Vergennes is a small but mighty city on the shores of Lake Champlain
Although Vergennes spans only 2 square miles, the Champlain Valley community of about 2,500 residents packs a punch with a walkable downtown center, ample parks and recreation, and proximity to Lake Champlain. Known as the Little City for both its size and population, Vergennes was established in 1788 and was a long-time manufacturing hub. Nowadays, Vergennes is known for its vibrant downtown on the banks of Otter Creek. “Our size makes it easy for people to connect and feel a sense of belonging,” says Vergennes City Manager Ron Redmond. He says that nearly the full length of Main Street "is recognized as an outstanding example of town development and is listed as a historic district in the National Register of Historic Places.” In addition to artisanal shops and restaurants, Vergennes is home to several architecturally significant buildings, such as the Bixby Memorial Free Library, widely recognized as one of Vermont’s best examples of Neo-Classical Revival architecture.
Homes at a lower cost than Burlington
Vergennes has a mix of single-family homes, townhouses and multifamily properties. The median price of a single-family home is about $400,000, lower than Middlebury’s median of approximately $420,000 and much lower than the Burlington median of roughly $500,000. It’s not uncommon to find single-family homes that have been split up into individual apartments. Some of the Colonial, Cape Cod and farmhouse-style homes in the center of town date back to the late 1800s, while houses on the outskirts are typically newer and sit on larger lots. New builds are available in subdivisions like Claybrook or Waterfront Townhouses on the Falls in Vergennes. The median townhouse price is about $430,000, lower than Burlington’s median of roughly $480,000 but higher than Middlebury’s median of $350,000.
Art and athletics at Vergennes Union High School
Vergennes Union Elementary School serves kids in prekindergarten through fifth grade and receives a B-minus grade from Niche. Vergennes Union Middle and High School is rated B-plus. High schoolers can also take career classes at Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center, which has 13 technical programs including sustainable agriculture, automotive technology, and design and illustration. Champlain Valley Christian School is a K-8 private school that is unrated by Niche. The private Middlebury College is within a 20-minute drive.
Parks in town and outdoor recreation on Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is used year-round and is easily accessible from Vergennes via Otter Creek. Kayakers and canoers launch into Otter Creek from Vergennes Falls Park, a popular spot for afternoon walks and picnics with views of waterfalls. Veterans Memorial Park has an ice skating rink and basketball court, and city officials are working to add a pavilion for year-round use. “Our city pool is a crown jewel and a true community center during high season,” Redmond says. “Otter Creek runs through the city and offers a beautiful view of the waterfalls, plus fishing and picnicking. Outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, camping, golfing, and more are right out our front door.” Skiing on Mount Ellen is about 30 miles away, and Killington Resort, the largest ski area in the eastern U.S., is within a 60-mile drive. The historic Vergennes Opera House was restored in 1997, 100 years after it was built, and is undergoing a nearly $2 million renovation.
Downtown shops and restaurants are the beating heart of Vergennes
The Little City’s rustic downtown is a walkable hub for shopping and dining and a gathering place for residents. While charming downtown centers are no surprise in this slice of Vermont, Vergennes stands out for its maker-driven market. Lu-Lu Ice Cream serves up award-winning scoops, while Black Sheep Bistro features farm-to-table fine dining fare in a laid-back setting. Located in a former laundromat, Vergennes Laundry is a French wood-fired bakery, coffee shop and gourmet grocery store. The Red Mill at Basin Harbor Resort is known for contemporary comfort food in a renovated sawmill on the shores of Lake Champlain. Shaw’s has groceries in town, and locals can pick up produce and other goods at the Vergennes Farmers Market from June through early October.
Vermont’s biggest Memorial Day parade
Vergennes hosts a slate of events throughout the year, although two of the most popular events are Vergennes Day and the city’s Memorial Day parade. Vergennes Day, held in August, has been a local tradition for more than 40 years, with live music, vendors, chicken dinners from the Lion’s Club and activities for the whole family. Thousands of visitors descend on the city for the annual Memorial Day Parade, which is widely regarded as the largest in the state.
Access to Route 7 and Amtrak
Just east of Vergennes, Route 7 is a heavily traveled road that connects Burlington and Albany, New York. Residents and visitors alike use the thoroughfare daily, and locals can drive or hop on a Tri-Valley Transit bus to commute to nearby towns. Rutland is about an hour away on Route 7. An Amtrak station can get travelers to New York City within seven hours. Burlington and Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport are about 40 minutes away, while the closest emergency department is at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury, 20 minutes south.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
