Photo of Montpelier, VT
( 9 Ratings )

Living in Montpelier, VT

Montpelier Area Facts

  • Montpelier has a Livability Score of 83/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Montpelier crime rates are 9% higher than the Vermont average
  • Cost of living in Montpelier is 5% higher than the Vermont average
Area Score
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Montpelier Reviews

Write a review about Montpelier Tell people what you like or don't like about Montpelier…
There are better places in Vermont User Rating 1.5 rating By Madeline_VT ( May 29, 2017) For a state capital this town sure is lacking - in many areas. First, the roads here are total garbage. If you drive a car (which you will likely need living in rural VT), be prepared to succumb to costly car repairs season after season. Not only are there enormous potholes on AL ...Read More L of the streets, the streets themselves are narrow with cars parked mostly in the line of traffic making it nearly impossible to get where you wanna go at times. And be on the lookout for pedestrians because they walk right out in front of traffic without bothering to look!! Winter makes this even more challenging because the plows seem to be nonexistent as well. In terms of housing be prepared to pay way over market rate for a rundown apartment with little to no amenities. If you're looking to buy be prepared to spend $$$! Taxes are high too. That's most all of Vermont though. There is a nice sense of community - small town everyone knows everyone - with a handful of summer events and farmer's markets to keep you entertained mostly during the days. Not much of a nightlife. Restaurants are ok -- unfortunately nothing mind-blowing, but a couple of farm-to-table options and whatnot. If you have a family the public schools are safe and quite good. If you need childcare for infant-preschool there are literally 3 options and you will likely be put on a waitlist and spend at least $275/week per child. The economy is mostly State jobs, healthcare, some non-profits, and restaurant/retail. There is an aging population here, so great for retirees who don't mind Vermont's insane weather. Oh yeah, the weather here is strange since the town sits in a bowl of mountains. Feels like the sun NEVER comes out even on days when you know it's there. Lot's of rain and snow all year, and cool short summer nights. Do not recommend for anyone with seasonal mood disorders. Vermont can be a lovely place to visit and if you are someone with unlimited finances it can also be a great place to live. It's a State for the wealthy with an ever-growing below poverty population. Makes no sense. Burlington is a better option if you're hoping to move to VT. If you are a young family looking, I'd look elsewhere as you'll struggle financially, professionally (jobs are very competitive) and culturally as there is not a lot going on. If you are single, you'll likely be disappointed in the lack of nightlife and limited dating options. Read Less
Good Times In Montpelier, VT User Rating 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( May 25, 2010) Since Vermont is one of the least populated states in the USA, I didn't expect to find an urban metropolis full of high rises and skyscrapers on my first visit to Montpelier. However, I was lucky to enjoy some good restaurants, see some great attractions and to receive some great ...Read More hospitality at my friend's house along College Street, between Vermont College and New England Culinary Institute.

I basically stayed within walking distance from downtown Montpelier. Although I didn't have high expectations from Vermont's capital city with a population of less than 10,000 people, I enjoyed local history, food, entertainment, and culture.

I walked along Main Street and State Street, which are the major streets the form downtown Montpelier. The entire area is only a few blocks, so there is no need for public transportation or driving. Full of quaint shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, theaters, and municipal buildings, the city reminded me of a typical good old fashioned American small town city. Downtown Montpelier is dominated by rather standard 2-3 story brick buildings with late 19th century and early 20th century architecture. However, The State House's Greek Revival architecture particularly caught my eye.

I absorbed some local culture in Montpelier by enjoying a play at the Lost Nation Theater and catching a movie at the Capitol Theatre, which is an old fashioned movie palace. The dining options seemed endless, as there is something on every corner. I enjoyed good dinner at the J Morgan's Steakhouse, which is right across the movie theater. Being a history buff, I had to visit the Vermont History Museum which features artifacts and visual exhibitions. Read Less
Show All Reviews

How Do You Rate The Livability In Montpelier?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Montpelier, VT Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Montpelier? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Mill Pond Park
      Hubbard Park
      Montpelier Historic District
      Union Elementary Playground
      Union Elementary Playground
      Blanchard Park
      Turntable Park
      Montpelier Recreation Field

      Entertainment

      Hubbard Tower
      Capitol Theatre
      Vermont Historical Society Museum and Pavilion
      T.W. Wood Gallery & Arts Center
      Wood Art Gallery
      Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
      Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center
      Twin City family Fun Center

      Food & Drink

      Uncommon Market
      Yankee Wine & Spirits
      Three Penny Taproom
      Langdon Street Tavern
      Pinkys on State
      Charlie O's
      Domino's
      Dunkin'

      D Commute

      Is public transit available in Montpelier? Of all people who commute, 3.1% take public transportation in Montpelier.
      Drive to Work
      63%

      13% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      3%

      2% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      14%

      11% higher than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Montpelier a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Pharmacies

      Keene Medical Products
      Walgreens

      Doctors

      Lynch Family Chiropractic LLC
      Tree of Life Medicine: Archdeacon Gabriel ND