Winooski is the most diverse and unique city in the state of Vermont, with over 30 languages spoken by residents. While it’s the smallest of Vermont’s 10 cities by area, it is the most densely populated with over 8,000 people. Winooski has the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation, standing out from its neighboring towns of Colchester, Burlington, and South Burlington.
Students in Winooski start out at JFK Elementary, boasting a 58.7% minority enrollment and 11-to-1 student-teacher ratio. In sixth grade, students advance to Winooski Middle School. With under 200 students, the student-teacher ratio decreases to 9-to-1. At Winooski High School, there are 215 students to 26 full-time teachers, creating a ratio of 8-to-1. If a student wants to pursue higher education local, they can attend classes at the Community College of Vermont’s Winooski branch or nearby Saint Michael’s College in Colchester.
Winooski is a great place to find your career, whether you’re looking to stay local or commute. In Winooski, you’ll find job opportunities at the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) or Opportunities Credit Union. Downtown Winooski is under 10 minutes to downtown Burlington. Explore job opportunities there— such as the UVM Medical Center or Global Foundries— for just a short commute away from home.
Did you know that Winooski is also known as The Onion City? The name comes from the Abenaki word winoskik, which means “at wild onion land.” Wild onions and leeks were commonly found around the iconic Winooski River, which runs along the city’s southern border. The river is the perfect place for fishing, kayaking, picnicking, and more. Head to the “Salmon Hole” area to find a wide range of fish species. If you’re looking for a new place to stroll, we recommend the Winooski River Walk, with up-close views of the river and its falls as well as the historic Champlain Mill and Woolen Mill.
Be sure to take advantage of the Winooski Recreation & Parks. Splash in the community pool during the summer, skate on the ice rink in the winter, and connect with your community with live music and Downtown Block Parties throughout the year.
After a day of exploring, grab dinner at one of Winooski’s iconic restaurants. Dine at Waterworks in a historic mill building with a view of the Winooski River, perfect for date night and after-work cocktails. Enjoy comfort food at its finest at Our House Bistro or authentic Thai food at Tiny Thai Restaurant. Afterwards, stop by Four Quarters Brewing for tasty, handcrafted beer or the Mule Bar for a fun cocktail.
On Sundays, head to the Winooski Rotary for the weekly Farmers Market, serving up great food and live music. At the local neighborhood market, Misery Loves Company, you’ll find products from our friends, local farms, and trusted suppliers. Find the rest of your groceries in nearby Colchester at Shaw’s or Costco.
The Onion City is just a 10-minute drive to Burlington, less than two hours to Montreal, and four hours to Boston. It has easy access to both the Colchester and Winooski exits of I-89. Check out Green Mountain Transit to take advantage of local public transportation.
When you live in Winooski, you become a part of a small yet mighty community with so much to offer.







