7 Best Places to Live in Vermont
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Essex Junction sits just five miles east of Burlington, making it one of Vermont's best-kept secrets for renters who want breathing room without losing access to a lively city. The Winooski River winds nearby, and Mount Mansfield State Forest stretches out to the east, offering hiking, Nordic skiing, bouldering, and camping across more than 44,000 acres of mountain terrain. Daily life here has a grounded, small-town feel, with boutique shops, antique stores, and consignment finds along streets that don't feel rushed. The Champlain Valley Fair, a beloved 10-day annual event hosted at the Champlain Valley Expo, brings live music, exhibits, and carnival energy to the area each summer. Amtrak also runs a station here, connecting residents to the broader region without a car.
The rental market in Essex Junction offers a solid range of options, from garden-style apartment communities to townhomes and newer multi-unit buildings. GlobalFoundries, Vermont's largest private employer, anchors the local economy and draws a steady stream of renters to the area. Whether you're drawn by the outdoor access, the shorter commute to Burlington, or simply the quieter pace of life this city provides, Essex Junction delivers on all fronts.
Boats on nearby Lake Champlain
The University of Vermont in the fall
Beautiful mountain view
Enjoy the beautiful fall colors in Essex Junction
As of April 2026, the average apartment rent in Essex Junction, VT is $1,472 for a studio, $1,942 for one bedroom, $2,304 for two bedrooms, and $2,341 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Essex Junction has decreased by -0.4% in the past year.
Open to exploring your options? Discover great cities in Vermont with our detailed guide.
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Essex Junction, VT is for everyday living.
Fairly Walkable
Walkability
Limited Public Transit
Transit
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
Somewhat Bikeable
Bikeability
Public
Grades K-5
206 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
336 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
223 Students
Public
Grades K-5
346 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
521 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
382 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
319 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,208 Students
The Center For Technology - Essex
Public
Grades 9-12
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.