Vermont is a rugged, rural state, and since Burlington sits between two mountain ranges (the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains) and along a lake and a river (the Winooski), there are plenty of recreational opportunities, from hiking (twenty miles to the east of Burlington is the Long Trail, Vermont's section of the Appalachian Trail) and sailing to skiing (eight downhill ski areas, including Stowe and Sugarbush, are nearby) and golf (Burlington has six courses in and around town).  Leaf peepers from all over the country come to Vermont each September and October to revel in the blanket of stunning color that softly descends on the area.  Quiet country roads, deep woods, road-side apple-cider and maple syrup stands, rural antique markets and rustic, covered bridges all lend to Vermont's quiet beauty and charm.   

Burlington itself has beaches, 27 parks and plenty of intercollegiate sports provided by the University.  For those seeking a little more culture, Montreal, one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, is just 90 miles away, although locally residents will find a thriving arts colony, jazz festivals, theater events and concerts year-round (Nectars on Main Street is a great place for live music).  Not far away is University Mall, Vermont's largest indoor mall, and trendy, downtown Church Street provides more opportunities for shopping.   Seniors may also take classes through the University of Vermont's Division of Continuing Education, and St. Michael's College in nearby Colchester operates an Elderhostel program and also offers classes specifically for seniors.

Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) provides local bus transportation throughout town, to the airport and to surrounding communities.  Seniors receive a fare discount.  There is also a free shuttle between downtown, the University and the waterfront.

Fletcher Allen Hospital Care is the primary medical facility with 550 beds and operates three sites in Burlington, the largest being at the University of Vermont campus.   The Hospital provides cardiac care, emergency services, cancer care and more.  For a town its size, Burlington has excellent health care facilities.

Burlington's violent crime rate is well below the national average, although the property crime rate (primarily burglaries) is higher than the national average.   The good news is the rate has been dropping since the late-1990s. 

The New England climate may be a drawback to retiring here.  The area has four distinct seasons, with cool summers (temperatures in the 70s and low 80s) and cold, damp and cloudy winters (temperatures in the teens and 20s).  Anyone relocating here has to enjoy winter or he or she may go nuts (Burlington receives 15-20 inches of snow per month during the winter).   Autumn is, of course, the best season and may be worth the gray winter days.

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