has also supported the area throughout its history. Sheldon continues to be known as a farming town, but it also offers quiet living just 10 miles away from Enosburg and St. Albans City.
Older traditional styles, new contemporary homes
Buyers can find farmhouse-style homes and colonials from as early as the 1800s, newer ranch-style and split-level houses and contemporary homes built in the last 25 years. Properties in Sheldon sit along back roads weaving through forest and farmland. Some homes sit on lots less than an acre, while larger houses can have anywhere from one to over 100 acres of land. Properties typically sell for $200,000 to $550,000.
Commuting via Route 105
Sheldon is heavily car dependent because of its rural nature. Commuters can take State Route 105 east 8 miles to get to Enosburg and south 10 miles to get to St. Albans City. Interstate 89 runs through St. Albans City, running 15 miles north to the Canadian border and 30 miles south to Burlington. The closest hospital, Northwestern Medical Center, is 10 miles south. The closest airport, Burlington International, is 37 miles south.
Hiking trails, golf courses and Lake Champlain
Sheldon Community Forest, which takes up a large part of the town’s west end, offers a network of hiking and biking trails. The 26-mile Missisquoi Rail Trail and the 93-mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail also run through town following former train tracks. Golfers can head 10 miles east to the Enosburg Falls Country Club for a public 18-hole course, and 10 miles west to the Champlain Country Club for a semi-private 18-hole course. In St. Albans City, the Hard’ack Recreation Area has an outdoor pool that stays open year-round thanks to its inflatable dome. The space also offers a playground, sports facilities and skiing when it snows. And 15 miles west, Lake Champlain is an 8,200-acre body of water that provides access to fishing, boating and swimming.
Locally owned pub, shopping in nearby cities
The town’s only dining spot, The Abbey Pub and Restaurant, is a locally owned eatery that’s been serving American favorites since 1974. The pub also hosts live music every Friday and occasional special events like brunch. Residents can head east to Enosburg for grocery markets like Hannaford, as well as south to St. Albans City for big box stores like Walmart and department stores like T.J. Maxx. “They have a lot of chains available, and a good number of locally owned shops and restaurants too,” adds Hull.
Old Home Day, events in Enosburg and St. Albans City
The Sheldon Historical Society hosts the town’s Old Home Day in July with live music and family activities. In neighboring Enosburg, their annual Vermont Dairy Festival is held on the first weekend of June. The festival, which has taken place for nearly 70 years, features a dairy baking contest, a Texas Hold 'em Tournament, Vermont’s longest parade and fireworks. And in St. Albans City, their Maple Festival has been held on the last weekend in April since 1967, offering a carnival with amusement rides, food vendors and maple beverage sampling.
Extracurriculars at Bellows Free Academy
Students may start at Sheldon Elementary School, which teaches kindergarten through eighth grade and gets a C from Niche. Bellows Free Academy receives a C-plus and offers nearly three-dozen extracurricular activities.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
