A Summarized History of Johnson:

Johnson, Vermont is a rural town nestled in the Green Mountains at the confluence of two rivers. Johnson is within commuting distance of Vermont's two most important cities, Burlington and Montpelier. Despite that proximity, a substantial portion of the town's residents live and work within Johnson itself. Diverse employment opportunities, range of affordable housing, cultural resources and four-season recreation afford the town's residents an enviable quality of life.

The town of Johnson is a family-oriented community that is culturally enriched because it is home to a fine elementary school, Johnson State College and the Vermont Studio Center. Together these institutions offer diverse learning opportunities and sound preparation for success in many fields, not the least of which is the creative arts.  The Village is a compact community that is home to a number of unique businesses, heritage buildings and residential neighborhoods. The Village has long been a center for education and today approximately 44% of in-town jobs are in educational services. Johnson State College's roots go back to Johnson Academy School, founded in 1828. Today, Johnson State College has approximately 1,700 students.

The Lamoille and Gihon rivers are a major recreational and scenic resource. In the past, the Gihon provided the foundation for Johnson's water-powered mill economy.  The first generating plant in town was located on the falls just north of the Power House Bridge. Johnson Woolen Mills dates back to 1836, when sheep outnumbered cows, and to date remains a core feature of the Johnson Village business district. Around the turn of the century, talc was the prominent industry in Johnson. Today, trees continue to be Johnson's largest crop – for fuel, saw logs, pulp, Christmas trees and maple products.  Stowe and Smugglers Notch Ski Resorts located in neighboring communities of Stowe and Cambridge are major contributors to the regional economy.

Reasons to live in Johnson:

• - Our rentals our within walking distance to grocery shopping (regular and natural foods stores), a laundromat, libraries (town and college), Johnson State College, several convenience stores, a coffee shop, a book store, several hair salons, a movie rental store, the post office, 2 banks, a pharmacy, auto repair shops, churches, a yoga studio and numerous recreation areas near the Lamoille and Gihon Rivers.  When we say walking distance, we mean a maximum of 15 minutes to the farthest locations, but typically a 5 minute walk to the majority of the list above.


• - Because the town is home to Johnson State College and the Vermont Studio Center, there is a diversity of people both young and old, from all walks of life.  Railroad and Main Streets are oft-walked by pedestrians, and people actually say hello to you when you pass them on the streets.


• - Johnson is close to several ski areas: Smuggler’s Notch (15 – 20 minutes); Stowe Mountain Resort (30 minutes); Jay Peak (40 minutes); and Sugarbush Resort (1 hour).  Most of these resorts also offer year-round recreation in addition to winter skiing.  There are also several nearby areas for X-C skiing including the Craftsbury Nordic Center, Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe Mountain Resort, and in-town trails (ungroomed).  Hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming are all easy to enjoy either within the village & town limits or in nearby towns.


• - Town revitalization:  The town and village of Johnson is currently undergoing a big facelift.  New water and sewer systems have been installed; 2 main bridges have recently been totally revamped; and the Main Street Business District will soon be improved by sidewalk improvements and extensions, additional on-street and off-street parking, crosswalks and several streetscape enhancements.


• - Johnson has the lowest median rent of all the towns in Lamoille County.


• - Johnson is a very pet-friendly community.


• - Community events:  there are several in-town events such as live music (The Hub, Lovin' Cup Cafe; Tuesday Night Live summer music series), but also in nearby locations and neighboring towns; farmer’s markets, fairs, flea-markets, etc.