Vermont is known for its beautiful mountains, charming small towns, and peaceful lifestyle, but its lakes offer another reason to call the state home.
From the shores of Lake Champlain to smaller inland lakes surrounded by forests and rolling hills, Vermont has communities where residents can enjoy waterfront scenery in every season.
If you are considering a move, you may be wondering about the Best Vermont Lake Towns for Year-Round Living. The right community should offer more than beautiful water views. Access to everyday amenities, schools, restaurants, healthcare, recreation, transportation, and a strong local community can make a major difference when choosing a place to live.
Here are some of the Best lake towns in Vermont to consider if you want a combination of scenic surroundings and year-round livability.
What Makes a Vermont Lake Town Good for Year-Round Living?
Living near a lake is appealing in every season. Summer brings boating, swimming, kayaking, and fishing, while fall offers colorful foliage and peaceful waterfront views. Winter can bring snow-covered landscapes, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and a cozy New England atmosphere.
However, a vacation destination is not always the same as a year-round community.
When looking at the Best places to live in Vermont near a lake, consider:
- Access to grocery stores and everyday shopping
- Nearby schools and childcare
- Healthcare and medical services
- Restaurants and local businesses
- Road access and commuting options
- Winter road maintenance
- Outdoor recreation
- Community activities throughout the year
- Availability of homes and lakefront properties
- Distance from larger cities and employment centers
These factors are particularly important for buyers relocating to Vermont who want to enjoy lake living without giving up everyday convenience.
1. South Hero – Lake Champlain Living
South Hero is one of the most attractive choices for people searching for year-round lake living in Vermont. Located on South Hero Island in Lake Champlain, the town combines waterfront scenery with a peaceful rural atmosphere.
The town is known for its agricultural landscape, orchards, and access to Lake Champlain. Its location also provides access to the broader Burlington area, making it appealing to people who want a quieter setting while remaining within reach of urban amenities.
South Hero can be a particularly good option for buyers searching for the Best places to live on a lake in Vermont.
The Lake Champlain Islands also offer opportunities for boating, cycling, fishing, hiking, and enjoying Vermont’s changing seasons.
Why consider South Hero?
- Beautiful Lake Champlain views
- Peaceful island lifestyle
- Rural and scenic surroundings
- Outdoor recreation throughout the year
- Access to Burlington-area amenities
- Attractive option for waterfront home buyers
2. Colchester – Convenient Lake Living Near Burlington
For people who want lake access while staying close to city amenities, Colchester is worth considering.
Located near Burlington and Lake Champlain, Colchester offers a balance between outdoor recreation and everyday convenience. Residents can enjoy waterfront activities while remaining close to shopping, restaurants, employment opportunities, schools, and other services.
This makes Colchester an appealing choice for people searching for the Best places to live near lakes in Vermont without moving too far away from a larger urban area.
The area around Malletts Bay is especially attractive for people who enjoy boating and waterfront recreation.
Why consider Colchester?
- Close to Burlington
- Lake Champlain access
- Outdoor recreation
- Convenient shopping and services
- Suitable for commuters
- Mix of residential neighborhoods and waterfront properties
For buyers who want lake living near Burlington, Colchester can offer a practical combination of location and lifestyle.
3. St. Albans – Small-City Convenience Near Lake Champlain
St. Albans is another option for people who want to live in northern Vermont near Lake Champlain.
Unlike smaller seasonal lake communities, St. Albans provides more of a traditional small-city environment, with restaurants, shops, services, schools, and community amenities.
The area can appeal to buyers who want access to the lake without necessarily living directly on the waterfront.
For those researching the Best lake towns in Vermont, St. Albans is worth considering because it combines proximity to Lake Champlain with practical year-round amenities.
Why consider St. Albans?
- Near Lake Champlain
- Small-city atmosphere
- Local shopping and restaurants
- Access to outdoor recreation
- More year-round services than many smaller lake communities
- Convenient northern Vermont location
St. Albans can also be attractive to buyers comparing Vermont communities based on affordability, lifestyle, and access to amenities.
4. Newport – Lake Memphremagog Lifestyle
Located in northeastern Vermont, Newport sits near Lake Memphremagog and offers a quieter lake-oriented lifestyle.
The community is surrounded by forests, hills, and water, making it appealing to people who prioritize outdoor recreation and peaceful surroundings.
Lake Memphremagog provides opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and enjoying scenic views. At the same time, Newport provides local services and a small-town community environment.
For buyers who prefer a quieter lifestyle away from Vermont’s busier tourist destinations, Newport may be worth exploring.
