If you're thinking about moving to Vermont, chances are you've pictured covered bridges, Fall leaves, maple syrup, and a slower pace of life. Franklin County delivers all of that, but it's also a real place where people work, raise families, and build a life. As a lifelong Franklin County native, I want to give you an honest picture of what it's actually like to live here.
Where Is Franklin County, Vermont?
Franklin County sits in the northwest corner of the state, bordering Canada and just a short drive from Burlington. It's home to fourteen towns, including the historic downtown of St. Albans City. Whether you want walkable small-town living or acreage with room to breathe, there's a town here that fits.
Why People Move to Franklin County
Your money goes further here. Head south to Chittenden County or other areas around Burlington and you'll pay a premium for a lot less house. Up here you can still find single-family homes, old farmhouses, and in-town properties with a lower price tag.
The job market isn't just remote workers who happened to move here for the views. Agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and education have deep roots in this county, and there's been real growth in remote and hybrid roles too, so you don't have to choose between a career and small-town living. Real talk - many people do commute to Chittenden County.
You don't have to plan a trip to enjoy Lake Champlain, the Cold Hollow Mountains, or the trails and rivers around here. They're just part of your week, whether that's a morning paddle before work or a hike after school pickup.
And people still know their neighbors here. Between local events, school sports, and traditions like the Vermont Maple Festival, a three-day celebration held every April in downtown St. Albans, there's a sense of community that a lot of places have lost. The Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center in St. Albans is another good example, an indoor/outdoor complex that doubles as a community gathering spot for youth sports, BFA graduation, and even job fairs..
If you want a deeper, unfiltered look at day-to-day life here, True Franklin is a great resource. It's a community-led project (funded through the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing) built specifically to show what living, working, and raising a family in Franklin County is really like, without the sales pitch. Their guides on housing, education, and healthcare are worth a read if you're weighing the move.
A few other places worth bookmarking if you're serious about the move:
- ThinkVermont: Relocate – the State of Vermont's official relocation hub, with job listings, regional profiles (including one for Franklin County), and a "Connect with a Vermonter" program
- Franklin County Regional Chamber of Commerce – local business directory, events, and a good pulse on what's happening around the county
- Northwestern Medical Center – the county's hospital system, based in St. Albans
- Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center – youth sports, adult leagues, and fitness memberships in one spot
A Few Franklin County Towns to Know
St. Albans City is the county seat and downtown hub, with local shops, restaurants, and a walkable historic Main Street, a portion of which is shown above.
St. Albans Town surrounds the city with more space and quiet neighborhoods, many just minutes from downtown and Lake Champlain.
Georgia offers easy interstate access, making it a popular choice for people commuting toward Burlington. They have their own elementary school and then have a choice of high schools.
Fairfax is known for its scenic, family-friendly feel and strong sense of community. They also have their own K-12 school, BFA Fairfax.
Each town has its own personality, and part of my job is helping you figure out which one actually fits how you want to live, not just what shows up first in a listing search.
What to Expect From the Move Itself
Moving to a new state involves more than finding a house. A few things worth planning for early:
- Timing your search around the market. Vermont's real estate market can move quickly in the spring and summer, so starting your search early gives you more room to be selective.
- Understanding the commute. Franklin County offers a range of commute times to Burlington and beyond, so it's worth mapping out your actual daily drive before committing to a town. And as mentioned above, many Franklin County residents do commute to Chittenden County.
- Getting familiar with local schools and healthcare. True Franklin's guides on education and healthcare are a solid starting point if you're relocating with a family.
- Connecting with people who already live here. True Franklin also runs a Connect with a Local program that pairs newcomers with local ambassadors who can answer questions honestly.
Ready to Explore Franklin County?
I was born and raised here, and I believe it's a great place to live and raise a family. If you're considering a move to St. Albans, Georgia, Fairfax, or anywhere else in Franklin County, I'd love to help you figure out what fits your life and your budget!
