Vermont's smallest city has a large historic and cultural footprint
Winooski is Vermont’s smallest city by surface area, although it houses a population of just around 8,000. Yet despite its size, it boasts a rich and varied history. “The city was sort of crafted around the Winooski River,” says Realtor David Parsons, owner of RE/MAX North Professionals Burlington and a lifelong area resident. “It has a history as a sort of smuggler’s cove during the War of 1812, but it didn’t really start getting built up until the mill boom around the late 1800s. There’s a strong French Canadian influence that’s really felt in the churches and the street names, and culturally it’s quite a vibrant place.” Many of Winooski’s textile mills have been converted into shops, restaurants and residences along the city’s Main Street, and an influx of newly minted citizens has infused the town with a unique atmosphere. Proximity to the river and Lake Champlain inform outdoor recreation opportunities, and the city continues to keep in touch with its roots even as it steadily evolves.
Residents of Downtown Winooski have riverfront views along the Winooski River Walk.
An Italianate gem, the Winooski Block building, stands as a historic centerpiece of downtown.
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Historic homes and proposals to deal with snowy winters
The median housing price in Winooski is around $400,000, which is slightly below the national median. The city’s streets are lined with historic homes, many dating to an economic boom during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. “Residentially, people will find a lot of older American Foursquare and Craftsman bungalow houses,” Parsons says. Most sit on mid-sized lots with patches of lawn separating homes from the sidewalks that crisscross the town. Summers tend to be comfortable, although temperatures plummet to an average of 13 degrees in winter. These cooler temperatures have inspired radical ideas in Winooski’s city planners throughout the years. “Around the 1980s, there was a somewhat serious proposal to build a dome over the whole city,” Parsons laughs. “I guess they thought it would help with heating costs or maybe snow management.” Despite continued enthusiasm since its original proposal, the dome has not been constructed, so residents will still have to shovel their driveways when it snows.
A single family Victorian style home in Downtown Winooski has green and yellow highlights.
A condo complex in Downtown Winooski has a red and orange accents.
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Teachers in the Winooski School District have been recognized for excellence
The Winooski School District, comprised of three total schools, earns an overall C from Niche. In 2025, a teacher at Winooski High, rated C-plus, was named Vermont’s Teacher of the Year. Private faith-based alternatives include St. Francis Xavier School, which offers Catholic education to students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
JFK Elementary, Winooski Middle and High School share the same building near Downtown Winooski.
Hiking and kayaking along the river to Lake Champlain
The Winooski River and Winooski Falls were key in the founding of the city, and they continue to play a daily role in the lives of residents. “There are nature paths along the river that people can hike, and the river flows into Lake Champlain, so you can kayak down it and enjoy a really beautiful paddle through the farmland west of the city,” Parsons says. “There’s also a unique fish population because of the land-locked salmon runs that head upriver to the falls in the center of the city. There’s a fish elevator at the dam, and there’s a salmon hole by the elevator, so fishing is pretty popular.”
The FBI reports a decline in crime rates
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Winooski police reported decreased overall violent crime rates between 2022 and 2023. Property crime rates also fell across that same span.
Downtown Winooski is a cultural hub for the Burlington area
The closest grocery stores sit on the northern edge of the city, just across Interstate 89. Despite the city’s small size, its downtown district is packed with popular eateries and gathering places. “There’s a rotary over the river that has shops and some of the best bars and restaurants in Vermont,” Parsons says. “Within the past 10 to 20 years or so, I believe, there’s been a big increase in new Americans living in Winooski, so there are a lot of diverse markets as well.”
Onion City Chicken & Oyster in Downtown Winooski is a charming and casual restaurant.
Charming brick sidewalks and inviting patios welcome you to explore historic Downtown Winooski.
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The city’s small size makes it pedestrian-friendly
Interstate 89 cuts through the east side of town and connects Winooski to South Burlington and the rest of the state. Of Vermont’s 10 cities, Winooski is the smallest by area, making it extremely walkable. “It’s really only about 1 or 2 square miles total,” Parsons says. Buses make stops along Main Street every 30 minutes, making the trip to Burlington in just under half an hour.
Downtown Winooski is a very walkable area with scenic views of the river and historic buildings.
A person rides their bicycle along Winooski River Walk in Downtown Winooski.
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Cultural festivals and Halloween celebrations in Winooski
Winooski is a short trip across the river from Burlington, which has hosted the iconic Discover Jazz Festival for over 40 years. The city itself holds an annual French Heritage Day, celebrating the Quebecois culture that has impacted its growth. “Halloween is also a big event in town,” Parsons adds. “When you drive across the bridge, there’s always a display of thousands of jack-o-lanterns at the rotary leading downtown.”
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.
