Best Neighborhoods in Burlington, Vermont

Lake Champlain is hard to ignore in Burlington, but the neighborhoods have their own ideas about how to spend a day. Downtown puts restaurants and the waterfront within easy reach. The Old North End has older houses and a mix of rentals, including homes divided into apartments. In the South End, former industrial spaces have helped shape a creative scene that feels different from the blocks around Church Street.

A downtown apartment may save you trips across town while giving you less private outdoor space. In the Old North End, look closely at the condition of older rental properties. The New North End offers a more residential alternative, with parks and access to the lake in parts of the area. Burlington is compact, but winter makes the difference between a pleasant walk and a long one feel much bigger.

Old North End

College Students

Burlington has five major neighborhoods and the Old North End is where most of the students end up. Older homes that have been cut up into apartments for rent are the dominant form of housing for students. The neighborhood is relatively diverse and is a short walk to downtown if you’re looking to head out for the night. There are also restaurants and pubs in Old North End but the bigger nightlife and activities are downtown. Young Professionals looking for a more cool vibe will often choose Old North End over Downtown.

  • Old North End

Downtown

Young Professionals

Downtown is the dominant neighborhood for young professionals. Housing is mostly condos and apartment buildings that are sprinkled throughout the commercial district. Bars, clubs, parks, beach access and performing arts are all short walks from anywhere downtown making it the most convenient choice for those who either work downtown or who simply want to be near where they socialize.

  • Downtown
  • Old North End

South End

LGBTQ+

The entire city of Burlington is LGBTQ+ friendly but the neighborhood that pulls together the community the most is the South End post-industrial section. Housing and commercial operations are primarily converted warehouses where artists set up galleries and new condos were built to house the emerging population. Anywhere in Burlington works but South End is the starting point.

  • South End

New North End

Families

The New North End is a popular neighborhood for families. Nice homes overlooking Lake Champlain are available, some with beach access and plenty of bike trails and parks to keep the kiddos on their outdoor toes. The Hill is another beautiful neighborhood for families. Big homes, great yards, plenty of outdoor space, and the Burlington Country Club for those who like to chase that little ball around the course. Lake views come with a premium and is one of the primary selling points of homes here.

  • New North End
  • Hill