Essex is often counted among Vermont’s largest population centres (≈11,497 per one list). It lies in Chittenden County, adjacent to the Burlington metro, and includes the hamlet of Essex Junction (which is its own incorporated village/city). Historically Essex was rural/farming, then suburbanised as Burlington expanded. Housing: mainly suburban single‐family homes, newer subdivisions, townhouses/condos; you’ll still find some larger lots and rural fringe. Setting: suburban, not truly rural, with easy access to Burlington amenities. Proximity: very close to Burlington and South Burlington, making it a commuter zone. Home price: given its proximity to Burlington, one might expect existing homes in maybe $450,000-600,000 depending on lot, size and condition; building new would be similar to Colchester or South Burlington (around $250-350 per ft²) depending on lot cost.