With more shoreline than any other part of Vermont, the Lake Champlain Islands region is a unique and beautiful place located in Grand Isle County. The Islands are made up of five towns that all boast small-town rural charm with breathtaking scenery and an abundance of stunning lakefront homes.

1. South Hero, Vermont

The Town of South Hero is the southernmost town, and shares an Island with the Town of Grand Isle. Known as the gateway to the Champlain Islands South Hero is a 20-25 minute commute to Burlington, Vermont.  Whether it’s your first visit or your daily commute it’s hard not to stop at the two mile Sandbar Causeway’s resting area to take in the panoramic lake views. South hero residents pride themselves on having a strong sense of community and volunteerism ultimately making this a sought after place for families. Among great lakefront properties, South Hero has a growing town center with restaurants, the Community Health Center, Community Bank and the Worthen Library. In the warmer months you will see cyclists on the Island Line Trail, concerts at Snow Farm Vineyard, and apple picking at Allenholm and Hackett’s Orchard.

2. Grand Isle, Vermont

The Town of Grand Isle is located on the northern side of the Island it shares with South Hero, and is just 25 to 35 minutes to Burlington, Vermont. Known as the beauty spot of Vermont, Grand Isle boasts a rural lifestyle with fertile farmland and pastoral views of Lake Champlain. In the summer months residents attend the Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market and indulge in Island Homemade Ice Cream. On Grand Isle’s eastern shore you will find residents swimming at Marycrest Beach or launching their boat at Ladd’s Landing Marina. The town is home to Vermont’s most visited state park, Grand Isle State Park, and New England’s oldest standing log cabin, Hyde Log Cabin. On the western shore, Gordon’s Landing offers an easy commute to New York State by-way-of the ferry that travels to Plattsburgh, New York all year round.

3. North Hero, Vermont

The Town of North Hero is centrally located in Grand Isle County on the North Hero Island. It is named after the Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen. Known as the shire town, North Hero is a quiet community with a picturesque village directly on City Bay of Lake Champlain. The village includes stunning views of the Green Mountains in the distance and is home to popular destinations such as Hero's Welcome General Store, The North Hero House and Shore Acres Inn & Restaurant. North Hero has a close-knit community with strong, independent values. The elongated Island has much to offer in terms of real estate, whether it's on Pelot's Bay or the shores of the Inland Sea you will find an abundance of lakefront cottages and beautiful year-round homes. 

4. Alburgh, Vermont

The Town of Alburgh is the gateway to Vermont from New York and Canada. It has the highest amount of lakefront properties compared to the other Champlain Island towns. In Alburgh, you will find beautiful historic farmhouses as well as newly constructed homes in both country and lakefront settings. With its close proximity to New York, Canada, and St. Albans City, Alburgh is a favored place to reside. You will find walking trails and abundant nature. The sandy beaches at Alburgh Dunes State Park serve as a popular destination for residents and visitors. Alburgh is also home to one of the few golf courses located in the Champlain Islands. Open to the public, the course overlooks Lake Champlain and the deck at the 19th Hole Bar & Grill has some of the best seats in town. 

5. Isle La Motte, Vermont

The Town of Isle La Motte is the northernmost of the Champlain Island towns and embodies a quiet rustic lifestyle with astonishing views of Lake Champlain. From impressive homes nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain to quaint seasonal cottages, Isle La Motte has much to offer in terms of real estate and lifestyle. Isle La Motte has a rich history. It was the land at which Samuel De Champlain first landed on in 1609, on the lake that now bears his name. The French built a fort in 1666 which is now St. Anne’s Shrine, a historic and peaceful setting that has become a popular destination for locals and tourists. The fort was built by Pierre De La Motte for which the island is named after. Isle La Motte is a geological wonder as well. The area is home to Chazy Reef, the world’s oldest coral reef, and the 85 acre Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve. 

The Champlain Islands is not just real estate, it's a sense of place. We want you to find yours in this rich, beautiful landscape of close-knit communities, history, and countless places to explore. Let a Coldwell Banker Islands Realty agent help you find the perfect home in the Lake Champlain Islands. To begin your property search browse available homes in the Champlain Islands.

