Skip to Plainfield Listings

Plainfield VT Real Estate: Homes on the Winooski River East of Montpelier

By Tony Walton, Principal Broker, New England Landmark Realty

Quick Answer

Plainfield is a Washington County town of about 1,240 people east of Montpelier, with its village on the Winooski River and US Route 2. It was long home to Goddard College, which closed in 2024; the campus has since been sold and now hosts arts events, local organizations, a restaurant, and housing. Spruce Mountain, in Groton State Forest, rises to the east, and the c. 1841 Town Hall Opera House stands in the village. Plainfield and Marshfield share Twinfield Union School (PreK-12). Current Plainfield listings appear at the bottom of this page, and our Plainfield market report shows recent sales and prices.

Plainfield at a Glance

• County: Washington
• ZIP codes: 05667 (Plainfield); some addresses use 05641 (Barre)
• Population: 1,236 (2020 Census)
• Area: about 21 square miles
• Village: Plainfield, on the Winooski River and US Route 2
• Schools: Twinfield Union School (PreK-12), shared with Marshfield

Living in Plainfield

Plainfield village sits in the northern corner of town where US Route 2 follows the Winooski River. The Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, dating to about 1841, is a village landmark, and Spruce Mountain, 3,030 feet, rises to the east within Groton State Forest.

For decades, Plainfield was known as the home of Goddard College, whose alumni include poet Louise Glück, playwright David Mamet, actor William H. Macy, and members of Phish. The college closed in 2024, and the campus was bought by a redevelopment firm. It now hosts the Creative Campus at Goddard, with performances in the Haybarn Theater, along with local organizations, a restaurant, a business incubator, and housing, and plans call for more homes on the property.

Montpelier is west on Route 2.

Schools

Plainfield and Marshfield share Twinfield Union School, which serves pre-K through grade 12 in one school, in the Caledonia Central Supervisory Union.

Homes in Plainfield

Buyers in Plainfield find village homes, farmhouses, country homes on acreage, homes near the Winooski River, and land. See what's for sale now in the listings below, and check recent sale prices in the Plainfield market report, which updates as homes sell.

For homes near the Winooski River or its brooks, read the seller's flood disclosure and check the flood zone. For older homes, plan for a thorough inspection, including lead paint for homes built before 1978. For rural land, confirm septic suitability, road access, and whether the parcel is enrolled in Current Use.

Getting Around

• US Route 2 runs through Plainfield village, west to East Montpelier and Montpelier and east toward Marshfield.

Costs to Plan For

Vermont's property transfer tax, paid by the buyer at closing, is 0.5% on the first $200,000 of a primary residence and 1.47% above that; 3.62% for a second home suitable for year-round use; 1.47% for land; and a VHFA-financed primary residence is exempt on the first $250,000. Estimate your payment, transfer tax, and cash to close with our Vermont Home Cost Calculator, and see our Vermont home inspection guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Goddard College still open in Plainfield?

No. Goddard College closed in 2024. The campus was sold and now hosts the Creative Campus at Goddard, local organizations, a restaurant, and housing.

What is the ZIP code for Plainfield, VT?

05667 for Plainfield; some addresses in town use Barre, 05641.

What schools serve Plainfield?

Twinfield Union School, which Plainfield shares with Marshfield and which serves pre-K through grade 12.

What county is Plainfield, VT in?

Washington County.

How do I see recent home prices in Plainfield?

Our Plainfield market report lists recent sales, prices, and days on market, and updates automatically.

What to Do Next

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

Want Vermont market updates and homeowner tips in your inbox? Sign up for Tony's newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time.

• Vermont Home Buying Guide
• Nearby: Montpelier, Barre, Berlin, Groton

Sources

• Plainfield, Vermont (county, population, area, ZIP codes, village, US 2, Opera House, Spruce Mountain, Goddard alumni)
• WCAX, Goddard College announces closure
• WCAX, Future of former Goddard College campus taking shape
• Caledonia Central Supervisory Union; NCES, Twinfield Union School
• Vermont Department of Taxes, Property Transfer Tax