Best Cities for Retirees in Vermont
Vermont ranks #5 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 78.9. Shelburne is its best city for retirees at 77.5.
- Vermont, all states
- #5 of 50
- Population
- 6,499
Why Vermont Works for Retirees
Vermont ranks #5 nationally for retirees, making it one of the very best destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's moderate fiscal health (51/100) and heavier overall tax burden of 11.53% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Vermont's health score of 75/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 78.3 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 11.53% of income. The 8.75% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 1.78% (effective rate), which is above average and can meaningfully affect housing costs for homeowners on fixed incomes.
At $399,053, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 78/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Shelburne | A+ | 77.5 | 76.0 | 89 | 70 | 56 | 6,499 |
| 2Middlebury | A+ | 70.2 | 76.4 | 77 | 50 | 68 | 7,220 |
| 3South Burlington | A+ | 70.2 | 69.6 | 86 | 73 | 57 | 20,756 |
| 4Essex Junction | A+ | 67.9 | 70.9 | 81 | 62 | 61 | 10,803 |
| 5Montpelier | A+ | 67.6 | 69.9 | 78 | 64 | 68 | 8,014 |
| 6Milton | A+ | 66.2 | 67.5 | 69 | 55 | 65 | 3,555 |
| 7Winooski | A+ | 65.6 | 69.2 | 79 | 49 | 61 | 8,293 |
| 8Wilder | C+ | 62.9 | 55.6 | 68 | 56 | 75 | 3,087 |
| 9Bennington | B | 62.8 | 56.7 | 60 | 43 | 78 | 9,245 |
| 10St. Johnsbury | B+ | 62.0 | 61.3 | 57 | 27 | 82 | 5,859 |
| 11Rutland | B | 61.9 | 57.9 | 51 | 37 | 80 | 15,712 |
| 12Brattleboro | B+ | 61.0 | 62.6 | 65 | 24 | 77 | 7,657 |
| 13White River Junction | A | 60.8 | 65.5 | 67 | 52 | 73 | 3,364 |
| 14Bellows Falls | C | 60.1 | 52.2 | 61 | 18 | 79 | 2,891 |
| 15Burlington | A | 58.7 | 64.4 | 75 | 33 | 58 | 44,675 |
| 16Northfield | B+ | 57.1 | 59.9 | 73 | 35 | 78 | 3,766 |
| 17Newport | C | 56.7 | 51.8 | 48 | 22 | 82 | 4,394 |
| 18Barre | C+ | 56.5 | 52.5 | 54 | 37 | 78 | 8,412 |
| 19Springfield | B+ | 55.5 | 60.2 | 55 | 26 | 84 | 4,237 |
| 20St. Albans | C+ | 51.3 | 53.1 | 41 | 29 | 72 | 6,954 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Vermont for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vermont a good state for retirees?
Vermont ranks #5 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 78.9/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (78/100) and its weakest is Livability (49/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Vermont?
Shelburne ranks #1 in Vermont for retirees with a score of 77.5/100, followed by Middlebury and South Burlington.
What factors are most important for retirees in Vermont?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.