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Strafford

Strafford

Located in Orange County

$481,491 Average Value
$231 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

Strafford is a friendly rural town 30 minutes from Hanover and Lebanon

The small community of Strafford has changed little over the years, with its stamp-sized town center and mixture of paved and dirt roads threading through trees and passing alongside farms and pastures. “It’s a very small community, so we’re all there for each other if we need something,” says Bonnie Bergeron, a real estate agent with Snyder Donegan Real Estate Group.

With a population of just over 1,000 people, it’s a little too big to know everyone, but it’s easy to form a network. Bergeron, a sixth-generation Straffordian, and the town’s zoning administrator, says people here are supportive. It’s a sentiment sometimes echoed in folk-drenched songs of Noah Kahan, a native. “If someone gets sick and needs Meals on Wheels, for example, everybody chips in,” she says.

Strafford is about 30 minutes from both Hanover and Lebanon, bigger towns just across the Connecticut River in New Hampshire. City folk might consider that a bit of a trek, but for many who seek out homes here, the quiet, secluded surroundings are a selling point. Bergeron says that the combination of Strafford’s tight-knit, small-town vibe and proximity to Hanover and Lebanon is hard to find anywhere else in the Upper Valley.

Enjoy the farm life in the town of Strafford.
Enjoy the farm life in the town of Strafford.
Strafford Town House is one of the most known buildings in the state of Vermont located on top of a hill overlooking the town.
Strafford Town House is one of the most known buildings in the state of Vermont located on top of a hill overlooking the town.
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Strafford’s community garden, hiking and a love of skiing

Strafford Edible Pocket Park is a local gem, carefully maintained by residents, who tend to its apple and pear trees, currant and blueberry bushes, and more. The park also has tennis courts and a soccer field. During the summer, kids play in the Ompompanoosuc River.

People also swim and launch kayaks from the boat ramp on Miller Pond. The Old City Falls trail is a local favorite, leading to a small waterfall and stream. Once there, people swim in the stream or set up a picnic using the area’s tables, grill or firepits.

Bergeron says that during snowy winters residents set up an ice-skating rink or grab their skis. “We have a ski tow that is run every Sunday by volunteers,” she says. “There’s a small red building that has sporting equipment, so if someone comes from out of town with guests and needs a set of skis or a set of ice skates, you can access this building, borrow them and then put them back.”

Residents enjoy a walk along the Ompompanoosuc River in Strafford.
Residents enjoy a walk along the Ompompanoosuc River in Strafford.
Residents can grow a variety of fruits at Strafford Edible Pocket Park.
Residents can grow a variety of fruits at Strafford Edible Pocket Park.
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Houses with acres of farmland or forest

Colonial-style houses and farmhouse-inspired options are common here, some built as early as the 1790s. While yards are narrow in the town center, acreage is rarely an issue, and many homeowners have farmland, pastures or forests. “I live in an old home, but there’s lots of newer homes as well — definitely nothing cookie-cutter here,” Bergeron says. “You get your own individual style.” Houses don’t go on sale very often here; only 10 were sold in 2024, priced between $230,000 and $830,000. Bergeron says homes do go for more, depending on size, acreage and upkeep. When houses hit the market, they sell quickly, she says.

Homes in Strafford often have front porches with well landscaped yards.
Homes in Strafford often have front porches with well landscaped yards.
You can find homes in Strafford with tree swings and front porches.
You can find homes in Strafford with tree swings and front porches.
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Heavy snow and rain, potential flooding and “mud season”

Year-round heavy precipitation means residents must take weather into account when traveling. In winter, some travel short distances by snow mobile. There’s a major risk of flooding when the weather warms up. For a short time between winter and spring, Vermont experiences a “mud season” caused by the ground thawing as spring rains begin. During this time, some trails are closed, and four-wheel drives are often needed.

Events in Barrett Memorial Hall, Fourth of July barbecue

Barrett Memorial Hall hosts dances, festivals and bands. The town has a longstanding tradition of holding a meeting there the day before a vote. Fourth of July is popular here and features a barbecue for the whole town and a parade. “It’s the kind of town where if you want to be involved and you want to have stuff to do, there’s absolutely stuff to do,” Bergeron says.

