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Burlington

Burlington

Students represent a quarter of the total population in this thriving small city. It's America’s “#1 College Town” with a lot going on, and always something new to see. It’s also breathtakingly beautiful, and one of the most environmentally progressive cities in the nation. It was the first city to source 100% of its residential energy from renewable sources.

Burlington is an innovation hub with growing industries, artisanal producers, and plenty of jobs. Home to global companies like Burton Snowboards and Ben & Jerry's, and local businesses like Lake Champlain Chocolates, Dealer.com and Seventh Generation.

World-class arts, dining, festivals, and outdoor adventure are all just steps away. Most people fall in love with Burlington on their very first visit. Come see why!

JUST THE FACTS

#1

Burlington, Vermont, our hometown, is ranked the #1 Best College Town by Travel + Leisure magazine AND the Huffington Post.

THE BEST

Burlington was named a "Best Town Ever" by Outside magazine. It ranked number seven on the list.

TOP 10

Burlington was named one of the "Top 10 Most Innovative Tech Hubs" in the U.S. by Forbes magazine.

Students walking by the waterfront of Burlington, Vermont on a sunny day.

Students watching the sunset at Oakledge Park in Burlington, Vermont

Church Street in the evening lit by string lights with a church visible at its end

Students riding a ski lift covered in a fresh coat of snow

Students walking along the Burlington Bike Path, with Lake Champlain on both sides

Three students with arms around each other standing near the railing of a boat on Lake Champlain.

Students at the Burlington Famers Market

Three students pose in front of Burton's flagship store with "Welcome to Burlington" written on the window.

Two students stand on Church Street with holiday lights behind them.

More Burlington Facts

THE TOP

National Geographic calls Burlington a "Top adventure town [with] just about everything you could want."

THE BEST

CNBC ranked Vermont its top place to live in the United States. Our quality of life and overall health are the highest in the nation.

100

You'll find more than 100 restaurants, cafes, and bistros to choose from in Burlington.

Sunset view of a lighthouse on Lake Champlain and mountains in the distance

DISCOVER BURLINGTON

To explore downtown, just head down the hill toward the water—it's just a five-minute walk from campus. The epicenter of Burlington is the legendary Church Street Marketplace. You'll know you're there when you hit the cobblestones. Wander around for a while: explore our unique stores, tea and coffee shops, and boutiques. Enjoy street performers, or have a great meal in any one of the restaurants featuring local ingredients and outdoor dining.

Then, head for the lake. You'll find the waterfront and community park graced with pristine shoreline as far as the eye can see and a magnificent boardwalk, built for strolling, biking, running, even snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. Find a spot to sit and watch a beautiful sunset over the Adirondack Mountain range.

Want to learn more about living in Burlington?

The Ultimate Guide to Fall in Burlington, Vermont

Summer Fun in Burlington, Vermont

A Filmmaking Student's Guide to Burlington, Vermont

READ MORE ON THE BLOG

“

Burlington is a magical place. The people are great, the atmosphere of Church Street is always bustling, and everything is close by. I never got homesick because Burlington feels like home. I love it here, and I plan to live here after college.

” Emily Kokot, ‘20 // Visual Communication Design

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