Best Cities for Retirees in Vermont
Why Vermont Works for Retirees
Vermont ranks #2 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 96/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 79.4 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 $388,000, median home prices are above the national average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 79/100. Community amenities like restaurants, cultural venues, and social organizations score well, suggesting an engaged and active retirement lifestyle is within reach.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # | City | Grade | Retirees Score | Overall | Health | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shelburne | A+ | 70.6 | 67.5 | 89 | 70 | 53 | 6,292 |
| 2 | South Burlington | A+ | 67.5 | 68.4 | 86 | 68 | 58 | 20,488 |
| 3 | Essex Junction | A+ | 66.8 | 66.0 | 81 | 69 | 55 | 10,720 |
| 4 | Montpelier | A+ | 65.9 | 65.4 | 78 | 61 | 58 | 8,038 |
| 5 | Middlebury | A+ | 64.8 | 64.2 | 77 | 47 | 56 | 7,145 |
| 6 | Milton | A | 63.9 | 62.0 | 69 | 61 | 56 | 3,510 |
| 7 | Wilder | B+ | 61.5 | 59.8 | 68 | 51 | 61 | 3,394 |
| 8 | Winooski | A | 60.8 | 63.2 | 79 | 47 | 55 | 8,198 |
| 9 | White River Junction | B+ | 60.5 | 60.2 | 67 | 43 | 62 | 2,878 |
| 10 | Northfield | B+ | 58.1 | 58.7 | 73 | 21 | 63 | 4,165 |
| 11 | Bennington | B+ | 58.0 | 59.9 | 60 | 41 | 70 | 8,888 |
| 12 | Springfield | B | 54.9 | 55.1 | 55 | 24 | 74 | 3,882 |
| 13 | Burlington | B+ | 53.8 | 57.5 | 75 | 28 | 59 | 44,649 |
| 14 | Bellows Falls | C+ | 53.7 | 53.0 | 61 | 29 | 64 | 2,851 |
| 15 | St. Johnsbury | C+ | 51.8 | 52.9 | 57 | 24 | 66 | 5,945 |
| 16 | Rutland | B | 51.3 | 53.3 | 51 | 36 | 65 | 15,747 |
| 17 | Barre | C+ | 51.1 | 52.3 | 54 | 28 | 72 | 8,461 |
| 18 | Newport | C+ | 50.1 | 52.2 | 48 | 21 | 73 | 4,413 |
| 19 | Brattleboro | C+ | 49.7 | 51.4 | 65 | 18 | 63 | 7,793 |
| 20 | St. Albans | C+ | 44.2 | 49.7 | 41 | 25 | 61 | 6,910 |