Northfield, Vermont

Northfield, Vermont
Phizzal at en.wikipedia · Public domain · source
Name	Northfield, Vermont
Settlement type	Town

Northfield, Vermont is a town located in Washington County, Vermont, in the United States of America. It is situated near the Winooski River and is home to Norwich University, a private university founded by Captain Alden Partridge in 1819. The town is also close to the Green Mountains and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with nearby attractions including Camel's Hump State Park and Smugglers' Notch State Park. Northfield is part of the Barre, Vermont Micropolitan Statistical Area and is near the cities of Montpelier, Vermont and Burlington, Vermont.

Geography

Northfield, Vermont is nestled in the Winooski Valley and is surrounded by the Green Mountains to the east and the Champlain Valley to the west. The town is drained by the Winooski River and its tributaries, including the Northfield Mountain Brook and the Dog River. The geography of the area is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and farmland, with nearby peaks including Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield. The town is also close to Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and fishing, with nearby resorts including Stowe Mountain Resort and Smugglers' Notch Resort.

History

The area that is now Northfield, Vermont was first settled in the late 18th century by European-American settlers, including Ira Allen and Ethan Allen, who were instrumental in the Vermont Republic movement. The town was officially chartered in 1781 and was named after the Northfield, Massachusetts family, who were early settlers of the area. During the American Civil War, Northfield was a major supplier of soldiers and munitions, with the Norwich University playing a significant role in the war effort. The town is also home to the Northfield Mount Hermon School, a private boarding school founded in 1879 by Dwight L. Moody and Frank W. Gunsaulus.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Northfield, Vermont was approximately 6,000 people, with a mix of young families, students from Norwich University and the Northfield Mount Hermon School, and long-time residents. The town has a diverse economy, with major industries including healthcare, education, and tourism, with nearby attractions including the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain and the Shelburne Museum. The median household income in Northfield is around $60,000, with a median home value of around $200,000, making it an attractive destination for families and young professionals, including those working at IBM and Keurig Green Mountain.

Economy

The economy of Northfield, Vermont is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, and tourism. The town is home to Norwich University, which is a major employer in the area, as well as the Northfield Mount Hermon School, which attracts students from around the world. The town is also close to major employers, including IBM and Keurig Green Mountain, and is a popular destination for tourists, with nearby attractions including the Trapp Family Lodge and the Von Trapp Brewing company. The town has a strong sense of community, with many local businesses, including the Northfield Savings Bank and the LaValley Building Supply company.

Education

Northfield, Vermont is served by the Northfield School District, which operates several schools in the area, including the Northfield High School and the Northfield Elementary School. The town is also home to Norwich University, a private university that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, engineering, and nursing. The Northfield Mount Hermon School is a private boarding school that attracts students from around the world and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including arts and athletics. The town is also close to other educational institutions, including the University of Vermont and the Vermont Technical College.

Infrastructure

Northfield, Vermont has a well-developed infrastructure, with several major roads passing through the town, including U.S. Route 12 and Vermont Route 12A. The town is also served by the Montpelier and Barre Railroad, which provides freight and passenger service to the area. The Burlington International Airport is the closest major airport, offering flights to destinations around the United States and Canada, including Boston Logan International Airport and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. The town has a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and community facilities, including the Northfield Town Hall and the Brown Public Library. The town is also home to several community organizations, including the Northfield Historical Society and the Northfield Rotary Club.