Disclaimer: Essex is a town, not a city. But as the second-largest municipality in Vermont (after Burlington), it came under GoLocal's quantitative scrutiny and emerged in the Top 5. Like South Burlington, this town enjoys the twin attributes of regional prosperity (median household income of $60,650 and one of the lowest unemployment rates on the list) along with the lowest violent crime rate among the 30 New England cities. Add in the environmental gift of northern latitudes--clean air--and you've got a town with lots to crow about. And with nearly 463 physicians per 100K population, this is a healthy spot if you need a doctor.
Known as sitting at the Crossroads of Vermont's Chittenden County, Essex is perched between the majestic Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. Combined with the Village of Essex Junction, the town has managed to retain its rural character while developing a home for IBM's chip manufacturing plant as well as a nationally recognized school system and ample parks and recreational spots. " (www.golocalworcester.com)
