Burlington VT

Burlington, Vermont is a charming city nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain. Known for its mix of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, it's a place full of surprises. Here are 10 fun facts about this New England gem:

1. Home of Ben & Jerry’s – The world-famous ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s started in Burlington in a renovated gas station in 1978.
2. Lake Champlain’s “Champ” – A legendary lake monster called “Champ” is said to live in Lake Champlain. Sightings go back hundreds of years!
3. Church Street Marketplace – This lively pedestrian mall in downtown Burlington is car-free and open year-round, hosting live music, festivals, and over 100 shops and restaurants.
4. First City to Run on 100% Renewable Energy – In 2014, Burlington became the first U.S. city to run entirely on renewable energy sources like wind, hydro, and biomass.
5. Close to Canada – Burlington is just 45 miles from the Canadian border and just under two hours from Montreal, making it a unique blend of cultures.
6. Presidential Roots – U.S. President Calvin Coolidge attended the University of Vermont, which was founded in Burlington in 1791.
7. Art Everywhere – Public art fills the city, from murals to sculpture parks. Even utility boxes are painted by local artists!
8. Four Distinct Seasons – Burlington experiences all four seasons in full, from snow-covered winters to colorful fall foliage and sunny summer days by the lake.
9. Farm-to-Table Fresh – The city has a strong food scene with many restaurants sourcing locally, and even the schools serve farm-fresh meals.
10. Green City – Burlington is a bicycle-friendly city with miles of bike paths, including the scenic Island Line Trail that goes out over Lake Champlain on a former railroad causeway.

Burlington, VT is a vibrant New England city known for its strong local economy, sustainability focus, and rich academic and tech culture. Home to institutions like the University of Vermont and various healthcare and tech companies, Burlington offers a range of thriving career opportunities. Below are some of the top jobs in the area.

Top 5 Jobs in Burlington, VT

Burlington, Vermont may be known for its scenic charm and vibrant community, but it’s also home to several outstanding high schools. Students in this city have access to excellent academic programs, whether they choose public or private institutions. These schools help students prepare for college, careers, and lifelong success by offering strong academics, extracurricular activities, and supportive learning environments.

Top Public High Schools In Burlington, VT

• Burlington High School – The city’s main public high school, it offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and has strong programs in science, arts, and athletics.
• South Burlington High School – Known for its excellent graduation rate and high college acceptance numbers, it offers a comprehensive curriculum with strong support services.
• Champlain Valley Union High School – Located just outside the Burlington metro area in Hinesburg, it serves multiple towns and is known for its high academic standards and innovative teaching.
• Mount Mansfield Union High School – While in nearby Jericho, it serves many students from the Burlington area and is praised for its rigorous academics and community involvement.
• Essex High School – Serving the greater Burlington area, this school boasts strong STEM programs, an award-winning tech center, and a diverse course catalog.

Top Private High Schools In Burlington, VT

• Rice Memorial High School – A private Catholic school offering a college-preparatory curriculum, it combines academic excellence with a focus on character and faith-based values.
• Bingham Memorial School – Known for its commitment to individual student growth and holistic education, this small private school offers personalized attention and strong academics.
• The Schoolhouse – Though it primarily serves younger students, its middle and early high school programs emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and student-centered learning.
• Bellevue School – Located within commuting distance from Burlington, it’s known for its highly personalized instruction and emphasis on outdoor and experiential learning.
• Rock Point School – A unique private high school offering a tailored education for students who thrive in smaller, more hands-on learning environments, with a strong focus on personal growth and community connection.

Burlington, Vermont is a picturesque and vibrant city known for its strong commitment to education, innovation, and sustainability. Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, it is home to several leading public and private institutions that provide high-quality academic programs and research opportunities.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Burlington

University of Vermont (UVM) – The flagship public university of Vermont, UVM is a nationally recognized research institution. It offers over 100 undergraduate majors and is especially praised for its programs in environmental sciences, business, healthcare, and education. UVM also has a strong focus on sustainability and public service.

