Dreaming about more room to grow without giving up an easy Burlington commute? If you are weighing a move to Shelburne, you have options that range from walkable village streets to lakeside condos and multi‑acre parcels. This guide breaks down how each area feels, what lot sizes to expect, where students attend school, and how long it takes to get to work or the grocery store. By the end, you will know which neighborhoods fit your family’s next chapter. Let’s dive in.
Why families choose Shelburne
Shelburne sits just south of Burlington with a typical 15 to 20 minute drive to downtown, most often along US Route 7. You can see an example trip time in this estimate from TravelMath for a Shelburne to Burlington drive under typical conditions.
Students who live in Shelburne attend Shelburne Community School for PK through 8, and then move on to Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg for grades 9 to 12. You can find the full list of schools on the Champlain Valley School District site and learn more about CVU on the Champlain Valley Union High School page. Always confirm assignment for a specific address with the district at registration time.
Community life is a major draw. The area hosts a seasonal farmers’ market and beloved cultural anchors like the Shelburne Museum, which offers rotating exhibitions and family‑friendly programming. The weekly Shelburne Farmers’ Market brings local vendors to the village green in season.
How neighborhoods differ: lot sizes and feel
Shelburne’s zoning map explains why some streets offer small village lots while others have half‑acre yards or wide‑open fields. In short:
- Village Center and Village Residential districts allow smaller lots and some mixed uses.
- The Residential district sets a larger minimum lot size typical of suburban subdivisions.
- The Rural district preserves open space with multi‑acre parcels more common.
You can review the dimensional rules in the Shelburne Zoning Bylaws. Below, you will see how these districts play out on the ground.
Shelburne Village: walkable core
If you picture a quick stroll to coffee, the library, or a Saturday market, focus on the historic village core. This is Shelburne’s most walkable area with shops, restaurants, and frequent events. The Shelburne Museum sits a short drive from the main street and hosts programs that bring the community together.
- Lot expectations: The village core falls largely within the Village Center and Village Residential districts. The minimum single‑family lot size in Village Center is about 10,000 square feet, and Village Residential is about 12,500 square feet. Many parcels measure around 0.2 to 0.4 acre.
- Homes and character: You will see 19th and early 20th century homes in classic New England styles with some thoughtful infill. Yards are smaller, and the tradeoff is a strong sense of place and easy access to daily needs.
- Family fit: Good if you value walkability, short school drop‑offs, and community events. Street parking and compact lots are part of the package.
Shelburne Point and Shelburne Bay: lake life
Shelburne Point and the Shelburne Bay shoreline offer a different rhythm. Think protected waters, marina access, and sunsets over the lake. Housing includes lakefront condominiums and a limited number of single‑family properties.
- Lot expectations and rules: Properties here sit within a lakeshore overlay where shoreland setbacks, vegetation rules, and dock regulations shape what you can build or modify. Review the lakeshore and overlay sections of the Shelburne Zoning Bylaws and confirm details before you plan projects.
- Homes and character: You will find a mix of multi‑unit condo conversions and private lake homes. HOA rules and fees vary by association.
- Family fit: Ideal if waterfront access, boating, and views are priorities. Plan for HOA due diligence, confirmation of mooring or dock options, and a closer look at insurance needs.
Falls Road corridor and suburban subdivisions
Move a bit inland from the village and you hit quiet streets with larger yards, cul‑de‑sacs, and a more traditional suburban feel. Many post‑1970s neighborhoods sit off Route 7, Falls Road, and nearby interior roads.
- Lot expectations: Much of this area is in the Residential district, where the minimum single‑family lot size is 20,000 square feet, or about 0.46 acre. Some newer subdivisions may cluster homes under planned development rules, so lot sizes can vary.
- Homes and character: You will see colonials, capes, and newer construction with attached garages and modern layouts. It is a common target for households moving up from a starter home who want more indoor and outdoor space while staying in the same school system.
- Family fit: Good for those who want a private yard, room for play, and a quieter street pattern while keeping easy access to the village and Shelburne Community School.
Rural Shelburne and Shelburne Farms vicinity
If privacy, acreage, and open views top your list, look to Shelburne’s rural parcels and the areas near Shelburne Farms. The Farms campus is a National Historic Landmark and education center with trails, programming, and sweeping lake vistas that many residents enjoy as a regional destination. Learn more about the property through the National Park Service summary.
- Lot expectations: In the Rural district, larger minimum lot sizes and conservation goals preserve open space. Multi‑acre parcels are common, and planned developments may balance clustered homes with shared open land per town rules outlined in the Shelburne Zoning Bylaws.
