An article recently highlighted the towns with the fastest-growing home prices in Vermont, and one thing stood out right away. Only one community in Chittenden County made the top 10. For a region that gets most of the attention, that’s worth paying attention to.
Here’s the list from #1 - #10:
Stowe, Bridgewater, Charlotte, West Windsor, Derby Line, Enosburg Falls, Pittsfield, Saxtons River, Wells River, and Wells.
At first glance, it might feel surprising. But when you look a little closer, it starts to tell a much bigger story about where opportunity exists in Vermont right now.
Growth Isn’t Concentrated in One Place
We tend to think of the market as centered around Burlington and the surrounding Chittenden County towns. While that area remains strong and stable, price growth is happening across multiple regions of the state. The top 10 spans the Lebanon, NH-VT metro, Rutland County, and several non-metro areas. That kind of distribution suggests demand is spreading outward, not just concentrating in one hub.
Rural Vermont Is Seeing Real Momentum
Three of the top markets are not part of any metro area at all, including Stowe, which sits at number one. That tells us something important. Buyers are placing real value on lifestyle, access to recreation, and space. Rural towns that offer those qualities are seeing meaningful appreciation, not just short-term interest.
The Lebanon, NH-VT Region Is Quietly Leading
Towns like Bridgewater, West Windsor, and Wells River show up repeatedly. This region benefits from employment centers like Dartmouth and a strong blend of Vermont lifestyle with access to New Hampshire services. It’s not always top of mind for buyers starting in Chittenden County, but it’s clearly gaining traction.
Chittenden County Remains Stable, Not Explosive
Charlotte and Enosburg Falls represent the Burlington-South Burlington metro on the list. That’s notable. Chittenden County continues to offer stability, strong demand, and long-term value. But it’s not where the fastest percentage growth is happening right now. In many cases, it’s already experienced that growth.
What This Means for Buyers
If your goal is long-term equity, it may be worth expanding your search beyond your initial comfort zone. Looking at towns outside of Chittenden County can open up:
- Lower entry points
- More space and flexibility
- Strong upside potential
For some buyers, that trade-off makes a lot of sense.
What This Means for Sellers
If you own property outside of Chittenden County, especially in areas that haven’t traditionally been in the spotlight, this kind of data is encouraging. Demand is reaching more parts of the state, and buyers are thinking more broadly about where they want to live.
The Bigger Picture
Vermont’s housing market is evolving. While Chittenden County remains a core anchor, growth is no longer limited to one region. For buyers, that creates opportunity. For sellers, it reinforces the value of what they already own. And for anyone considering a move, it’s a good reminder that sometimes the best long-term decision starts with looking just a little further than you planned.