Community College of Vermont (CCV) – Winooski Campus – Located just minutes from downtown Burlington, CCV provides accessible and affordable two-year degrees and certificate programs. Known for its flexible learning formats, CCV supports both traditional and non-traditional students with pathways to four-year degrees.

University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine – As part of UVM, this college offers advanced education in medicine and biomedical research. It's one of the oldest medical schools in the U.S. and collaborates closely with the UVM Medical Center right in Burlington.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Burlington

Champlain College – A top private college known for career-focused education. Champlain is especially strong in cybersecurity, game design, and business. Its Upside-Down Curriculum allows students to dive into their major from the first semester, making it ideal for hands-on learners.

Saint Michael’s College – Located just outside Burlington in Colchester, Saint Michael’s is a private Catholic liberal arts college. It offers strong programs in education, the humanities, and business, and is known for its welcoming community and commitment to service and social justice.

Burlington College (closed in 2016) – Although it closed due to financial complications, Burlington College was once a hub for creativity and liberal arts education. Former students and faculty contributed to Burlington’s vibrant arts scene.

Burlington, Vermont is a charming city known for its thriving arts scene, beautiful Lake Champlain views, and strong collegiate sports presence. While it does not host any major professional sports teams from the top leagues like the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, or MLS, it offers an enthusiastic environment for minor league and semi-professional sports. The city embraces local teams and has a deep passion for competitive athletics at the community level.

🏒 Hockey – Vermont Lumberjacks (EHL)

• Vermont Lumberjacks – Competing in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), the Lumberjacks are a junior hockey team committed to developing young talent for collegiate and professional levels. They play their home games at Leddy Park Arena in Burlington and are a beloved part of the city’s winter sports culture.

⚽ Soccer – Vermont Green FC (USL League Two)

• Vermont Green FC – Founded in 2021, Vermont Green FC plays in the USL League Two, a semi-professional soccer league that prepares players for careers in Major League Soccer and beyond. Despite their new arrival, they have quickly built a loyal fan base and play their home matches at the University of Vermont’s Virtue Field.

🏀 College Basketball – University of Vermont Catamounts (NCAA)

• UVM Catamounts – Though not a professional team, the University of Vermont’s men’s and women’s basketball teams compete at the NCAA Division I level in the America East Conference. The Catamounts have been a consistent powerhouse in their division, often reaching the NCAA tournament and proudly representing Burlington on a national stage.

⚾ Summer Baseball – Vermont Lake Monsters (Futures Collegiate Baseball League)

• Vermont Lake Monsters – Formerly a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Oakland A’s, the Lake Monsters now play in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. Based at Centenial Field, one of the oldest ballparks in America, the team offers family-friendly fun and a nostalgic baseball experience every summer in Burlington.

While Burlington may not have major league franchises, its mix of minor league, collegiate, and community sports delivers an exciting and spirited sports environment for fans and athletes alike.

Burlington, VT is a vibrant city where students can find plenty of spots to unwind, take a break from studies, and enjoy some leisure time. Whether you're into nature, food, or artsy places, Burlington has a spot for you.

Church Street Marketplace – This open-air pedestrian mall is full of energy. With countless shops, cafes, and street performers, it's a perfect place to stroll, grab a bite, and hang out with friends.

Waterfront Park – Located along Lake Champlain, this park offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you're biking, having a picnic, or simply enjoying the lake view, it's a great spot to relax.

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain – For a mix of fun and learning, visit ECHO. This science and nature museum offers interactive exhibits about the lake and its ecosystems and sometimes hosts special student nights.

Radio Bean – If you're into the local music scene, Radio Bean is a must-visit. This cozy spot provides live music, good coffee, and a laid-back vibe, making it a perfect hangout place.

Oakledge Park – For those who love outdoor activities, Oakledge Park offers trails, beaches, and perfect picnic spots. Plus, it hosts some stunning sunset views over the lake.

Burlington Farmers Market – Held seasonally, this market is a great spot to enjoy local foods and crafts. It's a fun way to spend a Saturday morning while supporting local vendors.

Catamount Arts – Though a bit further afield, this arts center is worth the trip for those who enjoy movies, concerts, and visual arts. It's a cultural hub that often features student-friendly events.