Springfield is a historic, riverfront town
Along Vermont’s border with New Hampshire, Springfield offers comparatively lower priced homes engulfed by sprawling forests. Situated in the Southern Green Mountains, residents are also attracted to the town for its outdoor attractions. Rolling hills surround the community, while the Comtu Cascade roars through the center of town. Springfield was originally chartered as a mill town in 1761, and local industry was built up in the late 1800s. The Great Depression saw nearly 400 manufacturing companies shut down in Vermont, but local production grew again during World War II with weapons and ammunition manufacturing. The government built several housing developments in the early 1940s in an effort to provide enough homes for the town’s increasing population. A lot of these developments are still standing or have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. “Springfield was built up as homes for a lot of local industry workers. Most of the people who are still in town live here full-time and are still working,” says Thaddeus Abare, a Realtor with Barrett & Valley Associates, and a Windsor County local that’s been selling homes in the area for nearly 4 years. Nowadays, North Springfield is mostly residential, while Springfield serves as a hub for surrounding Windsor County towns.
Older, traditional-style homes starting in the $150,000s
The town offers Cape Cods, colonials and craftsman-style homes from the early- to mid-1900s, as well as split-levels and ranch-style houses from the late-1900s. Homes congregated around Springfield and North Springfield are neatly arranged in subdivisions, while homes on the town’s outskirts sit on winding country roads with two to twenty acres of land. Homes within subdivisions typically sell for $150,000 to $350,000, while properties on the outskirts usually go for $300,000 to $600,000.
Springfield Food Co-Op provides fresh produce
River Street stretches across town, connecting Springfield to North Springfield. Along the way, locals can find popular local restaurants like Black Rock Steakhouse, which has been serving award-winning steaks since 2011. The Springfield Food Co-Op has been a local staple since 1992. The market, which is collectively owned by over 3,000 community members, provides affordable groceries, fresh produce and deli items to the area. Anyone can become a member just by paying a one-time fee, which also gives you access to the co-op's annual board meeting. Shaw’s, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Rite Aid are also on Chester Road for essentials.
Riverfront views, forested hiking trails
The town’s former grist mill was recently transformed into Comtu Cascade Park, a riverfront space for locals to watch the water. The Toonerville Trail is a more than 3-mile paved path along the Black River. The 85-acre Springfield Town Forest also offers four separate hiking trails.
Annual events throughout Springfield
The town’s biggest event, the Vermont Apple Festival & Craft Show, has been held annually for 40 years. The event, which takes place in October, offers local vendors, family activities and artisan foods. In July, the Stellafane Convention sees amateur telescope makers visit town for informative workshops and a designing competition. And the Hackers Tournament at Crown Point Country Club challenges golfers of all skill levels.
Served by Springfield School District
Students may start at Elm Hill School, which gets a C from Niche, before going to Riverside school, which has a C-minus. Springfield High also receives a C-minus and operates with a student to teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
Commuting via I-91
Commuters can take Interstate 91 to travel north to Canada and south through Massachusetts and Connecticut. “You can really go anywhere you want on 91,” says Abare. Springfield Hospital is close by along Ridgewood Road, while Albany International Airport is located 96 miles south.
Important to Know
Due to Vermont’s unique climate, the state has a mud season that usually lasts from March to June. As the winter snow and frost melts, the area’s dirt and soil are turned into muddy terrain. There are over 1,200 miles of dirt roads throughout Windsor County, meaning commuters may encounter hazardous road conditions and complete road closures during mud season.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
