Essex VT

Essex, Vermont – A charming New England town where natural beauty meets small-town warmth. Nestled just outside of Burlington, Essex offers a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere filled with scenic views, local shops, and friendly faces. Whether you're savoring farm-fresh food, enjoying the changing seasons, or exploring nearby trails and parks, Essex invites you to slow down and take it all in.

• Population: ~22,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; snowy winters, mild springs, warm summers (60-80°F), and colorful autumns.
• Places To Visit: The Essex Experience, Indian Brook Park, Maple Street Park, and Catamount Outdoor Family Center.
• Top Activities: Hiking and biking, visiting local farmers markets, skiing at nearby resorts, enjoying live music events, apple picking in the fall.
• Famous Food: Wood-fired pizza at Piecasso, maple creemees, craft beer at local breweries, and fresh Vermont cheese.

Essex, Vermont is a growing community in Chittenden County that offers a variety of career opportunities, thanks to its proximity to Burlington and a strong local economy. Industries like manufacturing, education, healthcare, and technology drive job growth in the area. Below are the top careers in Essex, VT with strong employment prospects and competitive pay.

Top 5 Jobs in Essex, Vermont

Essex, Vermont, might be a small town, but it's filled with charming spots where students can unwind, enjoy themselves, and take a break from the rigors of academic life. Whether you're into nature, local food, or a bit of community fun, Essex has something to offer for every student.

Indian Brook Park – This beautiful park offers scenic trails, a reservoir for kayaking, and places to picnic. It's perfect for students who love nature and enjoy a quiet spot to relax or study.

Essex Shoppes & Cinema – With a variety of shops, a cinema, and dining options, this is the perfect place for students to hang out, catch a movie, and indulge in some retail therapy.

Burlington Bikes & Brew Tours – Just a short ride from Essex, these tours offer a fun way to explore local breweries. It's a unique experience for those of legal drinking age, combining biking with sampling craft beers.

Cooper’s Meadow – A hidden gem for those who love tranquility. It's a lovely spot to take a walk, watch the sunset, or just enjoy the natural surroundings.

Maple Street Park and Pool – This community spot features a pool, sports fields, and open spaces to relax or play games with friends. It's a great spot for leisurely afternoons.

Brio Coffeeworks – For coffee-loving students, this is the place to be. They offer a cozy atmosphere, excellent coffee, and free Wi-Fi, making it a go-to study spot.

Essex might not be a bustling metropolis, but it offers charming escapes and fun activities for students looking to mix some relaxation with their academic routines.

Essex, Vermont, may be a small town, but it is surrounded by top-notch educational institutions that deliver high-quality programs in engineering, liberal arts, cybersecurity, and the sciences. Located close to the vibrant Burlington area, students in Essex benefit from access to leading colleges and universities with strong academic reputations and excellent career opportunities.

Top Public Colleges & Universities near Essex, VT

University of Vermont (UVM) – Located in nearby Burlington, UVM is the state’s flagship public university. It is nationally recognized for programs in environmental science, healthcare, business, and engineering. UVM also offers hands-on research opportunities and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Vermont Technical College (VTC) – A part of the Vermont State Colleges System, VTC has a campus nearby and offers degrees in engineering technology, nursing, computer science, and renewable energy. The college is known for producing graduates with strong technical skills and job readiness.

Community College of Vermont (CCV) – Winooski Campus – Just a short drive from Essex, CCV's Winooski campus provides accessible associate degree and certificate programs. It is ideal for students preparing to transfer to four-year universities or seeking career-focused training.

Northern Vermont University (NVU) – With campuses in Johnson and Lyndon, NVU is part of the Vermont State Colleges and offers bachelor's and master’s degrees in arts and sciences, business, education, and more. Its Johnson campus is just over an hour from Essex.

Castleton University – Another member of the Vermont State Colleges System, Castleton offers over 75 academic programs. Known for its supportive community and strong teacher education and sports management programs, Castleton consistently earns positive rankings for value and student outcomes.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Essex, VT

Champlain College – Located in Burlington, Champlain is known for its innovative programs in cybersecurity, game design, filmmaking, and business. With its career-focused curriculum and strong emphasis on real-world experience, Champlain attracts students nationwide.

Saint Michael’s College – Situated just outside Essex in Colchester, this liberal arts college offers programs in psychology, biology, education, and media studies. Known for its close-knit campus and service-learning opportunities, Saint Michael’s is a respected Catholic institution with a global outlook.

Middlebury College – Although located about an hour and a half from Essex, Middlebury is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. It is known for excellence in international studies, languages, and environmental science, and offers a rigorous academic experience in a scenic Vermont setting.

