Photo: Wikipedia
Quality of Life in South Burlington, VT
Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
47% above national average
The Real Cost of Living in South Burlington, VT for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $28k | $53k |
| Comfortable | $78k | $114k |
| Luxury | $172k+ | $266k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $202k+ | $313k+ |
85%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
6 within 10 miles
Gas
20 within 10 miles
Hospital
1 within 20 miles
Airport
PDX — Portland International Jetport
Post Office
USPS — South Burlington, VT
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
South Burlington, Vermont, is an affluent, family-oriented suburb of Burlington that consistently ranks among the state's most desirable places to live. With a cost-of-living index of 147 (47% above the U.S. average), the city attracts professionals, University of Vermont Medical Center employees, and remote workers who value short commutes, top-tier schools, and direct access to Lake Champlain. The population skews educated and upper-middle-class, with a median household income well above the Vermont average, creating a stable, low-crime environment that appeals to both young families and empty nesters.
Cost of living and housing affordability compared to Burlington and Chittenden County
South Burlington's cost of living is significantly higher than the national average but slightly below the core of Burlington itself. The median home value sits at $399,600, roughly 10% lower than Burlington's median but about 15% higher than neighboring Williston. Median rent is $1,755, which is competitive for Chittenden County—comparable two-bedroom units in Burlington often exceed $2,000. The average commute of 18.9 minutes is among the shortest in Vermont, as most residents work within the city or in adjacent Burlington or Williston. Property taxes in South Burlington are moderate for Vermont (around 2.0% of assessed value), though the lack of a sales tax and the state's progressive income tax structure mean overall tax burden is high relative to national averages. For buyers, the market remains tight: inventory in the $350,000–$500,000 range moves quickly, and first-time buyers often look to Winooski or Colchester for slightly lower entry points.
Schools, amenities, and what daily life is like for families
Daily life in South Burlington revolves around the South Burlington School District, which consistently ranks among Vermont's top five for test scores and college readiness. The district includes Orchard School (K–5), Chamberlin School (K–5), Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School, and South Burlington High School, which offers robust Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment programs. The city's amenity base is anchored by the University Mall (Vermont's largest indoor shopping center), the South Burlington Recreation Path (a 7-mile paved trail connecting to Burlington's waterfront), and the Dorset Street corridor packed with grocery stores, restaurants, and big-box retailers. The South Burlington Public Library (opened in 2021) and the South Burlington Community & Senior Center provide year-round programming. For outdoor recreation, residents have quick access to Red Rocks Park on Lake Champlain, Oakledge Park, and the Burlington Country Club. The rhythm is suburban but walkable in patches—Dorset Street is car-dependent, but the neighborhoods around the high school and library are bike-friendly. Weekend farmers' markets and the Burlington waterfront are a 10-minute drive or 30-minute bike ride away.
South Burlington is best suited for professionals and families who prioritize school quality, safety, and short commutes over urban nightlife or low housing costs. Remote workers and medical professionals at the nearby University of Vermont Medical Center will find the commute and amenities ideal. Retirees on fixed incomes may struggle with the high cost of living, but those with equity from a prior home sale will appreciate the walkable library, recreation path, and low crime rates. The city is less suited for singles seeking a vibrant bar scene—that's better found in Burlington's Old North End or Church Street—but for anyone wanting a quiet, well-resourced suburb with excellent schools and lake access, South Burlington is a top-tier choice in Vermont.
Crime in South Burlington, VT
Generally safer than 69% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
South Burlington, Vermont, presents a complex safety picture where property crime rates significantly exceed both state and national averages, while violent crime remains comparatively low. The city's 2023 crime data shows a violent crime rate of 230.7 per 100,000 residents, which is below the national average but above Vermont's statewide figure. However, the property crime rate of 4,650.3 per 100,000 is notably high—roughly double the national average and more than triple Vermont's typical rate—placing South Burlington among the higher-crime communities in the state.
Crime in context
When compared to Vermont's overall crime landscape, South Burlington stands out as an outlier. The state's violent crime rate hovers around 170 per 100,000, making South Burlington's 230.7 figure roughly 35% higher. Property crime is the more striking disparity: Vermont's statewide property crime rate is approximately 1,400 per 100,000, meaning South Burlington's rate of 4,650.3 is more than three times higher. This places the city in a category similar to larger, more urbanized areas in the region, such as Burlington proper. The elevated property crime numbers are driven largely by thefts from vehicles and retail establishments, reflecting the city's role as a commercial hub with a concentration of shopping centers and easy highway access via I-89.
What residents experience
For those living in South Burlington, the day-to-day reality is shaped more by property crime than by violent incidents. Car break-ins, package thefts, and shoplifting are common complaints, particularly in areas near the University Mall and along Williston Road. Violent crime, while present, is less frequent and tends to be concentrated in specific circumstances rather than random. Residents should be aware that Chittenden County, which includes South Burlington, has a justice system influenced by progressive policies. District attorneys and judges in the area often prioritize diversion programs and reduced sentencing for non-violent offenders, a philosophy that, while intended to reduce recidivism, can result in repeat property offenders cycling back into the community. This approach has drawn criticism from residents who feel it undermines public safety and fails to adequately deter crime.
Neighborhood-level variation is notable. Areas closer to the Burlington border and the commercial corridors see higher property crime rates, while residential neighborhoods like those near Dorset Street and the South Burlington High School tend to report fewer incidents. The city's proximity to Burlington and easy interstate access also means some crime is linked to transient populations. For prospective residents, the safest choice is typically a quieter residential street away from major retail zones, though no neighborhood is immune to the property crime trends that define the city's safety profile.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-30T18:26:34.000Z
Narrative content on this page is AI-generated and may contain mistakes. Verify any details that matter before acting on them.
ReloMaps may earn a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
