Moving to or from Colchester?
Burlington's northern neighbor on Lake Champlain — with the largest Lake Champlain shoreline of any Chittenden County town, Saint Michael's College, and the causeway bike trail connecting to South Hero on the Champlain Islands.
- 17,000 City population
- 225,000 Metro area
- 1763 Founded
- Chittenden County / Northwest Vermont Region
Why people move to Colchester.
- Having the longest Lake Champlain shoreline of any Chittenden County town
- Saint Michael's College — a Catholic liberal arts college with growing enrollment
- The Colchester Causeway bike trail extending into Lake Champlain
- Niquette Bay State Park and Colchester Pond recreation
- Being Burlington metro's quieter northern alternative with rural feel
- Malletts Bay — a Lake Champlain inlet with year-round waterfront community
The Colchester Causeway — a 3.2-mile rail bridge-turned-bike-trail — extends from Colchester into Lake Champlain and connects to South Hero on the Champlain Islands via a seasonal ferry. It's one of the most dramatic bike experiences in New England: you pedal directly across open lake water on a narrow causeway with Lake Champlain stretching to both horizons. The ferry at the gap is a tiny pedestrian/bike boat that operates on demand in summer.
Where people live in Colchester.
A quick guide to Colchester's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Fort Ethan Allen
Historic former military base converted to residential and mixed-use
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Colchester Village / Center
Town center with older homes and community feel
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Malletts Bay
Waterfront neighborhood on Lake Champlain with marinas and lakefront homes
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Saint Michael's College area
Near campus with mix of student and faculty housing
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Champlain Heights
Residential area with lake views
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Mallets Creek
Newer subdivisions with family-oriented layouts
Where people spend their time in Colchester.
- Colchester Causeway Bike Trail West Colchester
- Niquette Bay State Park North Colchester
- Malletts Bay West Colchester
- Fort Ethan Allen historic district South Colchester
- Saint Michael's College campus Central Colchester
- Colchester Pond East Colchester
Planning a Colchester move.
- Vermont winters are severe; plan moves outside December-March if possible
- Lake Champlain shoreline properties have flood and erosion risks; research before buying waterfront
- Saint Michael's College calendar drives modest rental spikes in August-September and May
- Chittenden County housing is tight; Colchester offers slightly more affordable alternatives to Burlington
Moving in Colchester: FAQ.
Is Colchester a good Burlington alternative?
For those wanting more rural character and lake access, yes. Colchester is about 15-20 minutes north of downtown Burlington by car and offers significantly more lakefront, more large lots, and typically more affordable housing than Burlington proper. The trade-off is fewer walkable amenities and a more car-dependent lifestyle.
What's Saint Michael's College?
A Catholic liberal arts college in Colchester with about 1,500 undergraduates. St. Mike's has a strong reputation in New England for its rigorous academics and strong alumni network. The college employs many Colchester and Chittenden County professionals and shapes the community's cultural calendar.
Is lakefront property on Malletts Bay a good investment?
Depends on specific location. Malletts Bay is a desirable inlet of Lake Champlain with summer and year-round homes. Prices have appreciated. Flood risk and water-quality issues (algal blooms in late summer) are concerns to research. Full-time residents should verify road access, year-round services, and the condition of any waterfront infrastructure.
What's the Colchester Causeway bike trail like?
One of the most distinctive bike experiences in New England. The 3.2-mile causeway extends into Lake Champlain on the former Rutland Railroad bed. A small pedestrian/bike ferry (the Local Motion Bike Ferry) operates in summer to bridge a gap in the causeway, connecting to South Hero Island. The trail continues around the Champlain Islands. On clear days, Adirondack views are dramatic.
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