Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Fairfield, VT

Moving to a new place can be an exciting, daunting, and hectic experience. Whether you're relocating for work, family, or simply seeking a change of pace, there are many things to consider, learn, and plan beforehand. You'll want to learn everything you can about the hidden gem of Fairfield, Vermont.

 

From the local attractions to the community events, restaurants, and recreation spots, there's much to know about this quaint town in the northern part of the Green Mountain State. In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about moving to Fairfield, VT, so you can make an informed decision and confidently start your new life in the quiet oasis of the Vermont countryside.

Known as one of the largest farming towns, Fairfield is found in the northwestern area of the state, just a short drive from popular attractions and cities. It's a four-hour trip to Boston, less than two hours to beloved Lake Champlain, a 40-minute drive to Burlington, and a 15-minute drive to St. Albans. This town is tucked away for the ultimate quaint yet convenient lifestyle with easy access to tons of amenities.

 

Fairfield offers a quiet and charming life steeped in legacy and history. Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President, was born here in 1829, but the rich history doesn't stop there. Fairfield features several historic buildings and bridges still in use today.

 

Among the historic buildings in the center of Fairfield is the Brick Store. Initially, the building served as the general store and was owned by the Soule family, who helped settle the town in the late 1700s. While no longer operating as a general store, the brick building has been preserved and restored as a coworking space and studio open (by application) for remote employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to come together in a shared working space. Along with a coworking space, the Brick Store is a design and print studio with a functional 1918 letterpress.

 

Fairfield is surrounded by beautiful mountains and scenic landscapes dotted with maple trees, creating a perfect view of vivid colors in the fall. With an average of 48 inches of rain and 87 inches of snow, it is the ideal place for skiing in the winter and taking in the natural beauty of lush Vermont in the summer.

 

Since it is on the smaller side, Fairfield is known for its strong sense of community and hosts many local events throughout the year. The Meeting House supports local history preservation and the arts and is home to the annual music series on the green during the summer. Beyond the music series, the community center keeps a full calendar, so there is always something to look forward to. Overall, Fairfield is an attractive option for those looking to transition from big-city living, those ready to start a family, or anyone looking for a serene home life with a short commute and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Fairfield Center School falls under the Maple Run Unified School District and includes pre-K through 8th grade, with an athletics program of cross country, volleyball, basketball, soccer, track and field, softball, and baseball. The highschool availalbe to Fairfield Residents is Bellows Free Academy - St. Albans, known for their extensive sports programs, Northwest Technical Center, exceptional faculty and expansive academic programs. 

 

For those seeking higher education, several colleges and universities are within driving distance, including the University of Vermont, Saint Michael's College, and Middlebury College, which is a little over an hour away.

With its fantastic location in the Northern part of the Green Mountain State, there are endless opportunities for every type of lifestyle. Residents enjoy all the beauty Vermont has to offer year-round. Outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, skiing, and snowmobiling are available in almost every direction.

 

In the spring, Fairfield residents enjoy the adored tradition of attending the Vermont Maple Festival in downtown St. Albans. And in the summer, adventure awaits around every corner. Spend the weekend at Lake Champlain or Sunday with the family at the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail in St. Albans, a scenic 26.3 miles of hiking and biking trails. For a hiking adventure, head to St. Albans Town Forest to explore the trails that meander through the woods.

 

For a fun family day out, visit Alburgh Dunes State Park, just under an hour from Fairfield. Take a short drive across town and spend the afternoon at the President Chester Arthur Historic Site, which features a trail and historical marker denoting the birthplace of the President and his family. Golf lovers can hit the links at the Bakersfield Country Club, a John Watson-designed 18-hole course tucked away in nearby Enosburg Falls.

 

Moving to Fairfield, VT, provides easy access to everything the neighboring cities, Canada, and gorgeous upstate New York have to offer. For more outdoor recreation in the winter, Fairfield is just a quick drive from the famous ski resort, Smugglers' Notch, with family activities offered throughout each season. Smugglers' Notch is open year-round and offers residents of Fairfield yet another opportunity to enjoy nature, from biking and tubing in the summer to hitting the slopes in the winter.

Fairfield residents love Chester's Bakery for its exquisite pastry selections and West End Pizza for its fabulous hand-made dough. At Chester's, guests enjoy various sweet treats, breakfast, lunch, and nightly dinner specials. West End Pizza proudly supports local vendors and offers a menu of standout selections like Hawaiian, New York-style, and “the Works” pizza for family pizza night. For seafood, locals know that Jeff's Maine Seafood is the best place for surf and turf in St. Albans and the Fairfield area.

If you are hoping for a new start in Fairfield, VT, reach out to expert Realtor Tamithy Howrigan for guidance every step of the way. Tamithy is a top-notch broker who is committed to serving you and your future, and has extensive knowledge about Fairfield real estate. Reach out today to get started on your real estate journey. Try our Home Valuation Tool if you want a good valuation of your property in Fairfield. More Neighborhoods like this find it here.

 

Related reading: 3 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Fairfield, VT

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