Essentials and conversation at Coburn’s General Store

The tiny town center sits along Justin Morrill Memorial Highway, offering a collection of homes as well as a library, a post office and Coburns’ General Store. This quaint little shop is considered by many to be the heart of the community, serving as a meeting spot as well as a place to buy essentials, hardware and deli sandwiches. The store’s owner is even one the voices featured in Noah Kahan’s song, “The View Between Villages.” For other shopping and restaurants, residents drive about 30 minutes to Hanover or Lebanon.

Jasper Murdock's Alehouse at the Norwich Inn is a short drive from Strafford and offers a great environment for dinner.
Jasper Murdock's Alehouse at the Norwich Inn is a short drive from Strafford and offers a great environment for dinner.
Residents of Strafford pick up all their daily needs from the local General Store.
Residents of Strafford pick up all their daily needs from the local General Store.
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High schoolers can attend private schools tuition-free

Children in Strafford attend Newton Elementary School from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The school earns an A on Niche. Vermont’s school choice program allows rising ninth graders to choose any nearby school — even private schools, which they can attend tuition-free. One popular choice is B-rated Thetford Academy, a private school with a student-to-teacher ratio of 8-to-1. Another private option, the Sharon Academy, earns a B-minus and offers a student-to-teacher ratio of 9-to-1. Both are about 11 miles away, so Bergeron says parents often carpool.

Students in Strafford attend Newton Elementary School before heading to Middle School in New Hampshire.
Students in Strafford attend Newton Elementary School before heading to Middle School in New Hampshire.
Students living in Strafford attend Thetford Academy for their academic career.
Students living in Strafford attend Thetford Academy for their academic career.
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Simple country roads in Strafford, long drives to nearest highways

Strafford’s biggest roads are simple two-lane streets, some of which branch into dirt roads. State Route 132 eventually leads to highways like Interstate 89, Interstate 91 and U.S. Route 5. The nearest hospital is Lebanon's Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, about 26 miles away.

Strafford residents have Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital as the nearest hospital.
Strafford residents have Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital as the nearest hospital.
Residents of Strafford can commute via Interstate 91 or Route 5.
Residents of Strafford can commute via Interstate 91 or Route 5.
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Christina Norwood
Written By
Christina Norwood
Anhella Sanchez
Photography Contributed By
Anhella Sanchez
Grace Kim
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Grace Kim

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ruby Klarich, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Strafford Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$359,000
Median Sale Price
$260,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$260,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
28%
Last 12 months Home Sales
10
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-23%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$231

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
97
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1983
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,579
Significantly above the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
26,136

Open Houses

  • 230 Taylor Valley Rd, Strafford, VT 05072

    $399,000

    • 230 Taylor Valley Rd
    • New 28 days ago

    Welcome to premier & exclusive Vermont living at 230 Taylor Valley Road in scenic Strafford. This expansive 67-acre parcel sits high above a peaceful valley, offering stunning views and a true sense of seclusion. Nestled at the edge of a beautiful valley, the land is rich with a mix of hardwood and softwood trees, creating the quintessential Vermont forest setting.With southeast exposure

    Agent Photo
    Zack Bourque
    BHHS Verani Upper Valley
    (802) 213-7882
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  • 300 Justin Morrill Memorial Hwy, Strafford, VT 05072

    $550,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,300 Sq Ft
    • 300 Justin Morrill Memorial Hwy
    • New 6 days ago

    Newly renovated 1880’s home with spacious rooms, modern amenities, and architectural character on a quiet paved road in desirable Strafford. Step into charming comfort with this remarkable home, featuring a unique enclosed curved staircase and other distinctive details. Flooded with natural light through all new windows, the home offers year-round comfort with updated heating and AC

    Derek Greene Derek Greene

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  • 175 Old City Falls Rd, Strafford, VT 05072

    $449,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 987 Sq Ft
    • 175 Old City Falls Rd
    • New 15 days ago

    ONE OF A KIND!! Meander up the driveway along side a rail fenced pasture to the privacy and quiet of this land. Explore the uniqueness this cozy, light filled home offers, including clever built ins, sleeping loft and pastoral views. Southern and eastern exposure offer opportunities for solar and the upper meadow affords views, and mostly open land bordered by woods allowing you additional

    Berna Rexford Four Seasons Sotheby's Int'l Realty

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Homes for Sale

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Strafford Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
920
Median Age
51
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
20.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.2%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$99,327
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$108,088

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.4%
College Graduates
52.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.1%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

3 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

3 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Strafford
Ruby Klarich
Central Vermont Real Estate
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