Located in Orange County
The rural community of Topsham, located in north-central Vermont, is home to about 1,200 souls who enjoy a secluded lifestyle where peace and quiet trump convenience. Those who live here take advantage of the area’s natural beauty, especially in the fall when the Green Mountains burst with vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, before giving way to the cold, snowy winters.
The area's housing here offers a diverse mix of architectural styles, from farmhouse to Colonial Revival to Cape Cod. Homes here, some dating back to the 1800s, are typically spaced far apart along rural country roads. “You’ll find farms, which you don’t see a lot of in Vermont anymore,” says Michelle Gosselin of Heney Realtors. “There’s also lots of mountain views.” Prices typically range from the high $100,000s to the mid-$400,000s. “You’re farther out, more remote, so prices will be a little less,” Gosselin says.
While homeowners enjoy cool summers and colorful fall foliage, they need to be prepared for winters that can include heavy snowfall. Gosselin says a couple of feet is typical. Homeowners should also be aware of what happens when it warms up in a community where paved roads are a luxury. “We have mud season in Vermont. It’s usually in April,” Gosselin says. “That’s when the snow melts on the dirt roads.” Gosselin adds that this can result in back roads becoming unpassable.
The natural, wooded landscape is a popular place for snowmobilers. The community includes an access lot for a network of trails that is used by clubs affiliated with the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers. The nearby Northeast Slopes is a ski area that has been a regional stop for nearly 90 years. The community is also home to the Waits River and several branches, which are known for their stock of trout. The neighboring town of Groton features the Groton State Forest, which includes seven state parks nestled among several waterways, including Lake Groton and Ricker Pond. The diverse recreational spaces cater to boaters, watercraft enthusiasts, beachgoers, anglers, hikers and bike riders.
Residents can find groceries and essentials at Waits River Deli & Country Store, a popular community destination known for its homemade food. Upper Valley Grill and General Store offers a similar setting in Groton. Crossmolina Farm is a regional attraction in neighboring Corinth. The family-run farm offers a selection of produce and hosts regular events, including Pizza Nights with live music.
Waits River Valley Union School District 36, part of the Orange East Supervisory Union, serves younger students in Topsham and East Corinth. Waits River Valley School, a K-8 institution rated C-plus by Niche, is the only school in the district. It is typical of rural districts to not include high schools. Older students can pick their school, and have their tuition paid for, under Vermont’s high school choice program.
U.S. Route 302, known locally as William Scott Memorial Highway, is the primary roadway connecting the region’s communities. Vermont Route 25 connects to the highway on the west side of Topsham. Powder Spring Road connects to the highway in Groton. Route 302 provides access east to Interstate 91, about 15 miles away near the New Hampshire border. Montpelier, the state capital, and Interstate 89 are about a 25-mile drive west via Route 302. Cottage Hospital and Central Vermont Medical Center are both about 20 miles from the community. The international airport in Burlington is about 60 miles away via I-89.
The community's CAP Index score of 1-out-of-10 signifies an area with the lowest possible crime rate.
Michelle Gosselin
Heney Realtors - Element Real Estate (Barre)
(802) 883-3608
128 Total Sales
2
$290K - $300K Price Range
Laurie Kirkpatrick
Four Seasons Sotheby's Int'l Realty
(802) 945-2440
242 Total Sales
21
$27K - $465K Price Range
Annette Hartley-White
Coldwell Banker LIFESTYLES - Hanover
(802) 526-6288
235 Total Sales
18
$27K - $465K Price Range
Leslie Drown
Leslie Drown Real Estate LLC
(802) 613-0797
149 Total Sales
8
$30K - $410K Price Range
Darren Sherburne
Four Seasons Sotheby's Int'l Realty
(802) 764-8610
186 Total Sales
7
$30K - $530K Price Range
Doreen Phillips
KW Vermont - Barre
(802) 455-4447
86 Total Sales
5
$20K - $435K Price Range
Renee Rainville
New Leaf Real Estate
(802) 830-8502
131 Total Sales
5
$20K - $260K Price Range
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.