Northeastern University – Roux Institute at Portland (Remote Access) – With some online offerings accessible to Vermont students, this advanced institute offers graduate programs in AI, data science, and computer engineering, complementing the tech-focused career demands in the Essex area.

Bennington College – Located in southern Vermont, Bennington is known for its unique academic model and creative arts programs. Students work closely with faculty to design individualized learning paths, making this college a creative haven for independent thinkers.

Essex, Vermont offers a close-knit community and strong educational opportunities. Though smaller than major cities, the area provides access to a number of high-performing high schools that prepare students for college, careers, and life. Both public and private options promote academic growth, extracurricular engagement, and personal development.

Top Public High Schools In Essex, Vermont

• Essex High School – The largest high school in the area, known for its excellent STEM programs, AP courses, and a strong performing arts department.
• South Burlington High School – Just a short drive from Essex, this school is recognized for academic achievement and strong athletic programs.
• Mount Mansfield Union High School – Located in nearby Jericho, this school offers a challenging curriculum and acclaimed fine arts education.
• Colchester High School – Offers dedicated student support, a variety of extracurriculars, and career and technical education tracks.
• Burlington High School – A diverse learning environment focused on innovation, college readiness, and global citizenship.

Top Private High Schools In Essex, Vermont

• Rice Memorial High School, South Burlington – A Catholic co-ed school known for academic rigor, strong moral instruction, and college preparation.
• Rock Point School, Burlington – A small, supportive boarding and day school focusing on personalized education and creative expression.
• The Schoolhouse Learning Center, South Burlington – Offers a unique and hands-on approach to learning in a small community-focused setting.
• Vermont Commons School, South Burlington – Emphasizes global learning, adventure education, and environmental stewardship in a close-knit academic community.
• Mater Christi School, Burlington – This independent Catholic school offers grades PreK–8, and often serves as a pathway to top private high schools like Rice Memorial.

Essex, Vermont is a beautiful town known for its scenic landscape and vibrant community. While Essex itself does not host any professional sports teams, Vermont does have a few teams that bring energy and excitement to sports lovers throughout the state.

🏒 Hockey – Vermont Lumberjacks (EHL)

• Vermont Lumberjacks – Based in the Essex area, the Lumberjacks are a junior ice hockey team playing in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL). They offer young athletes a chance to develop their skills and move on to higher levels, including college and pro hockey. Their games are a popular local attraction, providing a fun, family-friendly environment.

⚽ Soccer – Vermont Green FC (USL League Two)

• Vermont Green FC – While based in nearby Burlington, this semi-professional soccer team competes in USL League Two. The team was founded in 2021 and has quickly gained a loyal fan base. The club also places a strong focus on environmental and social sustainability, making it a unique presence in American soccer.

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

• Vermont Lake Monsters – Located in Burlington, just a short drive from Essex, the Lake Monsters have a rich history in minor league baseball. They currently play in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL), providing entertaining games during the summer months. The team’s mascot, “Champ,” is a local favorite among kids and families.

Although Essex, VT does not have major professional sports franchises like larger cities, its local and regional teams bring fans together and create a strong sense of community. Whether it’s hockey, soccer, or baseball, residents of Essex and the surrounding area enjoy cheering on their home teams year-round.

Essex, Vermont is a charming New England town full of small-town warmth, beautiful scenery, and unexpected tidbits. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, here are ten fun facts about Essex that might surprise you:

1. Biggest Town in Vermont – Essex is not a city, but it's actually the largest town by population in all of Vermont!
2. Twin Communities – Essex includes two distinct centers: Essex Junction and Essex Town. They even had separate governments until recently.
3. Amtrak Stops Here – Essex Junction is the only Amtrak stop in the entire state of Vermont currently served by the "Vermonter" line.
4. Tech Hub of Chittenden County – Essex is home to GlobalFoundries, one of the region’s largest employers, known for manufacturing computer chips.
5. Covered Bridges Ahead – You can still find historic covered bridges within or near Essex, perfect for that classic Vermont photo.
6. A Community of Trails – The Essex area has dozens of parks and miles of walking trails that wind through forests, neighborhoods, and rivers.
7. Festival Central – Every year, Essex hosts fun local events like Essex Days, celebrating community with food trucks, music, and parades.
8. Historic Schoolhouse – The town’s first school was built in the early 1800s. Today, Essex is part of one of the most respected school districts in Vermont.
9. From Rails to Trails – Parts of old railroad tracks through Essex have been transformed into recreational paths for biking and walking.
10. Snowy Wonderland – In winter, Essex turns into a snow lover's paradise, perfect for cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowy hikes right in your backyard!