Let the numbers do the talking.
Montpelier, VT vs Swanton, VT
Montpelier, VT vs Swanton, VT: What the data shows
Montpelier, VT is in Montpelier, VT while Swanton, VT is in Swanton, VT — both in the same state. On home prices, Swanton, VT is the more affordable option at $256,000 median — $24,000 less than Montpelier, VT's $280,000. WYLT rates Montpelier, VT as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Swanton, VT as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots.
Swanton, VT has the stronger safety profile of the two. Montpelier, VT has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. Swanton, VT has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Montpelier, VT has Low flood risk and Swanton, VT has Low flood risk.
Swanton, VT is the more walkable neighborhood. Montpelier, VT scores 2/100 (car-dependent) versus Swanton, VT's 20/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Montpelier, VT has the higher school rating — Montpelier, VT rates 7.1/10 and Swanton, VT rates 7/10.
| Category | Montpelier, VT | Swanton, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Settle here |
| Median Price | $280K | $256K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $52K | $70K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 2/100 | 20/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 1/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 1/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 45 min | 45 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | B | A ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Low | Low |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.1/10 ✓ Better schools | 7/10 |
| Best for | Families looking for good schoolsRetirees seeking a quiet, scenic environmentRemote workers who need a calm setting | FamilyRetireesRural Lifestyle |
Bottom line
If you're a family with a car and a preference for a quieter, more rural lifestyle, Swanton is the better choice. However, if you or a family member commutes to Burlington by car, you may find Montpelier's more developed niche job market and scenic surroundings to be an attractive trade-off. Overall, Swanton is more straightforward, while Montpelier offers a unique blend of qualities, but with some limitations.
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