HARDWICK – One of the 12 best places to retire in Vermont is Hardwick, “a beautiful, serene, outdoorsy, artsy town with an active community,” according to a story by James Quintanilla.
Not only are these 12 towns a bargain, but they also offer a slower pace of life, affordable living, plenty of nature, and a wide range of activities,” said the December 15 story on the website worldatlas.com.
“These smaller towns all share a few commonalities: they have lower populations and median housing values below the state’s median of $387,000“ Quintanilla writes.
The median home value of $240,000 is more than a third lower than the state average, making it an affordable choice for retirees.
“If you are looking for outdoor adventures and hiking trails . . , Hardwick might be a good fit, writes the author.
“The story points to easy access for hiking on Hardwick Trails and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT),” as being among the town’s benefits.
Though the story doesn’t mention it, both offer biking and skiing in the winter. The LVRT opens for winter snowmobiling after the hunting season ends..
“Hardwick also benefits from close access to community healthcare through the Hardwick Area Health Center, which offers primary care, wellness visits, and ongoing support for aging residents,” notes the story.
“The outdoor Hardwick Farmers Market feels like you are transported back in time,” and is identified as a place where “The scenery is perfect, the fruit is fresh, and the vendors are friendly.”
Vendors of ready-to-eat foods and picnic tables make the market a community gathering place on Friday afternoons from spring into early fall.
“Whatever your taste is, Vermont has something for everyone,” concludes Quintanilla
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