- Homes and character: You will find farmhouses, estate properties, and newer homes on larger lots. Expect more driving for errands compared with the village.
- Family fit: Best for households who prefer privacy and land for gardens, animals, or hobbies, and who are comfortable with a longer ride to shops and school.
What homes cost in 05482 today
At the ZIP level, aggregated indices place 05482 home values in the mid‑six‑figure range. For example, Zillow’s Home Value Index showed about $673,276 for 05482 as of January 31, 2026. Prices vary by property type and location, with waterfront and estate homes well above the median. Market conditions change quickly, so plan to check the live MLS for inventory, days on market, and current pricing before you write an offer.
Commute and transportation
- Primary route: US Route 7 connects Shelburne to South Burlington and downtown Burlington. Typical drive times to downtown land in the 15 to 20 minute range, based on starting point and traffic. See a sample time from TravelMath’s estimate.
- Highway access: I‑189 and I‑89 are close by through South Burlington, which makes regional trips straightforward. Learn about I‑189 on this quick primer.
- Transit: Green Mountain Transit routes serve parts of Shelburne, including stops near major attractions like the museum. Service levels vary, and most households rely on cars for daily trips. If transit matters to you, confirm current timetables and stop locations. You can start by reviewing an overview of the Shelburne Museum area.
Quick‑match your priorities
Use these starting points, then verify zoning, parcel details, and travel times for any address you consider.
Priority: Access to district schools and village walkability
- Try: Shelburne Village streets within Village Center or Village Residential districts. Expect smaller lots with strong access to shops and community facilities.
Priority: Lake access and boating
- Try: Shelburne Point and Shelburne Bay condo communities and select single‑family lake homes. Review lakeshore overlays, moorings, and dock rules early.
Priority: Move‑up space and a larger yard
- Try: Falls Road corridor and interior Residential districts with 0.4 to 1 acre lots and newer or updated homes.
Priority: Privacy, views, and land for hobbies
- Try: Rural parcels and areas near Shelburne Farms with multi‑acre lots. Plan for longer trips to town services.
How to shop smart in Shelburne
- Get pre‑approved before touring so you can move quickly when the right home appears.
- Define your yard and garage needs in square feet and car count. In village areas, right‑sizing yard expectations helps you shortlist.
- Verify zoning and overlays for any address, including lakeshore rules, setbacks, and use permissions in the Shelburne Zoning Bylaws.
- Confirm school assignment and registration steps with the Champlain Valley School District or the CVU registrar.
- Time your commute during typical hours from the actual address to your destination.
- For waterfront or wetlands‑adjacent properties, check permit history, flood considerations, and any association rules.
- For subdivisions, review HOA budgets, reserves, and maintenance responsibilities.
- If you are buying and selling at once, map financing and timing early so you can align closings without stress.
Our team can help you confirm parcel‑level zoning, interpret bylaw nuances, and coordinate inspections and permits so your purchase stays on track.
Ready to explore Shelburne?
If you want a clear plan to compare Shelburne’s village streets, lakefront options, and subdivision homes, let’s talk. We will listen to your goals, pull current MLS data, and curate a shortlist that fits your timeline. Start your search with a conversation. Book an appointment with Real Estate Associates today.
FAQs
What are typical lot sizes by Shelburne neighborhood?
- Village Center and Village Residential lots often range around 0.2 to 0.4 acre, Residential district lots commonly start near 0.46 acre, and Rural parcels are frequently multi‑acre per the town bylaws.
Where do Shelburne students attend school?
- Shelburne residents attend Shelburne Community School for PK–8 within the Champlain Valley School District, then Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg for grades 9–12; confirm assignment for any specific address with the district.
How long is the commute from Shelburne to Burlington?
- A typical drive to downtown Burlington is about 15 to 20 minutes via US Route 7, depending on traffic and your starting point; see an example estimate on TravelMath.
Are there public transit options in Shelburne, VT?
- Green Mountain Transit serves parts of Shelburne with varying frequency, including stops near major attractions like the museum; review route details and schedules for the times you plan to travel, starting with this museum area overview.
What should I know about buying near Shelburne Bay?
- Lakeshore overlays set shoreland setbacks and vegetation rules, and HOA guidelines may apply for condos; study the zoning bylaws, confirm mooring or dock availability, and review insurance with your lender.
Is there a farmers’ market in Shelburne?
- Yes, the Shelburne Farmers’ Market typically runs seasonally in the village area, offering local produce and prepared foods; check dates and hours for the current year.
