A Nomad’s Dilema
Short-Term Rentals in Vermont Small Towns
The small towns of Vermont are popular destinations year-round with a robust short-term rental market. Who doesn’t think that it would be great to work early in the day to catch a couple of runs down the ski slopes on a Tuesday in January before the sun goes down? Or to finish that long awaited book while sitting in the cool breeze of the Green Mountains in July? There is a reason Vermont has such a bustling tourism and nomad culture.
Platforms like Airbnb offer numerous fully furnished monthly rentals, making it feasible for visitors to settle in comfortably for extended stays. From apartments to farmhouses with land surrounding, the choices meet every taste.
Photo cred: Anastasia Nelen @ unsplash
As is happening around the world, towns are wrestling with how to welcome digital-nomads and tourists while maintaining the charm and culture of their communities. From what we have seen - it is a work in progress. Many of the towns have implemented regulations that cap the number of days short-term rentals can be rented out annually, except in certain zoning districts, or require stays to be longer term. Others merely seek to regulate them so they are cared for and contribute to the community.
Obviously this constrains supply but we certainly understand the dilemma. We once visited a small town that experienced an entire neighborhood, with once exception, flipping to short term rentals. Talk about loosing the neighborhood! When none of your neighbors are local - it somewhat defeats the charm and draw of the town in the first place.
The result, from the nomad’s point of view, is that finding places to settle in for a season can be challenging. We have some advice. Consider taking a look at the town's slower seasons. Prices drop and availability offers some pretty sweet options. Or look into accommodations in less known neighboring towns. In the American Northeast this is a very viable solution as towns are no more than a few miles apart and there are still many to choose from. In fact, last September Vermont had over 11,000 short term rentals (1.)
We have taken a look at a few of the remarkable small towns in Vermont to see what their short-term market looks like - to give you a jump start on your next idyllic remote destination.
Woodstock, VT
Availability: Woodstock has numerous furnished monthly rentals or shorter-term stays. This town has long been a getaway destination. Rental prices range from $2,625 to $6,500 per month, reflecting the town's desirability and the quality of accommodations available. The median rent for all property types is $4,000 per month.
Regulations: New regulations have caped the number of days short-term rentals can be rented out, except in certain zoning districts.
Dorset, VT
Availability: Dorset has a mix of short-term rental options, including monthly rentals available on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Rental prices range from $1,600 to over $30,000 per month for the most luxurious options.
Regulations: Dorset requires that short-term rentals be owner-occupied for at least four months of the year. Rentals must conform to all health and safety codes, and owners must provide a local property manager if they are not present during rentals.
Bennington, VT
Availability: Bennington offers various short-term rental options, including monthly stays. Listings can be found on popular rental platforms. The median monthly rental is approximately $4,000 with a range of monthly prices from $3,500 - $4,500. By the way, Bennington has some great co-working if you need a change of scenery.
Regulations: Bennington does not currently regulate short-term rentals but requires them to comply with general rental property regulations. Discussions about implementing specific STR regulations are ongoing.
Manchester, VT
Availability: Manchester has a range of short-term rental options, including monthly rentals. Realtor.com lists several properties available for rent in the area. The median monthly rental is approximately $4,200 with a range of monthly prices from $3,800 - $4,600.
Regulations: Manchester Village requires short-term rentals to be registered annually, with a $300 registration fee. Rentals must meet safety standards, and a local caretaker must be available. The ordinance aims to ensure safety and maintain the character of the village.
Middlebury, VT
Availability: Middlebury offers short-term rental options, including monthly stays, available through platforms like Airbnb. The median monthly rental is approximately $4,100 with a range of monthly prices from $3,700 - $4,500.
Regulations: Middlebury's zoning bylaws define short-term rentals as properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Operators must adhere to zoning regulations, which were updated in September 2022 to clarify STR requirements.
Each town in Vermont has its own set of regulations and availability for short-term rentals. While Dorset and Manchester have more specific and stringent regulations, Bennington and Middlebury are relatively more flexible but are considering or have updated their regulations to manage the growing STR market. Take the time to check out any pending regulations in a town before you commit to many months in residence. Our small towns are wrestling with this as much, if not more, than the major metros today.
We believe this season of adjustment will settle as remote workers and short-term rental issues are essential pieces of the economic fabric of our world today.
