Newport, Vermont
In our humble – and fully objective – opinion, Newport, Vermont is one of the prettiest locations in New England, offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm. With its picturesque waterfront, historic downtown, and friendly community, Newport is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and authentic Vermont experience to live, work or play.
Founded in 1793, Newport, Vermont, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the beauty of Lake Memphremagog. The name “Memphremagog” comes from the Algonquian word Memrahabegek, which means “where there is a big expanse of water”. The Abenaki also had a similar word, Mamlawbagak, which means “a long and large sheet of water”. Originally known by early European Settlers as Pickerel Point, the town later adopted its current name. The arrival of the railroad in 1863 spurred economic growth, particularly in the lumber industry. The City was also a popular passage point for travelers who made their way north by train, often spending the night in Newport before making the passage up the lake into Canada by ship.
Newport’s downtown district is part of the Designated Downtown Program in the State of Vermont, and affiliated with Main Street America. This recognition highlights the town’s commitment to preserving its historic character and fostering a thriving business community. Visitors to our small downtown can explore great shops, an art gallery, and some excellent restaurants. The downtown area also hosts various events throughout the year, including festivals, farmers’ markets, and holiday celebrations.
As a Main Street America community, Newport benefits from a network of resources and expertise to revitalize its downtown. The program emphasizes historic preservation, economic development, and community engagement. Through initiatives such as façade improvements, public art installations, and marketing campaigns, Newport strives to create a welcoming and dynamic downtown experience for all.
As of the 2020 census, Newport’s population was approximately 4,500. The town is home to a diverse community, including families, retirees, and young professionals. Because Newport is Orleans County’s only city and the county seat, residents from across the Northeast Kingdom look to Newport for both their local shopping and restaurants. Manufacturing, the OutdoorRecreation Economy, and the North Country Hospital provide many of the jobs in our community.
Newport City Master Plan Update
Newport is on the move! The Mayor and Council, Newport Downtown Development, and many residents in our community worked together in 2024 to create a Master Plan Update that was approved by Council on December 16, 2024. This plan will guide the rebirth of Newport’s Downtown over the next decade, focusing on nine specific development opportunities to build a total of 300 to 400 new apartments and condominiums as well as the commercial spaces and amenities that will support Newport residents, others from across the NEK who shop and work here, and the many, may visitors who come to Newport.
Economic Development Partner to the City of Newport
NDD has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mayor and Council to provide project management for the next major phase of Newport’s downtown economic development. The next step will be to explore the feasibility of seeking approval from the State of Vermont to establish a Tax Increment Financing District, which is critically important in our effort to create public/private partnerships for the many development projects we will need to build to transform our community over the coming decade.
In anticipation of approval of that application, NDD’s Economic Development Task Force is actively seeking conversations with Developers and Builders who want to be a part of Newport’s growth. We are also invested in meeting with small business owners who are considering moving to Main Street, the Waterfront Plaza, or East Main Streets in Newport.