Moving to or from Burlington?
Vermont's largest city sits on Lake Champlain's eastern shore, where Church Street's brick pedestrian mall, UVM's campus, and Adirondack sunsets define a small city that punches far above its weight.
- 45,000 City population
- 225,000 Metro area
- 1763 Founded
- Northwest Vermont Region
Why people move to Burlington.
- Church Street Marketplace — a four-block pedestrian-only brick street lined with shops, cafes, and street musicians
- University of Vermont and Champlain College, which together define the city's demographics and calendar
- Lake Champlain — ferries to New York, sunset sails, and summer waterfront that rivals any inland city
- Ben & Jerry's origin story and the craft-food movement that followed (Switchback, Heady Topper, skinny pancake)
- The first US city to run on 100% renewable electricity
- Bernie Sanders served as mayor here from 1981 to 1989 before his Senate career
Burlington was the first city in the United States to run entirely on renewable energy, hitting 100% in 2014 through a mix of hydro, wind, biomass, and solar. It's also the hometown of Ben & Jerry's — the original scoop shop opened in a renovated gas station in 1978 just a few blocks off Church Street.
Where people live in Burlington.
A quick guide to Burlington's most moved-to neighborhoods.
-
The Hill
Near UVM hospital; mix of student rentals and medical-professional housing
-
Old North End
Historic, diverse, artistic neighborhood with the New North End's most urban feel
-
South End
Arts and industrial district turned maker-space hub; converted warehouses and studios
-
New North End
Residential, family-oriented; single-family homes and lake views
-
Downtown / Church Street
Condos above shops; walkable to everything including the lake
-
Five Sisters
Quiet residential streets near Oakledge Park; tree-lined and family-friendly
Where people spend their time in Burlington.
- Church Street Marketplace Downtown
- ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Waterfront
- Lake Champlain Waterfront & Bike Path Waterfront
- UVM Fleming Museum of Art The Hill
- Oakledge Park South End
- Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour (nearby Waterbury) Waterbury
Planning a Burlington move.
- Winters are long, cold, and snowy — November through April — and access to some older neighborhoods involves steep, narrow streets; confirm mover truck access before moving day
- Vermont's Act 250 and strict development rules have kept housing supply tight; expect competitive pricing and small inventory year-round
- Vehicle registration requires an in-person DMV visit; bring title, proof of insurance, and sales tax payment within 60 days
- Property taxes are high relative to home values — municipal and statewide education taxes stack together and can surprise new arrivals
Moving in Burlington: FAQ.
How hard is winter in Burlington for a mover?
Mid-November through early April involves real snow, icy driveways, and cold-weather furniture risks (leather and wood don't love sub-zero swings). Reputable Burlington movers winterize their trucks and wrap sensitive items in extra padding, but expect longer load times and build a buffer day into your schedule.
Is Burlington a good place to move without a car?
In the downtown/UVM/waterfront corridor, yes — Church Street, the hospital, the university, and the lake are all walkable or bikeable. Outside that core, Vermont is rural, and a car becomes essential, especially for winter grocery runs and weekend travel.
Do I need special insurance for things like skis, kayaks, and bikes during a move?
Standard valuation coverage is limited. For high-value sporting gear, ask your mover about Full Value Protection and itemize anything over $500. Many Burlington households also add a personal-articles rider to their homeowner's or renters' policy for outdoor equipment.
How soon do I need to register my car and get a Vermont license after moving?
60 days for vehicle registration and 60 days for your driver's license. You'll owe Vermont sales tax (minus any already paid to another state) and a title transfer fee. The DMV in Montpelier and South Burlington both handle this; book an appointment ahead — walk-in waits can be long.
Let's find the right mover for your Burlington move.
Free advice from people who know the Burlington market. No obligation, no spam, no sales pressure.
Replies within 1 hour during business hours, 9am to 5pm ET, Mon-Fri.