Essex Junction VT

Essex Junction – A charming slice of New England life, this vibrant Vermont town blends small-town warmth with modern convenience. Nestled in the scenic Champlain Valley, Essex Junction offers a mix of outdoor beauty, friendly neighborhoods, and community-focused events. Whether you're enjoying a stroll through local parks, visiting quaint shops, or taking in the seasonal colors, there's a welcoming vibe that makes it easy to call this place home—or your next favorite getaway.

• Population: ~11,000
• Weather: Four seasons; cold, snowy winters (15-30°F), warm summers (65-85°F), colorful falls, and fresh springs.
• Places To Visit: The Essex Experience, Maple Street Park, Five Corners area, Champlain Valley Exposition, and nearby Burlington.
• Top Activities: Biking scenic trails, enjoying local craft brews, attending the Champlain Valley Fair, exploring farmers markets, ice skating in winter.
• Famous Food: Vermont maple syrup treats, farm-to-table eats at The Junction, classic diner breakfasts, craft cider, and local cheese plates.

Essex Junction, Vermont is a small yet economically significant town in the Burlington metropolitan area. Known for its strong presence in manufacturing, education, and healthcare, the town also benefits from its proximity to tech hubs and top local employers like GlobalFoundries. Below are the top jobs in Essex Junction that offer stability and growth.

Top 5 Jobs in Essex Junction, Vermont

Essex Junction, VT, might be a small town, but it boasts some great spots for students to unwind, enjoy themselves, and take a break from their busy schedules. Whether you’re into nature, sports, or music, Essex Junction has something to offer.

Saxon Hill Park – If you love the outdoors, this place is perfect for hiking, biking, or just enjoying a peaceful walk among beautiful scenery. It’s a great spot to clear your mind and relax.

Champlain Valley Expo – This venue hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from concerts to fairs and markets. It’s a fantastic place to have fun with friends and experience something new.

The Essex Experience – A hub of entertainment with shops, restaurants, and a cinema, this is the spot for some retail therapy, tasty treats, and catching the latest movies. It’s a one-stop destination for fun and relaxation.

Lincoln Inn & Restaurant – Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with live music and delicious food. It’s a great place to unwind after a long week and enjoy some good vibes.

Essex Family Fun & Entertainment Center – Perfect for a fun day out with friends, this center offers mini-golf, batting cages, and an arcade. It caters to all ages and levels of competitiveness!

Indian Brook Park – For those who enjoy quiet, scenic places, the park offers great spots for a picnic, kayaking, or running. It’s a lovely escape into nature, just a short drive from the center of town.

Essex Junction, Vermont, offers students access to high-quality public and private colleges and universities in the surrounding region. Known for its vibrant community and scenic beauty, the area supports a strong educational environment with institutions that emphasize academic excellence, hands-on learning, and career readiness.

Top Public Colleges & Universities near Essex Junction

University of Vermont (UVM) – Located just a short drive away in Burlington, UVM is a highly respected research institution offering programs in environmental science, medicine, engineering, and business. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, UVM is a top choice for students in New England.

Community College of Vermont (CCV) – Winooski Campus – Conveniently located near Essex Junction, CCV offers associate degree programs in liberal arts, business, early childhood education, and more. It provides flexible learning opportunities for traditional and non-traditional students alike.

Vermont Technical College (VTC) – VTC offers hands-on, career-focused education in areas like engineering technology, nursing, and agriculture. With a focus on practical skills, VTC prepares students to enter the workforce with confidence.

Northern Vermont University (NVU) – Formed by the merger of Johnson State College and Lyndon State College, NVU provides a wide range of academic programs in a supportive and inclusive environment. Its campuses are within a reasonable driving distance from Essex Junction.

Castleton University – One of Vermont’s oldest institutions, Castleton offers over 75 undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for small class sizes and a close-knit community, it provides students with a personal and transformative education experience.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Essex Junction

Champlain College – Located in Burlington, Champlain is known for its career-driven education in areas like cybersecurity, game design, digital forensics, and business. The college emphasizes real-world experience through internships and project-based learning.

Saint Michael’s College – Just minutes from Essex Junction, this liberal arts college offers a rich academic experience grounded in Catholic values. It is widely known for programs in education, business, science, and the humanities, with a strong sense of community and service.

Burlington College (formerly) – While Burlington College closed in 2016, it played a significant role in the region’s history of private education. Its legacy of progressive education is still remembered by former students and faculty in the area.

Landmark College (Putney, VT) – Though about an hour from Essex Junction, Landmark College is nationally recognized for serving students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism. Its specialized programs help students succeed in college and beyond.

Middlebury College – Located just over an hour south of Essex Junction, Middlebury is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. It is known for rigorous academics, global studies, environmental science, and language programs, attracting students from across the U.S. and around the world.

Located in Chittenden County, Essex Junction is a vibrant community in Vermont known for its quality educational institutions. The town is home to some excellent public and private high schools that focus on academic success, well-rounded student development, and preparation for college and careers.

