Essex Junction, Vermont, is a well-established village in Chittenden County known for its strong community roots. It consistently ranks among the top places to live in the Green Mountain State.
With a blend of suburban calm, strong public schools and proximity to Burlington, Essex Junction offers a comfortable lifestyle for families, professionals and retirees.
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But is it the right place for you? Here’s a closer look at what makes Essex Junction a desirable place to call home, including the local economy, schools, real estate market and the major role which GlobalFoundries plays in the area.
Community and lifestyle in Essex Junction
Essex Junction offers a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere that appeals to those seeking a quieter lifestyle without giving up city conveniences.
The town is home to a walkable downtown, tree-lined streets and numerous parks and recreational facilities, including a public pool, tennis courts, ice rink and community center.
Residents frequently highlight the town’s neighborliness. According to Niche.com, Essex Junction receives high marks for being family-friendly and safe, with one local describing it as having “a sense of community and camaraderie around every corner.”
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Commuting from Essex Junction: Location, transit and access to Burlington
While Essex Junction is peaceful and suburban, it’s a short drive from the cultural and economic hub of Burlington. This makes commuting for work or school straightforward.
Public transportation options include:
- Amtrak service with direct regional connections
- Local bus network serving Chittenden County
- Proximity to Burlington International Airport for national travel
These options make Essex Junction especially convenient for professionals, frequent travelers and students alike.
Schools in Essex Junction: Top-rated education options
Families considering Essex Junction will be pleased with the quality of its schools.
The village is served by the Essex Westford School District, which includes highly rated institutions like Essex High School, one of Vermont’s largest secondary technical schools.
Niche.com gives the public school system an “A-” rating, reflecting strong academic outcomes, experienced teachers and ample extracurricular opportunities.
Education is a central part of the community’s identity, making it a strong selling point for families.
Job opportunities in Essex Junction: GlobalFoundries and local employment
One of Essex Junction’s most notable economic drivers is GlobalFoundries, a leading global semiconductor manufacturer.
The company operates Fab 9, a 200 mm wafer fabrication plant (fab) in the village, which it acquired from IBM in 2015.
This facility is the longest-operating semiconductor fab in the U.S. and Vermont’s largest private employer, providing jobs to roughly 1,800 people.
In 2024, GlobalFoundries received over $125 million in federal funding from the CHIPS and Science Act and additional state support to modernize its Essex Junction site. This investment underscores the importance of the facility in the national chip supply chain. What’s more, this important corporation collaborates with local educational entities such as the University of Vermont to enhance the skills of its workforce.
GlobalFoundries is also expanding into next-generation technologies such as:
- Gallium nitride (GaN)-on-silicon chips
- Advanced packaging and photonics
- Trusted semiconductor production for defense applications
These innovations position Essex Junction as a key location for future-facing careers in tech and engineering.
Essex Junction real estate and cost of living
The real estate market in Essex Junction reflects the town’s high desirability.
With strong schools, a thriving local economy and easy access to Burlington, demand for housing has remained steady.
Here are a few key advantages for prospective homeowners:
- Strong long-term value: Homes in Essex Junction typically retain or appreciate in value thanks to stable demand and a limited housing supply.
- Median home values: Generally range from $450,000 to $501,000, depending on location and features.
- Competitive utility and healthcare costs: These remain in line with regional averages.
- High-quality public services: Vermont’s property taxes help fund schools and infrastructure.
For buyers looking to plant roots in a growing community, Essex Junction offers an opportunity to invest in a lifestyle marked by quality and convenience.
With programs like Compass Mortgage’s Get Committed®, locking in a personalized rate and securing a fully underwritten loan commitment gives you a head start in a competitive market.
Is Essex Junction safe? Crime rates and community security
Safety is a major perk of Essex Junction. The town enjoys a very low crime rate, with only about 1.9 incidents per 1,000 residents.
This makes it one of the safest communities in the region and reinforces its reputation as an ideal place for raising children or enjoying a peaceful retirement.
Things to do in Essex Junction: Events, parks and local culture
Despite its modest size, Essex Junction offers a range of cultural and recreational activities. Highlights include:
- Champlain Valley Exposition: Hosts the Champlain Valley Fair, plus concerts, craft shows and festivals
- Recreation: Bike paths, hiking trails and easy access to Vermont’s ski resorts
- Arts and culture: Local galleries and theater productions add richness to community life
Cons of living in Essex Junction: What to know before moving
While Essex Junction has much to offer, it’s important to understand the town’s unique character and whether it aligns with your lifestyle.
Essex Junction’s charm comes with considerations:
- Limited nightlife and late-night entertainment (Burlington offers more options just minutes away)
- Higher housing costs compared to other Vermont towns
These factors reflect the town’s emphasis on family, community, and quality of life over urban density.
Residents enjoy access to highly rated public schools, well-maintained infrastructure, low crime and a beautiful natural setting—all of which contribute to long-term value and satisfaction.
Who should move to Essex Junction? Ideal lifestyles and demographics
Essex Junction is particularly appealing to:
- Families looking for strong schools and safe neighborhoods
- Professionals seeking stable employment in tech or healthcare
- Retirees who want peace, safety and community connection
- Remote workers who value access to recreation and a quiet home base
However, it may not be ideal for those prioritizing nightlife, low housing costs or urban density.
Should you move to Essex Junction? Final pros and cons summary
Essex Junction blends New England charm with the economic opportunities of a global tech hub, thanks in part to the presence of GlobalFoundries.
Strengths include:
- Excellent schools
- Good selection of mostly Roman Catholic and Protestant churches
- Low crime
- Strong job market with GlobalFoundries
- Access to outdoor recreation and Burlington amenities
Challenges include a quieter social scene and higher housing costs.
It’s important to consider the higher cost of living and quieter social scene when evaluating whether it’s the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Bottom line: If you want a safe, family-friendly community with solid job opportunities and long-term value, Essex Junction is a great place to put down roots.
Moving to Essex Junction FAQ
Yes. The community has a very low crime rate — about 1.9 incidents per 1,000 residents — making it one of the safest towns in Vermont.
GlobalFoundries is the region’s largest employer, offering hundreds of jobs in semiconductor manufacturing, engineering and tech.
Median home values typically range $450,000–$501,000, reflecting strong demand due to schools, jobs and Burlington’s proximity.
Yes. The Essex Westford School District is highly rated, and the town offers strong community engagement, parks and family-oriented amenities.
Looking to buy a home in Essex Junction or nearby?
Compass Mortgage’s Get Committed® program allows you to get a fully vetted loan commitment and lock in your interest rate even before making an offer on a house. That’s one less thing to worry about as you plan your big move.
Apply with Compass Mortgage or call us at (877) 635-9795 to speak with one of our knowledgeable and helpful loan officers.