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Glastenbury VT Real Estate: Remote Land in Vermont's Green Mountains

By Tony Walton, Principal Broker, New England Landmark Realty

Quick Answer

Glastenbury is an unorganized town in Bennington County, northeast of Bennington, with 9 residents at the 2020 Census. It gave up its town government in 1937, and its affairs are handled by a state-appointed supervisor. Most of its 44 square miles lies within the Green Mountain National Forest, the 22,330-acre Glastenbury Wilderness is in the area, and the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail cross Glastenbury Mountain (3,748 feet), which has an observation tower at the summit. Private property for sale is rare, usually land or a remote camp. Any current listings appear at the bottom of this page.

Glastenbury at a Glance

• County: Bennington
• Population: 9 (2020 Census)
• Area: about 44.4 square miles
• Government: unorganized town since 1937, with a state-appointed supervisor
• Public land: mostly Green Mountain National Forest
• Highest point: Glastenbury Mountain, 3,748 feet
• Trails: the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail

About Glastenbury

Glastenbury was settled in the late 1700s, and logging and charcoal making grew it to 241 residents by 1880. By the late 1880s the mountain had been cleared of nearly all its mature trees, and a railroad and a short-lived resort failed after flood damage in 1898. The population kept falling, and in 1937 Glastenbury became one of two Vermont towns, with Somerset, to give up its town government.

Today the land has grown back into forest. The Glastenbury Wilderness, designated in 2006, is the second-largest wilderness area in Vermont, and the Long Trail, which coincides with the Appalachian Trail here, passes over the summit of Glastenbury Mountain, where the Green Mountain Club maintains an observation tower. The Bald Mountain, West Ridge, and Little Pond trails also run through the wilderness.

How an Unorganized Town Works

Glastenbury has no selectboard or town meeting. Under Vermont law, a supervisor appointed by the governor acts as selectman for road encroachment, planning, and related bylaws; as school director; as constable; as tax collector; and as town clerk for dog licensing. The office falls under the Vermont Department of Taxes. If you're considering property here, contact the supervisor early about taxes, permits, road questions, and school arrangements.

Buying Land in Glastenbury

Most of Glastenbury is public forest, so private parcels come up only occasionally. Before you buy, confirm:

• Legal access: a deeded right-of-way or town road access, and whether the road is maintained or passable year-round
• Boundaries: a current survey, especially where the parcel meets national forest land
• Buildability: septic suitability, water supply, and state permits for any building or wastewater system
• Power: whether utility power is available or the property would be off-grid
• Current Use: whether the land is enrolled in Vermont's Current Use program

Our Vermont Land Buying Guide covers these steps in more detail.

Costs to Plan For

Vermont's property transfer tax, paid by the buyer at closing, is 1.47% for land and camps not suitable for year-round use; 3.62% for a second home suitable for year-round use; and 0.5% on the first $200,000 of a primary residence and 1.47% above that. Estimate your costs with our Vermont Home Cost Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Glastenbury have no town government?

Its population fell after the logging and charcoal era, and in 1937 it was unincorporated. A state-appointed supervisor now handles town matters.

How many people live in Glastenbury, VT?

9, as of the 2020 Census.

Is Glastenbury part of the Green Mountain National Forest?

Most of it is. Some private land remains.

Does the Appalachian Trail go through Glastenbury?

Yes. The Long Trail and Appalachian Trail run north to south through town and over the summit of Glastenbury Mountain.

Can you buy land in Glastenbury?

Occasionally. Private parcels are rare, so check access, boundaries, buildability, and power carefully, and talk with the town's supervisor about taxes and permits.

What to Do Next

Call our office at 802-253-4711, reach Tony Walton directly at 802-233-4107, or contact us.

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• Vermont Land Buying Guide
• Nearby: Woodford, Somerset, which also gave up its town government

Sources

• Glastenbury, Vermont (county, population, area, 1937 unincorporation, national forest, history)
• Glastenbury Wilderness
• Glastenbury Mountain
• Office of the Governor, Unorganized Town – Glastenbury
• Vermont Department of Taxes, Property Transfer Tax