Farmland replaces modern development in Shoreham
About 13 miles from Middlebury, the small community of Shoreham consists of open fields, apple orchards and a Main Street with a few town offices and churches. “The outer parts of Middlebury provide that classic Vermont countryside charm,” says Mark Duchaine, a real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, who has sold in the area since 2013. “It’s what most people picture when they think of Vermont: quiet roads, maple sugaring in the spring and a deep connection to the land and local traditions.” Lake Champlain runs along the western border, and the Green Mountains have plenty of trails for exploring nature. Shoreham offers a slower pace than Vermont’s bigger cities without straying too far from their urban amenities.
Outdoor recreation centers around the water, mountains and art
Outside of Shoreham, activities abound on Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains. “There are trail networks all over, from the Green Mountain National Forest down to the Trail Around Middlebury,” Duchaine says. “Many residents also enjoy rural hobbies like gardening, small-scale farming or raising animals.” Less than 20 miles east, Branbury State Park has campgrounds and hiking areas. It’s also home to Lake Dunmore, a freshwater reservoir with sandy beaches and boat launches. Off Main Street near the elementary school, there’s a central gathering space with pickleball courts for round-robin tournaments and baseball fields for youth leagues. Those coming to watch a game can sit in the pavilion, which provides picnic tables and public Wi-Fi. The Lemon Fair Sculpture Park is another popular spot that blends creativity with exercise. It features a walking trail with over 50 sculptures that bestow a pop of color against the green fields and mountains.
Large properties sit on quiet country roads
Single-family ranch-style properties and farmhouses comprise most of the residential market. Prices tend to fall between $300,000 and $600,000, though small cabins can start around $160,000. Large acreages and farms may reach $700,000 to over $1 million. In Addison County, Duchaine says, “You’re likely to get more land for your dollar compared to areas closer to Chittenden County.” Residential streets have a relatively rural feel, and lots typically rest far off country roads. The CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Nearby cities have big-box stores, and Shoreham has farms and orchards
Shoreham’s rural setting limits shopping and dining options, and there’s a push to support local businesses. Visitors come to Champlain Orchards to pick their own apples and drink cider. Daona Farm, a fourth-generation operation, stocks a small store with American Wagyu beef and cheeses from its dairy herd. The Halfway House serves comfort food in a classic diner setting, and it has bright-pink outdoor picnic tables and a room full of free books. “While you’re in Middlebury, I always recommend stopping by the A&W, one of the last true drive-ins in the country, for classic burgers, fries and root beer in a frosty mug,” Duchaine adds. Dollar General sells everyday items; otherwise, Walmart lies 9 miles away across the New York border, and Middlebury, 13 miles east, has a Hannaford supermarket and Shaw’s.
Children receive education through the Addison Central School District
Students begin at Shoreham Elementary, which earns a C rating on Niche, and Middlebury Union Middle has a B-minus. Middlebury Union High scores a B-plus and ranks No. 8 out of 54 on Niche’s list of top public high schools in Vermont. Students can choose from several extracurricular activities, like the Neuroscience Club or volunteering for nonprofit groups.
State routes connect to metropolitan areas in Vermont and New York
Two main roads cut through Shoreham: Vermont routes 74 and 22A. Route 74 leads across the New York border into Ticonderoga, 8 miles away. It also intersects with Seth Warner Memorial Highway, a main artery into Middlebury, 13 miles east. Route 22A is a northbound road that heads 40 miles toward Burlington, which houses the nearest airport.