See the latest Northwestern Vermont real estate market report presented by NVBR below.

Mortgage interest rates ticked a bit higher in February, but remain below their February 2020 levels. Interest rates may rise a bit further in coming weeks, but according to Freddie Mac chief economist Sam Khater, “while there are multiple temporary factors driving up rates, the underlying economic fundamentals point to rates remaining in the low 3 percent range for the year.” With rates still at historically low levels, home sales are unlikely to be significantly impacted, though higher rates do impact affordability.

New Listings decreased 16.6 percent for single-family homes but increased 19.6 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales increased 21.1 percent for single-family homes and 18.0 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory decreased 62.5 percent for single-family homes and 66.1 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

The Median Sales Price was up 20.3 percent to $329,000 for single-family homes and 7.0 percent to $264,000 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 39.8 percent for single-family homes and 48.6 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 63.0 percent for single-family homes and 66.7 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

For homeowners currently struggling due to COVID-19, government agencies are continuing efforts to help those in need. The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced they will allow homeowners with loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to receive an additional three months of forbearance, extending total payment relief to up to 18 months. Qualified homeowners must already be in a forbearance plan as of the end of February.

Looking for something to do during the colder winter months? From extreme winter sports to tranquil lower impact exercises, the Champlain Islands have an abundance of recreational activities waiting for us to try. When heading out on the ice always take precaution and check conditions before! 

1. Ice Fishing

Lake Champlain is home to Vermont’s premier fishing destination and has many ice fishing opportunities. The shallow waters near the Sandbar causeway are a hotspot for northern pike! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just out fishing for fun, this family fun winter activity is enjoyed by all ages.

Image source: Burlington Free Press

2. Kitewing on Skis

The ice conditions near the causeway make for the perfect spot to try out this new extreme winter sport. Kite Wings are handheld wing sails for sailing on low friction surfaces such as ice or snow, strap on skates or skis and get ready for an epic workout.

Image source: Fred Palatino

3. Lake Hockey

When the weather sets up just right the ice on Lake Champlain especially at the sandbar makes for great skating! Whether you are figure skating or out playing pond hockey this serene scene takes it to the next level! Also, consider checking out if the rink in North Hero's City Bay is set up by Great Ice Vermont! This is located right on the frozen shore across from Hero's Welcome.

Image Source: Josh Kenyon 

4. Make your own Trail

On a sunny day, take to the lake and blaze your own trail! Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing and carve out your own path on the frozen shores of Lake Champlain. 

Image source: Annie Gardiner

5. Sled the Sandbar in Style

Get your adrenaline pumping and sled Lake Champlain on your snow machine of choice. Be sure to check and make sure the ice is thick enough to safely support the vehicle you are using to explore the frozen lake. 

6. Walk the Island Line Trail

The Island Line Trail is a 14-mile trail that spans across Lake Champlain from Colchester to South Hero. Bundle up and head to the Lake Champlain Causeway for a peaceful winter stroll. Walk the beautiful and historic path while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondacks. Better known as the Bike Path, you can access this trail from Colchester or South Hero.

7. Snowkite on the Frozen Lake

Weather permitting, snowkiting is an epic winter sport with opportunity for major air!

Image source: Abagael/VPR 

8. Trek out to Knight Island

Looking to get your steps in? Knight Island is just a 40 minute walk from the North Hero Village! Knight Island State Park is located just around 1.7 miles from the North Hero Village on Lake Champlain’s Inland Sea. You can walk, grab your snowshoes, or strap into cross-country skis to reach the destination!

Image Source: Annie Gardiner

9. Warm up with a Sunset Bonfire

Grab your buddies and some local brews for an evening by the fire. We recommend trying out Kraemer and Kin or the newest addition to town, Two Heroes Brewery.

Image Source: Gina LeClair

10. Hit the Slopes

Last minute trip up to the mountain anyone?  Luckily, by living in the Champlain Islands we have world renowned ski resorts right at our fingertips! While this last activity is not located in the Islands, Bolton Valley Ski Resort, is only a 45 minute drive from South Hero. Plus, they even have night skiing and riding!

