The Addition, Burlington, ME

The Addition Neighborhood Overview

Overview

The Addition, officially known as the South Addition Historic District, is a quiet, residential neighborhood located just south of downtown Burlington, Vermont. Bordered roughly by Main Street to the north, Maple Street to the south, South Willard Street to the west, and South Prospect Street to the east, it occupies a prime location within easy walking or biking distance of the University of Vermont (UVM) campus, the University of Vermont Medical Center, and the Church Street Marketplace. This proximity to major institutions has shaped its history and continues to influence its character.

Developed primarily between 1890 and 1930, the neighborhood was Burlington's first major planned residential expansion south of the original city core. It was designed to house the city's growing professional and managerial class, including professors, doctors, and business leaders. This planned origin is evident in its orderly street grid, generous lot sizes, and cohesive architectural style, which led to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Today, it retains a stately, established feel, characterized by mature trees, historic streetlamps, and well-preserved homes.

Housing & Real Estate

The housing stock in The Addition is predominantly composed of large, single-family homes showcasing late Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman architectural styles. These homes are notable for their high-quality construction, detailed woodwork, and varied rooflines. Many feature spacious front porches, large yards, and detached garages. The neighborhood's historic district status ensures that exterior alterations are carefully reviewed, preserving its architectural integrity and streetscape.

Real estate in The Addition is among the most coveted and expensive in Burlington. Prices for single-family homes consistently rank at the top of the city's market, often well into seven figures for pristine historic properties. The market is heavily weighted toward ownership, with very few multi-unit buildings. Recent trends show sustained high demand from professionals, academics, and empty-nesters seeking a central, quiet, and beautiful neighborhood, leading to low inventory and competitive sales. Rental opportunities are rare and typically consist of accessory apartments or occasional whole-house rentals.

Schools & Education

The Addition is served by the Burlington School District. Children in the neighborhood typically attend Edmunds Elementary School, a highly regarded K-5 school located just a few blocks north on Main Street. For middle school, students feed into Edmunds Middle School, which shares a campus with the elementary school, offering a seamless transition. High school students attend Burlington High School, which has undergone recent rebuilding and is located a short drive or bus ride away in the city's South End.

The neighborhood's immediate proximity to the University of Vermont (UVM) is a defining educational feature. This attracts faculty, staff, and graduate students to the area and creates a subtle academic ambiance. Furthermore, several prestigious private schools are nearby, including the Rock Point School and the Lake Champlain Waldorf School, providing additional educational options for families. The Fletcher Free Library's main branch is also just a ten-minute walk north, serving as a community resource.

Parks & Recreation

While The Addition itself is more known for its private yards than large public parks, it is surrounded by significant green spaces. The eastern edge of the neighborhood is adjacent to the UVM campus and the Redstone Green, offering expansive lawns and walking paths. A short walk north leads to City Hall Park, a recently renovated central plaza, and the bustling Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain is just over a mile away, accessible via a pleasant walk down Pearl Street.

For active recreation, residents frequently use the Burlington Bike Path, accessible from several points near the neighborhood, for cycling, running, and walking along the lake. The nearby YMCA on College Street provides indoor fitness, swimming, and community programs. The neighborhood's quiet, low-traffic streets are also ideal for casual walks, jogging, and family strolls, with the historic architecture providing a scenic backdrop.

Local Dining & Shopping

The Addition's residential purity means commercial establishments are almost entirely absent within its boundaries, fostering a quiet atmosphere. However, its perimeter and immediate surroundings offer exceptional convenience. The bustling downtown Burlington retail and dining corridor on Church Street and along Main Street is a five to ten-minute walk away. Here, residents find a vast array of options, from fine dining at Honey Road or Leunig's Bistro to casual cafes and coffee shops like Muddy Waters.

For daily needs, the City Market, Onion River Co-op downtown location is a short walk north, providing a full-service, community-owned grocery. Several smaller corner stores and specialty shops are also within easy reach on Maple Street and South Union Street. The nearby South End arts district, with its galleries, breweries, and the New Moon Cafe, is also easily accessible, offering a more eclectic shopping and dining scene just a bike ride away.

Who Lives Here

The Addition attracts residents who value historic preservation, architectural beauty, and a serene, central location. The population is a mix of established professionals, university professors and administrators, medical professionals from the nearby hospital, and successful business owners. There is also a segment of long-term residents and empty-nesters who have raised families in the neighborhood and appreciate its stability and community feel. The demographic tends to be well-educated and economically stable.

The community vibe is one of quiet pride and understated elegance. It is a neighborhood where people are often seen gardening, walking dogs, or chatting with neighbors on porches, but it is not known for boisterous street life. The strong sense of place fostered by the historic architecture and mature landscaping creates a

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