Vermont (VT)

Known for its picturesque landscapes and charming small towns, Vermont is a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. With stunning fall foliage, snowy winters perfect for skiing, and a strong farm-to-table food culture, this New England gem offers a peaceful and inviting atmosphere year-round.

• Population: ~650,000
• Weather: Cold, snowy winters (10-30°F); warm summers (60-80°F).
• Famous Sites: Green Mountain National Forest, Ben & Jerry's Factory, Lake Champlain, Shelburne Museum, Montpelier.
• Top Activities: Skiing, hiking, maple sugaring, leaf peeping, cheese tasting, exploring historic towns.

Vermont's job market is thriving, with strong opportunities in healthcare, technology, education, and skilled trades. These industries offer stable careers with competitive salaries. Here are the top five in-demand jobs in Vermont based on earnings and job openings. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Vermont is known for its charming towns and significant student communities. Many of Vermont's largest cities host colleges and universities that greatly influence local populations. The following table offers details on Vermont's 10 largest cities, showing approximate city populations and student enrollments.

Vermont is home to top public and private colleges and universities, providing quality education in fields like business, healthcare, environmental studies, and liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Vermont

• University of Vermont (UVM) – The state's flagship university, known for strong business, healthcare, and environmental science programs.
• Vermont State University (VTSU) – Formed by the consolidation of several state colleges, offering a range of programs in education, business, and the sciences.
• Community College of Vermont (CCV) – Provides accessible education with flexible programs in business, healthcare, and technology.
• Vermont Technical College – Specializes in engineering, technology, and applied sciences, preparing students for high-demand careers.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Vermont

• Middlebury College – A prestigious liberal arts college known for its global studies, environmental programs, and language programs.
• Saint Michael's College – A Catholic liberal arts college offering strong programs in business, education, and the humanities.
• Bennington College – Known for its student-directed learning approach and strengths in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
• Norwich University – The oldest private military college in the U.S., excelling in cybersecurity, engineering, and leadership programs.
• Champlain College – A career-focused institution recognized for its strong business, technology, and game design programs.

Vermont offers a range of top-quality public and private high schools that focus on academic excellence, student development, and college readiness. These schools provide a well-rounded education that helps students succeed in their future careers and higher education.

Top Public High Schools in Vermont

• South Burlington High School, South Burlington – Known for its strong academics, diverse extracurricular activities, and student engagement programs.
• Champlain Valley Union High School, Hinesburg – A top-ranked school offering advanced placement courses and excellent STEM programs.
• Montpelier High School, Montpelier – Recognized for its focus on academic achievement and student leadership opportunities.
• Stowe High School, Stowe – Offers small class sizes, a dedicated faculty, and strong arts and athletics programs.
• Harwood Union High School, Moretown – Known for its commitment to academic excellence and community involvement.

Top Private High Schools in Vermont

• The Putney School, Putney – A progressive private school that emphasizes hands-on learning and environmental sustainability.
• Burr and Burton Academy, Manchester – Provides a strong college preparatory curriculum and a diverse selection of extracurricular activities.
• Vermont Academy, Saxtons River – A highly respected school offering personalized education and strong athletic programs.
• St. Johnsbury Academy, St. Johnsbury – Known for its rigorous academics, vibrant arts scene, and strong college placement programs.
• Windham Woods School, Windham – Focuses on helping students with learning differences through a supportive and individualized approach.

Vermont does not have any major league professional sports teams (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL). However, the state has a deep appreciation for sports, particularly at the collegiate and minor league levels. The University of Vermont Catamounts have a passionate following, especially in ice hockey and basketball.

Though Vermont lacks an NHL, NBA, NFL, or MLB team, it is home to a dedicated minor league sports scene. These teams bring exciting action to local fans while developing future professional athletes.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Vermont

Baseball 🏟️

• Vermont Lake Monsters (Futures Collegiate Baseball League) – A summer collegiate baseball team based in Burlington, formerly a minor league affiliate of MLB teams.

Hockey 🏒

• Vermont Lumberjacks (Eastern Hockey League) – A junior hockey team that develops young talent for college and professional play.
• Southern Vermont Storm (Independent) – A semi-pro team providing competitive hockey opportunities in the region.

Soccer ⚽

• Vermont Green FC (USL League Two) – A pre-professional soccer team with a focus on sustainability and community engagement.

Vermont's sports culture may not include major league teams, but its minor league and collegiate programs provide an exciting and competitive atmosphere for sports fans across the state.

1. First State to Abolish Slavery ✊ – Vermont was the first state to outlaw slavery in its constitution in 1777, setting a precedent for the rest of the country.
2. Only State Without a McDonald's 🍔 – At one time, Vermont was the only state without a McDonald's, but today, there are a few Golden Arches locations in the state.
3. Home of Ben & Jerry’s 🍦 – Vermont is the birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, founded in Burlington in 1978, and you can even take a tour of their factory in Waterbury.
4. Maple Syrup Capital 🍁 – Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other state in the U.S., with over 2.5 million gallons made each year.
5. Smallest State Capital by Population 🏛️ – Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, is the least populated state capital in the U.S., with only around 8,000 residents.
6. No Billboards Allowed 🚗 – Vermont is one of only four states in the U.S. that have banned billboards, keeping its scenic views pristine.
7. Birthplace of Two U.S. Presidents 🇺🇸 – Vermont was the birthplace of Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Chester A. Arthur.
8. Largest Producer of Marble in the U.S. 🏗️ – Vermont is famous for its high-quality marble, and its quarries have supplied materials for buildings around the country.
9. Known for Covered Bridges 🌉 – The state has over 100 covered bridges, some dating back to the 19th century, making it one of the highest concentrations in the U.S.
10. World’s Tallest File Cabinet 🗂️ – In Burlington, you can find a quirky 38-foot-tall file cabinet sculpture, a unique and fun roadside attraction.