Montpelier, VT

Montpelier, Vermont

Introduction to Montpelier, Vermont

Montpelier is the capital of Vermont and is located in Washington County. The Winooski River runs along the southern edge of the downtown area. The city is surrounded by granite ridges and numerous hills. Montpelier is recognized as a major center for arts and entertainment for the region.

History

It's been estimated that by 1200 AD large settlements were located all over the area. Europeans entered the region beginning in 1600 and due to war with the Native Americans, the vast majority of the Indian villages were destroyed. Years later the area was chartered as a city in 1781. Montpelier was chosen as the location for the state capital in 1805. The arrival of a railroad during the mid-1800's created a thriving economy. By the year 1925 the city was home to nine granite works which were utilized to refine stone that was extracted from the quarries located in Barre.

The timber industry was thriving in the area during the early portion of the 19th century. In 1927 a powerful flood did enormous damage to the city. The town grew at a slow pace during the late 19th century and the early stages of the 20th century due to citizens migrating west and moving to industrial cities in the New England area.

Transportation

Montpelier is served by Amtrack. Bus services are provided by the Green Mountain Transit Authority. The city is served by the Burlington International Airport which is approximately 35 miles from Montpelier.

Attractions

• The Vermont State House is an impressive building featuring an attractive gold leaf dome.
• The Vermont Historical Society Museum
• T.W. Wood Art Gallery is situated in College Hall which is part of the Vermont College campus.
• Green Mount Cemetery
• Hubbard Park and Tower offers hiking and skiing trails and an observation tower that provides superb views of the city.
• North Branch Nature Center
• The Two Rivers Center Farm

Outdoor Activities

The city provides numerous locations for bicycle riding. Canoeing in the Winooski River is a popular activity. The Hubbard and North Branch River Parks provide a large number of trails for cross-country skiing and hiking. Downhill skiing opportunities are located close to the city. Three distinct walking tours showcase the attractive historic buildings located in Montpelier. Visitors enjoy the State Street, Mains Street and the College Street Tours.

Higher Education

The city is home to Vermont College which is associated with Union Institute and University. Woodbury College and the Community College of Vermont are located in Montpelier.

High Points

Montpelier strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Vermont):

Category	Trophy
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 2%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. State)	Top 8%
College Educated Adults (vs. Peers)	Top 10%

Comparative Profile of Montpelier, VT

Comparing Montpelier to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Vermont (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Female Share of the Population
Age of the Population
Well-Paid Single Women
Well-Paid Single Men
Senior Citizens
Racial Diversity
Male Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Walking and Biking to Work
Working at Home
Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes
Housing Recently Built

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Montpelier Almanac

Montpelier Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Montpelier Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Montpelier, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Montpelier High Schools (2004)

U-32 HIGH SCHOOL (UHSD #32)
930 GALLISON HILL ROAD
802-229-0321
Serves 862 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 12.6

MONTPELIER HIGH SCHOOL
5 HIGH SCHOOL DRIVE
802-223-6366
Serves 410 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 10.5

Montpelier Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

New England Culinary Institute

Woodbury College

(List of All Vermont Colleges)

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