The Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Chittenden County, Vermont
Welcome to Vermont! Are you searching for a vibrant community where you can walk to your favorite coffee shop, take a stroll through your local park, and be right in the center of exciting local events? Look no further. Chittenden County is home to some of the most walkable neighborhoods in Vermont. In this blog, you'll discover the methodology behind the scoring of each neighborhood, the surprising benefits to your health, environment, and finances, and my top 10 picks from the towns of South Burlington, Essex, and beyond.
Methodology
When evaluating the walkability of neighborhoods, I scored each one based on key features, including access and safety. Points were awarded based on the proximity of essential amenities within a 20-minute walk. If a category was less than a 10-minute walk away, it received double points. The categories included grocery stores, coffee shops, bakeries, playgrounds or parks, schools, libraries, restaurants, health or beauty centers, main road or highway access, and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. The maximum score a neighborhood could achieve was 200 points. Keep in mind, this is subjective information based on my 40-plus years of experience living in Chittenden County.
Neighborhood Profiles
South Burlington: City Center and Dorset Street Neighborhood
Located off Route 116 and parallel to Dorset Street, this neighborhood is the largest, fewest side street neighborhood closest to the main hub of South Burlington. Key streets include Ivy Barrett, Simpson, Sunset, Birch, and O'Brien. This neighborhood is ideal for those who want to walk or bike, offering proximity to schools, the town library, Market Street, and City Center Park. Highlights include green spaces and urban amenities, University Mall, and several plazas. The total score of this neighborhood is 170 points.
Essex Junction: Five Corners Area
Nestled between Route 15 and 117, this charming neighborhood provides immediate access to Essex Town as well as Williston. Key streets include East Street, Arlington, Pleasant, Lamoille, and Church. At the heart of Essex Junction, Five Corners is a hub of activity with Maple Street Park and Pool, coffee shops like Nomad and The Nest, and restaurants like Firebird Cafe. The total score here is 160 points.
Burlington: South End (Flynn Avenue)
Directly off Route 7 with the best access to Interstate 89 South, this area is in Burlington's South End Arts District. Key streets are Ferguson, Richardson, Wells, Morse Place, Flynn, and Home Avenue. The South End is vibrant with local businesses and parks like City Market, Howard Center, and Oakledge Park. It's perfect for those who enjoy a mix of urban and natural settings. Total score is 130 points.
Winooski: East Side
Situated directly off Interstate exit 15, key streets include Hood, Whitney, Manso, Corin, Bruce, Dion, and Hawthorne. Highlights here are Richards Park and Gilbrook Nature Preserve. The local farmers market and numerous shops and eateries add to the vibrant community feel. The total score for this neighborhood is 180 points.
Essex: Lang Farm
Directly off exit 10 on the 289, this neighborhood connects to other large neighborhoods through bike and walking paths. Key streets include Lida, Hagan, Lang, and Sydney. Combining nature and convenience, this area offers access to bike trails, a resort, a golf course, and a movie theater. Despite being on the pricier side, its amenities make it a top pick. Total score is 130 points.
Williston: Finney Crossing Development
This newest development between Route 2 and Route 2A continues to grow and expand. Key streets include Zephyr Road, Holland Lane, Midstone Lane, and Talcott Road. This close-knit community features a clubhouse, community pool, and tennis courts. Local food choices and grocery options add to its suburban comfort. The total score here is 170 points.
South Burlington: Laurel Hill
Directly off I-89 and exit 13, this neighborhood has access to Burlington South End and Shelburne Road. Key streets include Laurel Drive, McIntosh Avenue, Andrews Avenue, and Imperial Drive. Highly desirable for its bikeability and safety, it also offers proximity to Orchard Elementary School and several parks. The total score for this neighborhood is 170 points.
Colchester: Village Drive
Located in the heart of Colchester Village, key streets include Village Drive, Lindale, and Heritage Lane. Highlights include Heritage Park, Burnham Library, and Colchester Town Meeting Hall. This neighborhood is a bit more convenient than Mallets Bay. The total score here is 160 points.
Essex: Pearl Street Park and Champlain Expo Area
Located off Route 15, Pearl Street, this neighborhood is close to Winooski, Burlington, and Interstate 89. Key streets include Warner, Rotunda, Edgewood, Villa, and Main. Highlights are the fairgrounds and Expo, with events throughout the year. This area is perfect for those who enjoy quiet side streets and community events. Total score is 170 points.
Milton: Lamoille Trail Loop
Situated off Route 7 in the hub of Milton, this area offers convenience to town and quick access to Interstate 89. Key streets include Strawberry Lane and Stacy Lane. Known for being a great trick-or-treating neighborhood, it also offers access to schools, hiking trails, and shopping. The total score is 170 points.
Conclusion
Thanks for exploring these top 10 walkable neighborhoods in Chittenden County with me. I've lived in three of them myself, so I'd be happy to share more if you have questions. Which of these neighborhoods could you see yourself in? Share in the comments below!
FAQs
What are the key factors that make a neighborhood walkable?
Proximity to essential amenities, safety, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure are key factors.
How does living in a walkable neighborhood benefit the environment?
It reduces the need for car travel, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner air.
Are there any upcoming developments in these neighborhoods?
Yes, many neighborhoods have ongoing developments to enhance walkability and community amenities.
What are some other notable walkable neighborhoods in Chittenden County?
There are many other walkable neighborhoods, and I’ll be sharing more in upcoming posts.
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