Top Public High Schools In Essex Junction, VT

• Essex High School – The largest public high school in the region, Essex High offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses, robust arts and athletics programs, and several dual enrollment options.
• Champlain Valley Union High School (CVU) – Located nearby in Hinesburg, CVU serves Essex Junction students and is known for its innovative learning models, strong STEM programs, and student-centered approach.
• South Burlington High School – While technically outside of Essex Junction, many families consider this a top neighboring school. It features strong academics, a caring faculty, and many extracurricular options.
• Colchester High School – Another nearby option with a reputation for academic rigor, community engagement, and strong support services for students.
• Burlington High School – Serving a diverse student body, Burlington High offers international programs, early college options, and a focus on equity and inclusion.

Top Private High Schools In Essex Junction, VT

• Rice Memorial High School, South Burlington – Just minutes from Essex Junction, Rice Memorial offers a Catholic college preparatory curriculum, small class sizes, and a caring community environment.
• Rock Point School, Burlington – A small, independent high school that provides a structured, therapeutic learning environment for students needing more personalized attention.
• The Schoolhouse Learning Center – While more well known for younger ages, this progressive school offers a unique high school experience focused on experiential learning and student agency.
• Vermont Commons School, South Burlington – Known for strong STEM and humanities instruction, Vermont Commons provides global learning opportunities and brings students into nature and the world beyond the classroom.
• Mount Mansfield Union High School (MMU) – Though technically a public school, MMU offers some private-school-level programming due to its location and access to strong community partnerships. It serves a portion of the Essex Junction population.

Essex Junction, Vermont is a charming small town known for its close-knit community and scenic beauty. While it doesn't host any major league professional sports teams like larger metropolitan areas, it is home to passionate sports fans and offers access to regional minor league and collegiate sports. The local sports culture focuses on community engagement, youth development, and supporting nearby Vermont-based teams.

🏒 Hockey – Vermont Lumberjacks (EHL)

• Vermont Lumberjacks – Based near Essex Junction, the Vermont Lumberjacks play in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), a junior league focused on developing young talent for college and beyond. They play their home games in the nearby city of Burlington and regularly draw fans from across Chittenden County. The team's high-energy games and community outreach have made them a local favorite.

🏀 Basketball – University of Vermont Catamounts (NCAA Division I)

• UVM Catamounts Men’s Basketball – While not located directly in Essex Junction, this Division I college program in nearby Burlington is incredibly popular with Essex residents. The Catamounts have made several NCAA Tournament appearances and are known for their competitive spirit. Fans in the Essex Junction area often pack the Patrick Gymnasium to cheer them on.

⚾ Baseball – Vermont Lake Monsters (Futures Collegiate Baseball League)

• Vermont Lake Monsters – Formerly a Minor League affiliate, the Lake Monsters are now part of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL). Playing out of historic Centennial Field in Burlington, just a short drive from Essex Junction, this team offers exciting summer baseball and family-friendly events. Local support has kept the team thriving through league changes.

⚽ Soccer – Vermont Green FC (USL League Two)

• Vermont Green FC – Founded in 2021, Vermont Green FC plays in USL League Two, a pre-professional soccer league. The team plays at Virtue Field on the University of Vermont campus and promotes environmental sustainability alongside competitive play. The club has quickly built a loyal, passionate fan base in the Essex Junction area and beyond.

🏈 Football – Limited Local Presence

• Essex Junction doesn’t have a professional football team, but the town’s high school and recreational leagues are robust and well-supported. Many locals are fans of nearby NFL teams like the New England Patriots, and community watch parties are common during the fall season.

While Essex Junction may not have its own big-league teams, the town's love for sports runs deep. From cheering on local hockey teams to supporting college athletes, residents here embrace their regional teams with pride and passion.

Essex Junction, Vermont, may be small in size, but it packs a lot of charm and history. Nestled in Chittenden County, this village is full of surprises and local character. Here are ten fun facts that help paint a picture of Essex Junction:

1. Once Known as Painesville – Before it was called Essex Junction, the area was originally known as Painesville.
2. The Train Connection – Essex Junction is one of the busiest rail hubs in Vermont and has roots as an important railroad junction in the 1800s.
3. Tiny but Mighty – With just under 11,000 residents, it’s one of the most densely populated villages in the state.
4. Champlain Valley Fair – Essex Junction hosts Vermont’s largest fair, the Champlain Valley Fair, drawing over 100,000 visitors every year.
5. Technology Hub – IBM (now onsemi) built one of the largest chip-making plants in the region right here, helping drive tech innovation in Vermont.
6. The Train Still Stops – Despite many small towns losing passenger rail service, Essex Junction still has an Amtrak station served daily.
7. No Longer a Village – In 2022, Essex Junction officially became a city, separating from the Town of Essex after years of planning.
8. Parks Galore – The city offers more than 15 public parks and recreational areas for hiking, sports, and fun all year round.
9. STEM Education is Big – Essex High School is known across Vermont for its strong focus on science and engineering programs.
10. Fall Foliage Magic – In autumn, the city comes alive with vibrant foliage, drawing photographers and nature lovers from all over.