10 reasons why buying land in Vermont makes sense in 2026

Vermont’s pristine landscapes and rural character continue to attract buyers who want more than a zip code—they want space, scenery, and long-term optionality. The state also has deep agricultural roots: the USDA’s 2017 Census of Agriculture reports more than 1.2 million acres of farmland across 6,808 farms, with an average farm size of 175 acres. Whether you’re dreaming of a cabin site, a working homestead, recreational acreage, or a strategic land investment, Vermont offers a wide range of parcels—and an even wider range of ways to use them.

Reasons to Buy Land in Vermont

1. The natural beauty is truly four-season

Vermont delivers the kind of scenery that feels timeless: Green Mountain ridgelines, covered-bridge backroads, clear lakes, and valleys stitched together by farms and forests. Owning land here means you can step outside and immediately plug into hiking, paddling, fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, or foliage-season drives—without needing a plane ticket or a packed itinerary.

2. You can buy space—and keep your lifestyle grounded

Many buyers come to Vermont for breathing room: fewer crowds, less noise, and a calmer day-to-day rhythm. Land ownership also gives you flexibility to build at your own pace, create a private retreat, or simply hold acreage for future plans. If your definition of “quality of life” includes quiet mornings, dark skies, and real seasons, Vermont makes that feel normal again.

3. The community culture still feels local (in the best way)

Vermont’s identity is built around small-town connection: farmers markets, town meeting traditions, local art, independent shops, and a “show up for your neighbors” mindset. From classic village greens to larger hubs like Burlington, you’ll find communities where local businesses matter and people still recognize each other in line for coffee.

4. Outdoor recreation is built into the landscape

Vermont land isn’t just something you own—it’s something you use. Summer brings trail days and lake days. Fall turns the state into a world-famous color corridor. Winter opens up ski areas and backcountry routes. Spring brings maple season, muddy hikes, and the return of long evenings. If you want property that supports an active life year-round, Vermont consistently delivers.

5. The farm-to-table culture is real—and it’s powered by dairy

Vermont’s food scene isn’t a trend; it’s an ecosystem. Dairy anchors that system at a scale many people don’t realize. In 2024, Vermont’s dairy industry generated a $5.4 billion economic impact, according to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) via Cheese Reporter. Dairy also accounted for 58% of Vermont’s agricultural sales, per VAAFM.

That impact shows up in everyday life: creameries, cheese counters, farm stands, and restaurants that build menus around what’s produced locally. Production remains substantial—Vermont’s milk output totaled 2.48 billion pounds in 2024, and the state had about 114,000 dairy cows that year, according to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) via Cheese Reporter. The industry also supports approximately 17,318 jobs, per VAAFM.

For land buyers, this matters because it reflects durable demand for working landscapes and local supply chains. As of 2025, Vermont has over 480 dairy farms milking cows, sheep, and/or goats, according to VAAFM via Cheese Reporter, and the processing network is growing: Vermont has over 156 dairy processors, up from 95 in 2014, per VAAFM via Cheese Reporter.

6. Educational options support families and lifelong learners

Vermont offers strong educational pathways—from local schools to well-known colleges and universities—plus continuing education and community programming that keep towns vibrant. For many buyers, that means you can choose rural land without giving up access to learning opportunities, culture, or professional development.

7. Land can be a strategic investment—especially in high-demand areas

Vermont continues to draw second-home buyers, remote workers, builders, and recreation-focused investors, which keeps land on the radar as an asset class. Market activity underscores that demand. According to the Hickok and Boardman Vermont Land Market Report, 116 land parcels were sold in Vermont, a 3.57% increase compared to 2024. The same report notes that Chittenden County posted a median land sale price of $250,000, up 11% year-over-year, per the Hickok and Boardman Vermont Land Market Report.

For buyers weighing “use now” versus “hold for later,” Vermont offers multiple angles: buildable lots near services, larger rural tracts for privacy, and properties suited to recreation, small-scale agriculture, or future development (where permitted).

8. The pace of life is calmer—without feeling disconnected

Vermont is still defined by small towns, working landscapes, and slower rhythms. Many landowners choose the state precisely because it feels livable: less congestion, fewer distractions, and more time spent outdoors or with neighbors. At the same time, you can often stay connected with modern necessities—especially if you plan utility access and internet options early in your search.

9. Innovation and stewardship shape how Vermont grows

Vermont’s appeal isn’t just scenic—it’s values-driven. The state’s emphasis on conservation, local enterprise, and responsible growth influences everything from land use priorities to the types of businesses that thrive. Buyers who care about stewardship often find communities that share those goals, along with a strong culture of outdoor ethics and land management.

10. The “working landscape” is changing—and that creates urgency and meaning

Buying land in Vermont also connects you to a landscape under real pressure—and real evolution. The dairy economy remains powerful, but the number of farms has declined sharply over time. Vermont had 439 dairy farms in 2025, down from 868 a decade ago, according to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture via Vermont Public. For many buyers, that reality reinforces the value of supporting local agriculture, protecting open land, or investing in property uses that keep Vermont’s rural character intact.

Owning a Piece of Vermont’s Allure

Vermont land offers something increasingly rare: real space, real seasons, and real community—backed by an agricultural economy with measurable impact and a market that continues to move. Whether you want a private getaway, a future homesite, a recreational basecamp, or a long-term hold, the Green Mountain State gives you options that can align with both lifestyle and strategy.

If you’re exploring your next step—buying, selling, or simply evaluating what your land could be worth—learn more about Vermont land and how Land Boss approaches the process with local experience and straightforward execution.

Final Thoughts

Vermont stands out for its natural beauty, outdoor access, and authentic small-town feel—but it also stands on real fundamentals: extensive farmland, a modern farm-to-table ecosystem, and a dairy sector that still drives a major share of the state’s agricultural sales. If you’re ready to dig deeper into the search process, this guide on buying land in Vermont can help you evaluate parcels, costs, and next steps with more confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are property taxes like in Vermont?

Property taxes vary by town and are influenced by assessed value and local budgets. Before you buy, review the town’s current tax rate, ask about any exemptions that may apply to a primary residence, and request a full cost estimate that includes education taxes where applicable.

Is financing available for purchasing Vermont land?

Yes. Depending on the parcel and your plans, you may qualify for land loans, construction-to-permanent loans, or owner financing. Terms often depend on access, buildability, utilities, and down payment size, so compare options and confirm requirements early.

How much land can I buy in Vermont as an out-of-state resident?

Vermont does not generally restrict out-of-state buyers from purchasing land based solely on residency. Practical limits usually come down to budget, zoning, and intended use.

What utilities are typically available on rural Vermont land parcels?

Utilities vary widely by location. Some parcels have road frontage with power nearby; others require extensions, wells, septic systems, and connectivity planning. Always verify availability and cost with local utility providers and the town before closing.

Is Vermont land a good investment?

It can be, especially when you buy with clear assumptions about access, zoning, and resale demand. Recent sales activity and rising median prices in certain counties suggest continued buyer interest, particularly in areas near jobs, services, and recreation.