Real Estate Investing in Burlington, Vermont
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Burlington, VT? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (72/100)
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5
(47/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
CLEAN
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Burlington, VT?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$344,333
Avg Monthly Rent
$2,268
ZIP Codes
3
Market Trends — Burlington, VT
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Burlington, VT. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Burlington, VT Updated 132 days ago
Burlington is experiencing significant downtown infrastructure upgrades and new housing developments, alongside some business closures and city layoffs.
Opportunities
- Construction began in February 2024 on the Great Streets BTV project, aiming to make downtown more walkable and dynamic with wider sidewalks and improved water collection. — This enhances pedestrian experience and improves public infrastructure. Community News Service
- In August 2025, Champlain Housing Trust broke ground on 40 new permanently affordable apartments at 100 Cambrian Way in Burlington's North End. — This expands housing options for various income levels, including those experiencing homelessness. VTDigger
- Burlington Square, a redevelopment of the former downtown mall, is partially opening in September 2025 with over 350 apartments, 342 hotel rooms, and retail space. — This adds significant housing, hospitality, and retail choices to the downtown area. Seven Days
- Burlington Electric Department issued a $20 million Net Zero Energy and Grid Reliability Revenue Bond in April 2026 to fund critical infrastructure and electrification incentives. — This investment improves grid reliability and supports the city's transition to a net-zero energy future. American Public Power Association
- Several new businesses, including retail shops, restaurants, and experience-based spots, have opened in Burlington over the past year. — This expands consumer choice and contributes to a vibrant local economy. Love Burlington
Concerns
- The Great Streets BTV project has caused disruptions, leading to decreased foot traffic and the permanent closure of some Main Street businesses like Nectar's and The Gryphon. — Construction has imposed unconsented costs on businesses through reduced customer access and sales. Community News Service
- Over 100 downtown business owners sent an open letter in May 2025 to the Mayor, citing an economic 'crisis' due to property crime, open drug use, homelessness, and construction impacts. — These issues restrict business operations and deter customers, leading to economic hardship. Seven Days
- In May 2025, Burlington laid off 18 city workers, including some union employees, as a cost-saving measure to close an $8 million budget gap. — These layoffs reduce public services and impose unconsented costs on affected employees. VTDigger
- Dear Lucy, a longtime business on Church Street, announced its closure in January 2026, citing difficult last two years with less foot traffic and increased expenses. — This reduces consumer choice and indicates ongoing economic challenges for local businesses. MyNBC5
Bottom line: Burlington is actively investing in infrastructure and affordable housing, but downtown businesses face significant challenges from ongoing construction and broader economic issues.
Local news & events in Burlington, VT Updated 132 days ago
Burlington, VT has seen a mix of community events, efforts to address public safety and housing, and ongoing environmental and health concerns in the past year.
Opportunities
- Burlington City Council unanimously approved a rezoning proposal (BTV Neighborhood Code) in March 2024 to create hundreds of new homes over the next decade. — This expands housing supply and opportunities for multi-family homes, addressing a significant concern. Seven Days
- Burlington has seen its first sustained decrease in monthly overdoses since before the pandemic, with numbers dropping from 67 in September 2023 to 25 in October 2023 and remaining at that level through February 2024. — This indicates progress in combating the drug crisis, potentially improving public safety and health outcomes. Burlington, VT Mayor's Office
- The Burlington Fire Department launched a Community Response Team (CRT) in October 2023, a pilot program responding to overdoses and providing outreach to high-risk individuals. — This initiative offers direct support and intervention, expanding access to critical services for vulnerable residents. Burlington, VT Mayor's Office
- Vermont State Police maintained a month-long presence in downtown Burlington during the holiday season (ending January 2026) to address crime and disorder. — This temporary increase in law enforcement presence aimed to enhance public safety and improve the downtown atmosphere. MyNBC5
- Burlington hosts numerous annual events and festivals throughout the year, including the Vermont City Marathon, Discover Jazz Festival, Festival of Fools, South End Art Hop, and Brewers Festival. — These events provide diverse cultural, recreational, and social opportunities, enriching community life. Burlington VT Tourism
Concerns
- A Burlington man was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment in May 2026 for illegally possessing a loaded firearm on Church Street in June 2025, causing public panic. — This incident highlights ongoing public safety concerns related to violent crime and illegal firearm possession in public spaces. United States Attorney's Office
- A November 2023 open letter from residents expressed grave concern about crime, rampant illegal drug trafficking and use, increasing violence, theft, and public drug consumption in Burlington. — These concerns indicate a perceived decline in public safety and quality of life for residents, restricting their sense of security. Burlington Safety Letter
- An environmental group filed a lawsuit in December 2025 against a Vermont dairy farm, alleging the dumping of toxic chemicals into Lake Champlain waterways at levels exceeding safety standards. — This poses a threat to environmental health and water quality in Lake Champlain, potentially impacting recreational use and ecosystem health. VTDigger
- Burlington faces significant climate change impacts, including increased extreme heat days (140% increase since 1960), heavier rainfall, and more frequent fire weather. — These environmental changes can lead to health risks, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to daily life, imposing unconsented costs on residents. Climate Central, Energy Action Network
- Some of Vermont's largest nursing homes, including one in Burlington, have struggled to provide sufficient care under new ownership, leading to violations, resident neglect, and staffing shortages in 2025. — This raises concerns about the quality of care for vulnerable residents and the effectiveness of oversight in the healthcare system. VTDigger
Bottom line: Burlington is actively addressing public safety and housing challenges, while also grappling with persistent environmental concerns and the impacts of climate change.
Schools in Burlington, VT Updated 132 days ago
Burlington School District is undergoing significant facility upgrades and managing enrollment shifts while maintaining a focus on academic improvement and fiscal responsibility.
