The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 05255 sells for about $745,000, or $335 per square foot.
Prices are up +4.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 88 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,030 a month.
ZIP 05255 — Manchester
The Manchester Center market remains resilient, characterized by low inventory and steady demand from second-home buyers and retirees. While price growth has moderated compared to the post-pandemic surge, the limited supply of quality housing continues to support high valuations. The market is currently balanced but sensitive to interest rate fluctuations affecting the luxury segment.
This ZIP is ideal for affluent retirees, second-home buyers seeking mountain access, and families prioritizing a high quality of life in a scenic, small-town environment.
Median prices moved up 4.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 88 days on market with 6.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.4% · poverty 18.1% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 9.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 05255, Bennington County VT
Crime rates in Manchester Center remain significantly lower than the national average, with property crime being the primary concern in this rural, tourist-oriented community.
Public schools serving the area are generally well-regarded, benefiting from the smaller class sizes and community-focused environment typical of Bennington County districts.
The area faces moderate risks from seasonal flooding near the Batten Kill river and winter storm-related power outages, with insurance premiums reflecting these regional climate exposures.
Economic momentum is driven by the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors, with limited large-scale industrial development and a focus on preserving the historic character of the village.
Property taxes are assessed at the municipal and state levels, with a significant portion of the tax burden dedicated to funding local school districts; exemptions are available for primary residents.
Commuting is primarily car-dependent, with residents traveling along Route 7 toward regional employment hubs in Bennington or Rutland.
The area is a premier destination for outdoor recreation, featuring proximity to the Green Mountain National Forest, Bromley Mountain for skiing, and extensive shopping at the Manchester Designer Outlets.
The rental market is tight due to high demand for seasonal housing and short-term vacation rentals, which limits long-term inventory for local workers.
The economy is anchored by tourism, retail, and healthcare services, with a strong reliance on seasonal visitors and second-home owners.
Public transit is extremely limited; the area relies on private vehicle travel with major access via US Route 7.
Development is strictly managed by local zoning to maintain the historic aesthetic, with current focus on modest residential infill.
Parcels are subject to local school district taxes and municipal service fees typical of Vermont towns.
Insurance costs are rising due to increased regional weather volatility and the high value of luxury residential properties.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
A major regional retail destination featuring numerous high-end brand stores.
Provides extensive hiking, biking, and wilderness access directly serving the area.
A popular family-oriented ski area located just minutes from the ZIP code.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.