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Vergennes VT Real Estate: Homes in Vermont's First City, on Otter Creek

By Tony Walton, Principal Broker, New England Landmark Realty

Quick Answer

Vergennes is a small Addison County city of about 2,550 people on Otter Creek. Chartered in 1788, it was the first city in Vermont, and today it's the state's smallest city by population. It has a walkable downtown with the Vergennes Opera House, a 37-foot waterfall in the middle of town, and War of 1812 history: Thomas Macdonough built and armed the fleet here that defeated the British on Lake Champlain. Current Vergennes listings appear at the bottom of this page, and our Vergennes market report shows recent sales and prices.

Vergennes at a Glance

• County: Addison
• ZIP code: 05491
• Population: 2,553 (2020 Census), Vermont's smallest city
• Area: about 2.6 square miles
• Chartered: 1788, the first city chartered in Vermont
• Neighbors: Ferrisburgh, Panton, and Waltham
• Schools: Vergennes Union Elementary School and Vergennes Union High School

Living in Vergennes

Vergennes packs a lot into 2.6 square miles. Its downtown has shops, restaurants, and the Vergennes Opera House, which hosts community events and performances. Otter Creek runs through the city, dropping over a 37-foot waterfall right in the middle of town.

The city's history is outsized for its size. During the War of 1812, Commodore Thomas Macdonough built and armed the fleet that defeated the British on Lake Champlain here; the USS Saratoga, Eagle, Ticonderoga, and Preble were built or refitted in Vergennes.

Vergennes sits between Burlington to the north and Middlebury to the south, with Lake Champlain a short drive west.

Homes in Vergennes

Buyers in Vergennes find historic homes near downtown, neighborhoods within walking distance of shops and schools, homes near Otter Creek, and condominiums. See what's for sale now in the listings below, and check recent sale prices in the Vergennes market report, which updates as homes sell.

For homes near Otter Creek, read the seller's flood disclosure and check the flood zone; the basin below the falls occasionally floods. For older homes, plan for a thorough inspection, including lead paint for homes built before 1978.

Getting Around

• Vermont Route 22A runs through the city.
• US Route 7 passes on the city's northern outskirts, north to Burlington and south to Middlebury.

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; 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. See our Vermont home inspection guide for what to check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vergennes the smallest city in Vermont?

Yes. Vergennes is Vermont's smallest city by population, with 2,553 residents in 2020, and it was the first city chartered in the state, in 1788.

What county is Vergennes, VT in?

Addison County, between Burlington and Middlebury.

What is the ZIP code for Vergennes, VT?

05491.

What schools serve Vergennes?

Vergennes Union Elementary School and Vergennes Union High School.

How do I see recent home prices in Vergennes?

Our Vergennes 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.

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• Vermont Home Buying Guide
• Nearby: Shelburne, Charlotte, Shoreham, Lake Champlain waterfront

Sources

• Vergennes, Vermont (county, population, area, charter, smallest city, Otter Creek falls, Macdonough fleet, Opera House, ZIP code, routes, schools, neighbors)
• Vermont Department of Taxes, Property Transfer Tax