Opportunities
- Burlington voters approved a $165 million bond in November 2022 for a new high school and technical center, with construction ongoing and expected completion in Fall 2026. — This provides modern, flexible learning spaces and addresses previous PCB contamination issues. Burlington School District
- The district expects to save $6 million on the high school bond due to careful fiscal management, grants, and interest earned on borrowed funds. — This reduces the overall debt burden and potentially lowers taxes for residents. WAMC
- A $17 million renovation of the Integrated Arts Academy is on schedule for completion in Spring 2025, funded by capital plan funds and ESSER funds. — This upgrades facilities, improves acoustics, and enhances the learning environment for students. Burlington School District
- The Burlington School District's proposed 2025-2026 budget, which passed with over 73% of votes, is estimated to lower property tax rates by 4%. — This provides financial relief to taxpayers while continuing to support students and district values. Vermont Business Magazine
- The district is prioritizing strengthening early literacy, expanding elementary math support, and increasing in-district special education programs. — These initiatives aim to improve academic achievement and reduce opportunity gaps for students. Burlington School District
Concerns
- Burlington High School enrollment declined from 897 to 847 students in the past year, impacting course offerings and class sizes. — Declining enrollment can lead to fewer available courses and potentially larger class sizes in some areas. BHS Register
- The district saw an overall decline of about 1 in 6 students (from 3,528 to 2,972) in K-12 enrollment over the past 20 years. — This long-term trend can lead to staffing reductions and potential school closures. Seven Days
- The proposed FY24 budget (January 2023) included a net decrease of about six full-time equivalent positions, including elementary and high school teachers. — Staffing cuts, driven by enrollment trends, can impact student-teacher ratios and individualized support. VTDigger
- The 2026 budget proposal includes laying off ten people across the district, with 4.5 of those being teachers, including English Language teachers. — These reductions may strain resources and support for students, particularly English Language Learners. BHS Register
Bottom line: Burlington School District is investing heavily in new facilities while navigating declining enrollment and making strategic budget adjustments.
Civic & policy in Burlington, VT Updated 132 days ago
Burlington has recently focused on increasing housing density, addressing public safety, and managing city finances through new zoning, tax adjustments, and ballot measures.
Opportunities
- The City Council unanimously approved a sweeping rezoning plan, the “Neighborhood Code,” in March 2024 to encourage denser housing development. — This expands housing options by allowing more multifamily buildings and increased lot coverage in residential areas. VTDigger
- In April 2025, the City Council removed a 5,000-square-foot size limit on performing arts centers on Pine Street, facilitating Higher Ground's potential move. — This change allows for larger cultural venues, potentially expanding entertainment options and economic activity. Seven Days
- Burlington is reviewing its future land use map to potentially gain exemptions from Act 250 regulations, streamlining housing development. — Reducing regulatory hurdles could accelerate construction of new homes, addressing the city's housing shortage. WAMC
- The City Council approved changes to the Burlington Electric Department's (BED) Energy Assistance Program in June 2025. — This makes it easier for lower-income residents, including those in affordable housing and shelters, to receive discounts on their electric bills. Reddit
- In December 2024, the City Council advanced three priority projects for downtown redevelopment, including mixed-use housing, hotel, and commercial spaces. — These projects aim to create new housing, jobs, and improve public infrastructure in the downtown area. Vermont Business Magazine
Concerns
- Burlington voters approved a 5-cent police and fire tax increase in March 2026 to help close a multimillion-dollar city budget gap. — This increases municipal taxes for homeowners, with an estimated $186 annual increase for a median-valued home. Seven Days
- In April 2025, an ordinance passed to charge owners of vacant buildings up to $6,000 annually for a permit, doubling previous maximum fees. — This imposes significant new costs on property owners with vacant buildings, potentially increasing expenses for landlords. Seven Days
- The City Council voted in June 2025 to advance an ordinance banning public nudity following complaints from businesses and residents. — This introduces new prohibitions on personal conduct in public spaces, with potential fines for violations. VTDigger
- A temporary 0.5% increase to the restaurant (gross receipts) tax, set to expire in June 2025, was extended until August 31st, 2025. — This prolongs a higher tax burden on local restaurants, potentially impacting their operating costs. Reddit
- Several Burlington charter changes, including those for gun bans in bars and no-cause eviction protections, have been stalled in the state legislature since 2021. — This delays the implementation of locally approved measures, limiting the city's ability to enact desired regulations. Seven Days
Bottom line: Burlington is actively pursuing policies to increase housing and revitalize downtown, alongside new taxes and regulations to address budget and public safety concerns.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Property managers serving Chittenden County
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Burlington, VT
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Burlington, VT
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Burlington, VT
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Avg Home Value
$344,333
Avg Monthly Rent
$2,268
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (VT)
★★★☆☆
🎓 Colleges & Universities in Burlington
2 Colleges
17,648 Students
300 Off-Campus Renters
ZIP Codes in Burlington, VT
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Burlington, VT
Does Burlington, VT make sense for an investment property?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Burlington, VT reflects its $344K prices and $2,268/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within VT.
How quickly do rentals get leased in Burlington, VT?
Vacancy risk in Burlington, VT is elevated. That supports measured cash flow for typical rental holds.
Which real estate strategy fits Burlington, VT?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Burlington, VT. The numbers - $344K homes against $2,268/mo rents - support that play.
Is Burlington, VT good for house hacking?
House hacking in Burlington, VT is a challenging. With home values around $344K and rents at $2,268/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
How much do tenants pay in Burlington, VT?
Rent in Burlington, VT is around $2,268/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $344K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
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