Want to live and work in Burlington?

Burlington has historically been a predominantly white city (around 80% of the population), but it has changed significantly in recent decades through refugee resettlement programs administered by USCRI and the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program.

The city is home to vibrant communities of Bhutanese-Nepali, Somali, Bosnian, Congolese, and more recently Afghan residents. Old North End is the most diverse neighborhood, with international markets and community centers.

English is dominant, but Nepali, Somali, Swahili, and Arabic are commonly heard. Religions reflect this diversity: historic Protestantism (Congregational, Episcopal), Catholicism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism coexist in the same neighborhoods.

The most sought-after neighborhoods are the Hill Section (near UVM, with traditional homes), the South End (with lofts in former industrial buildings and an arts scene), and the Waterfront (with lake views). Old North End is more affordable and diverse.

Rentals are typically locked in during May and June for the academic cycle. Families and professionals who prefer not to compete with students often look at South Burlington, Winooski, and Essex Junction, all just minutes away.

Buying a home in Burlington is difficult due to limited inventory. Restored Victorian homes command high prices. Programs such as the Champlain Housing Trust assist first-time buyers through a shared-equity ownership model.

The University of Vermont (UVM), founded in 1791, is a public research university with strong traditions in health sciences, environmental sciences, and agriculture. The campus sits on the hillside east of downtown.

Champlain College is a smaller private institution focused on game design, cybersecurity, animation, and business. Saint Michael's College is located in neighboring Colchester.

For primary and secondary education, the Burlington School District operates schools including Burlington High School. Private options include Rice Memorial High School (Catholic), located in South Burlington.

Violent crime in Burlington is low, particularly when compared with American cities of similar size. The Burlington Police Department patrols the downtown core constantly, especially at night on Church Street.

The opioid crisis reached Vermont with significant impact, and some areas such as parts of Old North End and Main Street near City Hall have a visible presence of drug users and unhoused individuals.

Traditional residential neighborhoods (Hill Section, New North End, parts of South End) are quiet and family-friendly. At night, Church Street is busy but under close police supervision.

Summer in Burlington is short, pleasant, and fairly sunny. Highs range between 25°C and 28°C (77°F–82°F) from June through August, with a breeze off Lake Champlain helping to cool things down. Air conditioning is useful during heat waves, but many residents get through summer with fans alone.

Winter is long, harsh, and snow-heavy. Lows hover between -11°C and -15°C (12°F–5°F) from December through February, with annual snowfall exceeding 200 cm (79 in). Central heating running on oil or propane, heavy coats, snow boots, and hats become part of daily life. Clearing snow from sidewalks turns into a regular ritual.

Fall is the most scenic season, with spectacular foliage in October and lake breezes. Spring is short and muddy, with temperatures climbing from near freezing to 18°C (64°F) between March and May. The city sees around 158 sunny days per year.

Church Street Marketplace is the city's central point, with four blocks of pedestrian street, restaurants, independent shops, and street performances. From the center, streets slope down to Waterfront Park, home to the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, an aquarium and science center.

The Burlington Bike Path extends nearly 13 km along the lake, passing through parks such as Oakledge Park and North Beach. The Spirit of Ethan Allen offers lake cruises in summer.

The Fleming Museum of Art (at UVM) holds a respected collection. For a day outside the city, Shelburne Museum (10 minutes by car) is one of the finest American folk art museums. In winter, Stowe and Bolton Valley ski areas are less than an hour away.