Moving to or from Essex?
Burlington's largest suburb and Vermont's second-largest municipality — home to GlobalFoundries (formerly IBM Burlington), the Essex Experience mixed-use center, and the rural-meets-suburban character of Chittenden County.
- 22,000 City population
- 225,000 Metro area
- 1763 Founded
- Chittenden County / Northwest Vermont Region
Why people move to Essex.
- Being Vermont's second-largest municipality by population
- GlobalFoundries Vermont (formerly IBM Burlington) — the state's largest industrial employer
- The Essex Experience — a large mixed-use shopping and entertainment center
- The Essex Culinary Resort and Spa — home to the New England Culinary Institute (historic)
- Indian Brook Reservoir and scenic Essex Junction center
- Essex Junction is a separate incorporated village within Essex
Essex is home to GlobalFoundries' Vermont fab — formerly known as 'IBM Burlington,' the semiconductor plant has been Vermont's largest industrial employer for decades. IBM sold the Vermont operation to GlobalFoundries in 2015, and the plant still produces specialty chips for automotive, defense, and telecommunications applications. A significant share of professional jobs in the Burlington metro tie back to this single facility.
Where people live in Essex.
A quick guide to Essex's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Essex Junction
Historic incorporated village within Essex with own downtown and train station
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Essex Center
Original town center with older homes and rural feel
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North Essex
Mix of rural and suburban homes with larger lots
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Suzie Wilson Road area
Upscale residential with newer construction
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Woodside
Established family neighborhood
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Westford / Jericho
Neighboring rural towns with land and farm properties
Where people spend their time in Essex.
- The Essex Experience Essex Junction
- Indian Brook Reservoir Essex Center
- Champlain Valley Exposition Essex Junction
- Essex Junction train station (Amtrak) Essex Junction
- Essex Free Library Essex Center
- GlobalFoundries Vermont (industrial landmark) Essex Junction
Planning a Essex move.
- Vermont winters are long and severe; plan moves outside December-March if possible
- GlobalFoundries shift schedules affect housing demand cycles; understand employer proximity when buying
- Amtrak's Vermonter line stops at Essex Junction with daily service to Washington DC and New York
- Chittenden County housing is tight year-round; Act 250 development rules constrain new construction
Moving in Essex: FAQ.
Is Essex just a Burlington suburb?
Functionally yes — most Essex residents work in Chittenden County (Burlington, South Burlington, Essex itself via GlobalFoundries). Essex has its own town government and Essex Junction has its own separate village government. The character is more suburban than Burlington proper, with lower density, more parking, and lower housing costs.
What's Essex Junction vs Essex?
Technically Essex Junction is an incorporated village within the Town of Essex — a municipal arrangement unique to Vermont. For day-to-day purposes, both share services and schools, but Essex Junction has its own village meeting and some separate administration. Amtrak's Vermonter train stops at Essex Junction, not elsewhere in Essex.
Is GlobalFoundries stable?
Reasonably. The Vermont fab has operated continuously since 1957 (as IBM Burlington) and employs roughly 2,000 workers. GlobalFoundries has invested in modernization since its 2015 acquisition, and specialty chips for defense and automotive applications provide stable demand. Long-term outlook depends on semiconductor industry trends, but the plant has outlasted many predictions of closure.
How bad are Essex winters?
Severe. Northern Vermont winters bring 80-100+ inches of snow, sub-zero windchills, and long duration (November-early April). Moving during December-February requires weather flexibility, winter-rated equipment, and extra padding for cold-sensitive items. Most Essex movers are experienced with winter logistics but build buffer days into contracts.
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