Its incomparable state parks, close knit community and countless outdoor activities make the Champlain Islands region a wonderful place to enjoy year-round or seasonally. Learn more about life in the Lake Champlain Islands here.

 

March's hidden home went on the market in mid-February, just 8 days later it was under contract! Perched on 11 acres of mixed hardwood trees this Custom designed Contemporary Hillside Chalet is secluded on North Hero's Savage Point. The incredible Island home is located both covertly and conveniently, as it's only a five minute walk to reach Lake Champlain and the North Hero Village!

The property includes lovely seasonal views of Lake Champlain, a Beaver Pond, and deeded lake access in North Hero, Vermont. The energy-efficient 4000+ sq ft home features 3 large bedrooms plus a bonus room & 2.5 baths.You will love the open layout of the great room with western red cedar cathedral ceilings, Brazilian cherry floors, and rustic stone faced wood burning fireplace. The spacious well appointed kitchen includes new quartz countertops, island, stainless Kitchen Aid appliances, cherry cabinets, and walk-in pantry. Enjoy an inside look at this hidden Champlain Islands home. 

 

At Coldwell Banker Islands Realty we feel very grateful to be a part of such a close knit community filled with individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for one another. As we know, the pandemic has brought a number of unforeseen challenges and many families in Grand Isle County have been impacted in some way.

We are proud to support organizations such as the Champlain Islands Empty Bowls and CIDER who are working to eradicate food insecurity in Grand Isle County. We urge you to join the fight and lend a helping hand to your fellow Island neighbors in whatever way possible. Listed below is a guide of local food organizations that currently are asking for donations or have volunteer opportunities.

1. Virtually Support Champlain Islands Empty Bowls 
While we surely missed the annual raffle, dinner, and handmade bowls, you can still help to decrease food insecurity in Grand Isle County. The Empty Bowls fundraising efforts have gone virtual this year however, the need is still great! During the month of February they were collecting funds for food organizations such as, CIDER, Food for Thought, and Grand Isle Food Shelf. That being said, there is no deadline to donate, just make your checks out to the Congregational Church of South Hero with "Empty Bowls'" on the notation line. You can send the check to Margaret Nowak, the Congregational Church of South Hero or drop the check or cash off at CIDER.

Image Source: Champlain Islands Empty Bowls

2. Drop off items at Food for Thought
The Congregational Church of South Hero's Food for Thought has a Little Free Pantry set up outside the church on South Street for people to take what they need and leave what they can but are asking that you omit items that are in glass containers and canned goods during the cold months. Get Directions

Image source: Kaight Althoff

3. Volunteer at CIDER  
CIDER is in need of drivers! They are looking for help to deliver their "Neighborhood Meals" specifically with a demand for drivers north of the drawbridge. They also are relying on direct mail fundraisers since their typical personal fundraising can’t take place this year. Donate Today

Image Source: Annie Gardiner
 

4. Join the Grow for a Neighbor Campaign
The South Hero Land Trust has launched the Grow for a Neighbor campaign! You can get involved by volunteering as a gardener or donating to buy seedlings. The produce yielded will be donated to a local food shelf and the seedlings are bought from local farms and will be used for the volunteer gardeners and to create potted plant packets for families at risk. Volunteer or Donate Today

Image source: South Hero Land Trust

 

5. Volunteer at Healthy Roots Collaborative
If monetary donations aren't in the cards for you, consider volunteering at Healthy Roots. This collaborative works to strengthen the local food system in Northwest Vermont and serves Grand Isle County. They are seeking volunteers to harvest in the fields and deliver produce to the food shelves. Volunteer Today 

Image Source: Healthy Roots Collaborative 

6. Drop off goods at a Food Shelf in Grand Isle County
CIDER has compiled a great resource with a list of the local food shelves throughout the Champlain Islands. If you are in need of food or are dropping off items we recommend contacting the pantry ahead of time to coordinate and gain insight on any COVID-19 restriction they may have. Find a food shelf near you 

Image Source: Alex Rosenberger

Please consider getting involved by donating or volunteering to assist these food organizations that are providing relief to so many members of our community!