Best Places to Live in Vermont for Remote Workers

Remote work has made Vermont possible for many people who once had to live near an office.

Now you can have a job based somewhere else while living near mountains, lakes, small towns, farms, trails, and quiet roads.

That sounds great.

And it can be.

But remote work in Vermont requires one very important thing:

Reliable internet.

Actually, it requires several things: reliable internet, decent cell service, backup plans, manageable winter access, a home office, and a town that fits your daily life.

Before choosing a Vermont town as a remote worker, here is what to know.

The remote worker checklist

Before looking at specific places, check these basics:

• Is high-speed internet available at the exact address?

• What are the download and upload speeds?

• Is service reliable?

• Is there a backup provider?

• Does your cell phone work inside the house?

• Is there a good workspace in the home?

• Are power outages common?

• Would you need a generator or battery backup?

• How far are groceries, healthcare, and services?

• How difficult is the driveway in winter?

• How far is the nearest airport or train station if you travel for work?

Do not assume that because a town has internet, every house in that town has internet.

Vermont likes details.

Burlington and Chittenden County

For many remote workers, Burlington and surrounding Chittenden County offer the easiest adjustment.

You get more restaurants, shops, airport access, healthcare, events, coworking possibilities, and social opportunities than in most of the state.

This region may be a good fit if you want Vermont but do not want to feel too isolated.

Pros:

• More amenities

• Better access to services

• Airport nearby

• More social opportunities

• Stronger job backup options

• More urban energy

Cons:

• Higher housing costs

• More competition

• Less rural quiet

• More traffic than other parts of Vermont

If you are moving from a city or suburb, this may be the easiest landing zone.

Montpelier and central Vermont

Montpelier and nearby towns can be good for remote workers who want small-city life with community character.

The area offers local culture, government, nonprofits, restaurants, shops, and access to other parts of Vermont.

Pros:

• Central location

• Strong community feel

• Small-city amenities

• Access to outdoor recreation

• Less urban than Burlington

Cons:

• Housing can be limited

• Some areas have flood considerations

• Winter travel still matters

This area can work well if you want a balance of small-town charm and practical access.

Waterbury and nearby towns

Waterbury is popular because it offers access to Burlington, Montpelier, Stowe, outdoor recreation, restaurants, and highways.

For remote workers, it can be a strong choice if your budget allows it.

Pros:

• Good central access

• Restaurants and services

• Outdoor recreation nearby

• Easy access to multiple regions

• Strong lifestyle appeal

Cons:

• Housing can be expensive

• Competition can be strong

• Nearby tourism can affect prices

Waterbury can be a very practical remote-work base, but it is not usually a bargain secret.

Brattleboro and Windham County

Brattleboro has an artsy, independent, creative feel. It may appeal to writers, artists, consultants, remote professionals, and people who want access to Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Pros:

• Creative culture

• Strong local identity

• Access to other states

• Walkable areas

• Community events

Cons:

• Housing can be tight

• Rural areas outside town vary widely

• Services depend on exact location

This region can be a good fit for people who value arts, culture, and small-town independence.

Bennington County

Bennington County in southwestern Vermont can appeal to remote workers who want Vermont plus access to New York and Massachusetts.

Towns vary widely, from Bennington and Pownal to Manchester, Shaftsbury, Arlington, Dorset, and others.

Pros:

• Regional access to NY and MA

• Historic towns and scenery

• Some areas more affordable than premium resort towns

• Access to the Berkshires and Albany region

• Good fit for people who want southern Vermont

Cons:

• Internet varies by exact address

• Some towns are expensive

• Local job backup may be limited

• Services vary by town

If you want Vermont but also want connections to nearby regional economies, this area is worth considering.

Upper Valley

The Upper Valley, near the Vermont-New Hampshire border, is connected to the Hanover and Lebanon area.

It can work well for remote workers who want strong services, healthcare access, education resources, and regional amenities.

Pros:

• Strong healthcare and education presence

• Access to New Hampshire

• More professional networks

• Family-friendly towns

• Practical services

Cons:

• Housing can be expensive

• Competition can be strong

• Some towns are pricey

This can be a good region for remote workers who want Vermont without being too far from major services.

Stowe and Lamoille County

Stowe and surrounding towns have strong lifestyle appeal, especially for people who love skiing, hiking, restaurants, and mountain scenery.

Pros:

• Beautiful scenery

• Outdoor recreation

• Strong tourism amenities

• Lifestyle appeal

• Restaurants and local businesses

Cons:

• High housing costs

• Seasonal traffic

• Tourism pressure

• Competitive market

This is a dream location for some remote workers, but the budget needs to match the dream.

Middlebury and Addison County

Middlebury offers a college-town feel surrounded by farms, rural towns, and scenic landscapes.

Pros:

• College-town amenities

• Good community feel

• Beautiful rural surroundings

• Cultural resources

• Family appeal

Cons:

• Housing availability can be limited

• Job backup options are smaller

• Internet varies outside town centers

This area can be a good fit for people who want a quieter, thoughtful, community-oriented place.

What remote workers should avoid

This does not mean you must avoid rural Vermont. Many remote workers love rural areas.

But be careful with properties that have:

• Unverified internet

• Weak cell service

• Frequent outages

• Long private roads

• Steep driveways

• No backup power plan

• Long drives to everything

• Poor winter access

A rural dream can work beautifully when you prepare for it.

It becomes stressful when your entire career depends on a signal that disappears every time it rains sideways.

Final thoughts

The best Vermont town for remote work depends on your budget, internet needs, tolerance for isolation, family situation, travel requirements, and desired lifestyle.

Do not choose only by scenery.

Choose by daily function.

The best remote-work location is the place where you can live the Vermont life you want and still show up for work reliably.

Before choosing your Vermont town, purchase The Honest Guide to Moving to Vermont. It helps remote workers compare housing, internet, winter access, costs, and daily-life realities before making the move.