Orange County lies in east-central Vermont along the Connecticut River. Established in 1781, it’s one of Vermont’s earliest organized counties. The shire town is Chelsea, known for its picturesque green, while Randolph serves as the economic heart with a historic downtown and Vermont State University campus. The region developed around dairy farming, small mills, and early trade along the White and Ompompanoosuc Rivers. Today it remains predominantly rural, dotted with villages and farms. Rolling farmland hosts 19th-century farmhouses, restored capes, and modest ranch homes. The architecture is traditional New England—white-clapboard houses, red barns, and covered bridges. Residents value quiet living, community fairs, and forested scenery. It’s roughly 60 miles southeast of Burlington and about 35 miles northwest of Hanover, NH, where Dartmouth College provides cultural access. Typical home prices average around US $385 000, with smaller homes in the low US $300 000s. Restored historic homes or large acreage farms can surpass US $600 000. Building on raw land runs US $250 000 – 400 000 depending on utilities and road access. With its small population and wide landscapes, Orange County appeals to buyers seeking privacy and rural authenticity.