Why consider Newport?
- Lake Memphremagog access
- Peaceful surroundings
- Outdoor recreation
- Small-town atmosphere
- Scenic northern Vermont landscape
- Four-season recreational opportunities
Newport is particularly suitable for buyers who value nature and a slower pace of life.
5. Castleton – Lake Bomoseen and Southern Vermont
Castleton is another excellent option for people searching for lake communities in Vermont.
The town is located near Lake Bomoseen, the largest lake located entirely within Vermont. The lake extends through the Castleton and Hubbardton areas and includes both seasonal homes and year-round residences.
Lake Bomoseen is a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities. Castleton also offers a classic Vermont small-town setting.
Why consider Castleton?
- Access to Lake Bomoseen
- Scenic southern Vermont surroundings
- Small-town atmosphere
- Outdoor recreation
- Mix of seasonal and year-round properties
- Attractive option for buyers seeking a quieter lifestyle
For people searching for the Best places to live in Vermont near a lake, Castleton can be an appealing alternative to the larger Lake Champlain communities.
6. North Hero – Peaceful Lake Champlain Island Living
North Hero offers a quieter island lifestyle in the Lake Champlain Islands.
If your idea of year-round living involves peaceful surroundings, open landscapes, waterfront views, and outdoor recreation, North Hero may be a good match.
The community is especially appealing to people who want to escape the pace of larger towns and enjoy a more relaxed Vermont lifestyle.
Why consider North Hero?
- Direct Lake Champlain setting
- Peaceful island atmosphere
- Scenic landscapes
- Boating and fishing opportunities
- Outdoor recreation
- Strong appeal for waterfront property buyers
However, buyers should carefully consider their preferred commute and access to everyday services before purchasing a home in a more rural lake community.
Lakefront Living vs. Living Near a Lake
When researching the Best places to live on a lake in Vermont, it is important to understand the difference between owning a waterfront home and simply living near a lake.
Lakefront Living
A lakefront property can provide:
- Direct water access
- Private or shared shoreline
- Waterfront views
- Easier access to boating and swimming
- Potentially strong lifestyle appeal
However, lakefront properties can require more maintenance and may come with additional considerations related to shoreline regulations, water access, insurance, septic systems, and seasonal conditions.
Living Near a Lake
A home located a short drive from the lake may provide:
- More property choices
- Potentially lower purchase prices
- Easier access to everyday amenities
- Less waterfront maintenance
- Access to the same general recreational area
For many Vermont buyers, living near a lake can provide the best balance between lifestyle and practicality.
Why Year-Round Lake Living Is Different in Vermont
Vermont’s seasons can dramatically change the experience of living near a lake.
Summer: Enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and outdoor dining.
Fall: Experience colorful foliage, cool temperatures, scenic drives, and peaceful waterfront views.
Winter: Enjoy snow-covered landscapes, ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy evenings at home.
Spring: Watch the landscape come back to life with warmer weather, blooming trees, and renewed outdoor activities.
The appeal of Vermont lake living is that the scenery and recreational opportunities change throughout the year rather than disappearing when summer ends.
How to Choose the Best Vermont Lake Town for You
The best community depends on your lifestyle and priorities.
If you want easy access to a larger city, consider areas such as Colchester or communities around Lake Champlain.
If you prefer quiet island living, South Hero or North Hero may be worth exploring.
If you want a smaller-town lifestyle near a scenic lake, Castleton and Newport can be options to investigate.
If you are looking for a home with direct water access, focus on lakefront neighborhoods and properties while also considering year-round road access, utilities, maintenance, and local regulations.
Most importantly, visit the community during different seasons if possible. A town that feels perfect during a summer weekend may feel very different in January.
Find Your Ideal Vermont Lake Community
Choosing among the Best Vermont Lake Towns for Year-Round Living is about more than finding a beautiful view. You need to consider your daily routine, commute, schools, amenities, recreation, budget, and the type of property that fits your lifestyle.
From Lake Champlain communities such as South Hero and Colchester to Lake Bomoseen near Castleton and Lake Memphremagog near Newport, Vermont offers a variety of options for people who want to make lake living part of their everyday life.
If you are considering relocating to Vermont and searching for the Best places to live near lakes in Vermont, working with a local real estate professional can help you compare communities, neighborhoods, and available properties based on your specific needs.
Ready to explore Vermont lakefront living? Start by identifying the towns and lakes that best match your lifestyle, then explore available homes and neighborhoods to find your ideal year-round Vermont home.
