Brattleboro : Vermont

What Brattleboro is like for active adults

Brattleboro, Vermont (population 12,000) is an interesting retirement community for active adults who love the outdoors. Although it has many who embrace its wintery climate, many others only live here during the warmer months. This small city along the Connecticut River in southern Vermont has an artsy ambience. The downtown situated close to the river bank is bustling. The lack of level land has created a situation where houses are built on steep slopes, leading to an interesting and urban atmosphere. The financial structure is well supported by a number of motels, retail businesses and a large medical facility – the Brattleboro Retreat. There are some stately homes in Brattleboro. In the outskirts there are some newer developments, which give way to a decidedly rural environment.

The city has an unusual combination of flavors - it exudes a bit of 70’s counterculture (the Brattleboro Food Cooperative is one of the biggest cooperatives in New England) and a more sophisticated side as well. Many wealthy New Yorkers weekend here for the skiing and or the mild summer weather. Nearby skiing is excellent at Mt. Snow, Stratton Mountain, Bromley, and Okemo – just to mention a few. Hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures in the surrounding mountains is also first rate. The lake in town normally offers excellent ice fishing.

The housing choices for retirees are somewhat limited in town, mostly in the form of private homes or mobile homes. Prices are a relative bargain compared to other parts of New England. Many retirees choose to live closer to one of the big ski resorts and use Brattleboro for shopping. These resorts have a large array of condos and homes - although not always a great financial investment.

According to Yahoo Real Estate the MLS median asking price of 15 Brattleboro homes for sale in late 2006 was $299,000, 9 classified listings at $215,000

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What is special about this retirement community

• Counterculture feel • Interesting downtown • A livable small city • Listed as one of the top 10 Art Towns (smaller cities) • Interesting restaurants • Gateway to the mountains and many excellent ski resorts • Annual Brattleboro Literary Festival

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What is not special about this retirement community

• Winters are long, cold, and dark – unless you love winter sports! • The northern part of town is not very appealing with its endless strip malls and motels

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Brattleboro attracts retirees who want to live in a small city in uncrowded and beautiful Vermont. Here is more on retirement in Waitsfield or Peterborough NH

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Local economy is driven by

The economy is driven by tourism. It is the first stop over the Vermont border and the gateway to the resorts in the area.

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Climate and Physical Environment

Brattleboro is located in the Connecticut River Valley. To the west, east, and north an extensive chain of hills and mountains rise up, including the Green Mountains.

For more great review of the best retirement communities, states M- W

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Cultural environment

Annual Brattleboro Literary Festival. Many famous people in the arts have lived here; Saul Bellow is buried here. The New England Youth Theatre, Brattleboro Film Society, many art galleries, the Vermont Theatre Company

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Medical facilities

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Brattleboro Retreat

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Transportation

Bradley International Airport is about 50 miles (Hartford/Springfield) Amtrak has a station here – the Vermonter train arrives daily between Washington, D.C. and St. Albans, Vt. The Moover is the ubiquitous and useful local bus system

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Facts about BRATTLEBORO

State: VT
Environment: Rural,Mountains,Small Town,
City Population: 10,000-25,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 0 -20
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: NA
Total Crime Index: <80 (Very low)
Cost of Living Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Culture Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
State Sales Tax:
State Income Tax:
Name of the Guide: john

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