Top Neighborhoods
Burlington isn't just one city—it's a patchwork of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, price tag, and parking headaches. Choosing the right one can be the difference between a love affair with Vermont and a daily commute from hell.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Burlington
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South End | Artsy, Industrial, Trendy | $1,600-$2,200 | Foodies, Creatives, Young Professionals | ~78 |
| Old North End | Historic, Diverse, Local | $1,300-$1,700 | Budget-Conscious, Community-Minded | ~82 |
| Hill Section | Quiet, Academic, Leafy | $1,800-$2,500 | UVM Faculty, Families, Professionals | ~65 |
| South Burlington | Suburban, Modern, Retail | $1,500-$2,000 | Families, Remote Workers, Shoppers | ~55 |
| Intervale/NoNo | Outdoorsy, Rugged, Up-and-Coming | $1,400-$1,800 | Adventurers, DIYers, Budget Seekers | ~45 |
South End
Overview: The industrial-chic heart of Burlington's food and art scene. Think converted brick factories housing breweries and galleries along Pine Street and the Flynn Avenue district.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,600 - $2,200/mo (1BR) | $2,200 - $2,800/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $650k - $750k
- 🚗 Commute: 8 min to downtown | 15 min to UVM Medical Center
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~78 (Very Walkable)
Local Intel: Parking is a nightmare on Pine Street during First Friday art walks. The hidden gem is the bike path access at the Intervale—cut through to downtown in 12 minutes flat. Avoid the stretch of Route 7 during rush hour; take Maple Street instead.
Who Thrives Here: Young professionals who want to walk to three different craft breweries after work and have an opinion on the best pizza at American Flatbread.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Unbeatable dining scene: Hen of the Wood, Bistro de Margot, and 12+ breweries within a mile
- ✅ Strong appreciation: Property values up 23% since 2020
- ❌ Noise from Route 7 and industrial activity; not ideal for light sleepers
- ❌ Limited green space; Lake Champlain is a 20-minute walk
The Verdict: Move here if you want Burlington's best food scene and don't mind some grit. Avoid if you need suburban quiet or have a big dog without a yard.
Old North End
Overview: The city's most historic and diverse neighborhood, centered around the bustling Church Street corridor and the quiet residential streets north of downtown.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,300 - $1,700/mo (1BR) | $1,700 - $2,100/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $480k - $550k
- 🚗 Commute: 5 min to downtown | 10 min to UVM Medical Center
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~82 (Very Walkable)
Local Intel: The Church Street Marketplace is a double-edged sword—vibrant people-watching but gets sketchy after 10 PM near the bus station. The best value is on North Avenue between Pearl and Maple; quieter but still walkable. The Burlington Farmers Market in the summer is a block away and worth the crowds.
Who Thrives Here: Community organizers, artists, and anyone who wants to live car-free with maximum city access.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Highest walk score in the city; everything is a 10-minute stroll
- ✅ Most culturally diverse; genuine neighborhood feel, not a transplant bubble
- ❌ Higher property crime around Church Street; lock your bike and car
- ❌ Older housing stock means drafts and quirky plumbing; check insulation before renting
The Verdict: Perfect for urban pioneers who value authenticity over polish. Skip it if you need modern amenities or are sensitive to street noise.
Hill Section
Overview: The city's academic enclave, perched above downtown with tree-lined streets and stately Victorian homes. Home to UVM and the medical center.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,800 - $2,500/mo (1BR) | $2,400 - $3,200/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $700k - $900k
- 🚗 Commute: 10 min to downtown | 3 min to UVM Medical Center
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~65 (Somewhat Walkable)
Local Intel: The "Hill" is actually several micro-neighborhoods. Summit Street and the streets above UVM are quieter; anything below Colchester Avenue gets undergrad foot traffic. The hill climb is brutal in winter—get snow tires. The hidden shortcut is using the UVM bike path to avoid the hill entirely.
Who Thrives Here: UVM faculty, medical professionals, and families who prioritize top-tier schools and can afford the premium.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Best school district in the city (Burlington School District's top performers)
- ✅ Safe, quiet, and incredibly green; perfect for kids biking the streets
- ❌ Expensive; you're paying a 30% premium over city median
- ❌ Parking is a war zone during UVM events; avoid renting on streets near the hospital
The Verdict: Ideal for established professionals with kids who want the "Burlington dream." Not realistic for first-time renters or anyone on a tight budget.
South Burlington
Overview: A separate city with a suburban feel, modern apartments, and killer shopping. Think Williston Road corridor and the new North Beach development.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,500 - $2,000/mo (1BR) | $1,900 - $2,500/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $580k - $680k
- 🚗 Commute: 15 min to downtown | 8 min to UVM Medical Center (via I-89)
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~55 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: The traffic light at Taft Corners is the seventh circle of hell at 5 PM. The new CityMarket on Williston Road is a game-changer for groceries. The bike path access at the north end is excellent for commuting to downtown. Avoid the "South End" of South Burlington—it's just strip malls.
Who Thrives Here: Families who want modern amenities, remote workers with a car, and anyone who considers Costco a lifestyle.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Best shopping in the region: Target, Trader Joes, 50+ restaurants within 2 miles
- ✅ Newer construction means better insulation and amenities (in-unit laundry is standard)
- ❌ Car-dependent; public transit is limited and infrequent
- ❌ Zero neighborhood character; feels like any suburban strip in America
The Verdict: Move here for practicality and space, not charm. Perfect for families who commute to the medical center or work from home.
Intervale/NoNo (North-Northwest)
Overview: The wild frontier of Burlington. Roughly north of the Intervale and west of North Avenue, this is where the city meets the Winooski River and farmland.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,400 - $1,800/mo (1BR) | $1,800 - $2,200/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $450k - $550k
- 🚗 Commute: 12 min to downtown | 18 min to UVM Medical Center
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: This area is exploding. The new bridge to the Intervale is a game-changer for bike commuters. The old industrial buildings are being converted into lofts—some are gorgeous, some are death traps. Check the flood zone maps before buying near the river. The North Beach ice cream stand is a summer institution.
Who Thrives Here: Adventurous young couples, artists needing cheap studio space, and anyone who wants to be close to nature without leaving the city.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Best value in the city; you get more space for your money
- ✅ Unbeatable outdoor access: Intervale trails, North Beach, Winooski River
- ❌ Still gritty; occasional property crime and industrial noise
- ❌ Limited amenities; you'll drive for groceries and restaurants
The Verdict: A high-reward play for those willing to tolerate some growing pains. Perfect for the "maker" types and outdoor enthusiasts. Avoid if you need walkable amenities or have young kids.
Final Advice
For young professionals who want to live the Burlington dream, the South End is your sweet spot—walk to everything, pay a premium for the lifestyle, but actually get a social scene. Families should look to the Hill Section if budget allows, or South Burlington for modern space and top schools without the Hill's price tag. Budget-conscious urbanites will thrive in the Old North End, but check your bike lock budget.
Traffic patterns are predictable: avoid Route 7 southbound 4-6 PM, and the hill is a winter nightmare without proper tires. The counterintuitive pick is Intervale/NoNo—it's the only neighborhood where you can still find value, and the city is pouring infrastructure money in that direction. Buy there before the rest of the market figures it out.