New AARP Vermont Survey Finds Most Burlington Residents Aged 45+ Want to Stay—but Face Housing and Mobility Challenges

AARP Vermont recently released findings from an April 2025 survey conducted by ANR Market Research of Burlington adults aged 45 and older. The results reveal a community deeply committed to staying put—81% want to remain in Burlington as they age—yet face mounting challenges that could push them out. High property taxes, rising utility bills, aging housing stock, and limited mobility options are making it harder for residents to maintain their independence and stay in the neighborhoods they call home.

Key Highlights of the Survey

• Housing Costs Are a Major Pressure Point
  Rising property taxes (cited by 68% of respondents), utility bills, and maintenance costs are significant threats to residents’ ability to stay in their homes. About one in four is considering (10%) or actively looking (17%) to move within the city—often motivated by the need for more age-friendly, smaller, or more affordable housing.
• Limited Availability of Central Housing
  More than half of respondents rated housing options near Burlington’s center as only “fair” or “poor,” even though 85% value living close to destinations that support daily living independence.
• Mobility Concerns Grow
  While 81% still drive, 64% express anxiety about the future when driving is no longer feasible—specifically around accessing work, medical care, or groceries, and the potential for isolation.
• Strong Support for Improved Alternatives
  Although few currently walk (26%) or bike (8%), there’s broad optimism for enhancing accessibility: dedicated bike lanes, improved sidewalks, and better bus systems would encourage more residents to move around without driving.

“AARP Vermont’s mission is to ensure that communities allow older adults to thrive where they live,” said Kelly Stoddard Poor, AARP Vermont Director of Outreach. “The survey results make it clear that Burlington residents want to age in place, but without action on housing affordability, accessibility, and thoughtful infrastructure planning, that aspiration could slip away. We have an opportunity right now to plan for the future and ensure our city works for people of all ages.”

Based on the survey results, AARP Vermont is committed to working with local and state leaders to:

1. Advocate for more age-friendly housing solutions
   This includes promoting zoning reforms to expand options like Missing Middle Housing and easing the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—both of which AARP already supports as part of a broader strategy to enhance housing accessibility (AARP States, AARP).
2. Support transportation design upgrades
   Advocate for improvements such as safe sidewalks, well-lit pathways, resting benches, protected bike lanes, and more frequent, accessible public transit to keep Burlington connected for people of all ages.
3. Engage community through forums and education
   Building on the successful New North End Housing Forum held virtually in May 2025, AARP Vermont will continue to create spaces for collaborative dialogue on innovative, age-friendly housing and community design (AARP States), including an in-person New North End Housing Forum on September 10 at the Heineberg Community Senior Center. Register here.

 
About the Survey
The Burlington, Vermont Housing and Mobility Survey was conducted in April 2025 by ANR Market Research Consultants for AARP. The survey gathered responses from adults aged 45 and older to better understand housing, transportation, and community needs. Full results are available at: aarp.org/burlingtonsurvey