Why are people moving to Essex, VT?

Essex, VT is the second-most populous town in Vermont. What makes people want to move to this vibrant community? It could be the thriving schools, many lovely parks, and convenient location. Or it could also be the commitment Essex has to building a strong community with a thoughtful approach to the future. There are actually a lot of great things to love about Essex!

 Read on for why I think this area continues to attract newcomers, and why people love to call Essex, Vermont home!

Nestled between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, Essex features a landscape both bucolic and urban. Safe, walkable, well-loved neighborhoods are surrounded by trail-laced open spaces. Residents work at a diverse array of local companies and global icons. Add one of the state’s most highly-respected school systems and an ever-burgeoning sense of community connection, and Essex is an ideal place to spend a lifetime – or even just an afternoon.  – Essex Town Website

 One of the unique aspects about Essex is that it encompasses both the town of Essex, and the Village of Essex Junction. This means that there are a number of varied neighborhoods to choose from within the town and village. Homes can be located on larger, quiet acres with few neighbors, or within the village where things are more bustling and residents can walk to amenities like restaurants, shops, the library, and post office.

 In recent years, Essex has worked hard to grow its sense of community and create a place where people can gather to play and work together. Essex has led a thoughtful charge towards this goal with the creation of Heart and Soul of Essex – a community group that has been working towards the future with:

• Coordinated planning efforts that reflect the community vision and values in land use planning and municipal work
• A culture that encourages and supports residents who want to participate in the civic life of our community
• A landscape that reflects local values

Residents of Essex, Vermont spent two years planning and discussing a way to grow and develop Essex and Essex Junction while remaining thoughtful about why people live here and what sort of community they want to be. The dedication to this long process proves that residents of Essex plan to be here in the future and want a say in what the area will feel like. This thoughtful approach to the future makes Essex a desirable place to be if you’re hoping to put down roots and raise a family.

Another positive change that grew out of The Heart and Soul of Essex is a recently formed group called Design Five Corners. Five Corners refers to the very center of Essex Junction where several roads meet together. This area is not just an intersection of roads, it is also home to independent shops and cafes, The Brownell Library, Teen Center, Senior Center, and the historic Lincoln Inn. The Five Corners area is also home to several restaurants, new and established, including:

• The Essex Grill
• El Gato Cantina
• On Tap Bar & Grill
• Martone’s Market and Cafe
• AJ’s Kitchen

In the early morning, and also at 3 pm, the streets around Five Corners are busy with students walking and biking to and from school, possibly stopping on the way home to visit the library or the teen center. In the warmer months, people of all ages are walking through the area on the way to the Friday night Five Corners Farmers Market, where people gather to buy local produce, grab a delicious dinner, and listen to live music.

Because it is the center of so much activity, the desire to make it more walkable, attractive, and welcoming to residents and shoppers has prompted community members to look at future development and how it can enhance the area.

Recreation and Parks

Residents of Essex, Vermont like to stay active! Essex and Essex Junction each boast large and well-organized Parks and Recreation departments. Between the village and the town there are a total of 13 public parks including two pools, a dog park, and a beautiful reservoir for swimming, camping, boating, and fishing!

The recreation departments include programs for every resident, from toddlers up to seniors, with many free events that encourage the community to gather throughout the year including these lively get-togethers:

• Chili Cook-off
• Winter Carnival
• Talent Show
• Egg Hunt
• 5k Race Series
• Halloween Pumpkin Fest

It is unusual to find a weekend in Essex, VT when there is not something to do or see. Even in the cold months of January and February, many people gather at the outdoor ice rink at Sand Hill Park for winter fun.

Working in Essex and Essex Junction, Vermont

Employment opportunities in Essex have long been dominated by IBM, but lately more businesses are finding Essex to be a great spot to call home. Established and new businesses are wide-ranging from the more recognizable Keurig Green Mountain K-cup manufacturing to the boutique Alpine ski boot manufacturer, Dodge Ski Boots. Businesses large and small can be found here in Essex making it ideal for those who would like to ditch the commute (and maybe an extra car!) and be able to work close to home.

The town of Essex has managed to embrace retail businesses, both local and national, while keeping its small town feel. Residents do not need to go far to get their shopping done as the Essex Outlets is home to a wide array of outlet stores.

It is also a pleasure to be able to frequent independent and local businesses in Essex as well – Phoenix Books, Turner Toys and Hobbies, and Sweet Clover Market to name a few.

There is no shortage of local restaurants at the heart of Essex as well, among them:

• Sukho Thai
• Joyce’s Noodle House
• Cody’s Irish Pub and Grille
• Mimmo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant

Essex and Essex Junction, Vermont are in a great location, easily accessible to and from many towns in Chittenden County. They are dedicated to growing a vibrant community both for families and for industry.

I have had a special opportunity in Essex Junction to team up with award-winning Hergenrother Construction to create a six home neighborhood just minutes from Five Corners. This unique little neighborhood is made up of efficient, newly constructed single family homes close to schools, parks, and the village center. This is a unique opportunity to buy a home with all the modern amenities, but still be in an established neighborhood.

You can find more info about this Essex Junction neighborhood by following this link: https://vermontluxurycondos.com/homes-for-sale-details/6-Sienna-Lane-Essex-VT-05452/4316379/23/

 Are you interested in a move to Essex, Vermont? Give me a call 802-488-3455 – I would love to show you around the neighborhood and help you find your next home!

Thanks for stopping by,

 Sarah