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. For a taste of what Brattleboro is like in fiction, see this article: "Brattleboro: Hotbed of Fictional Crime". |