Natural beauty, small town values with a little skiing opportunity thrown in makes small towns desirable in Vermont, say local Realtors, as the state's home sales are lifted by national momentum.

In southern Vermont, Realtor Anne Lemke says, "We have some community towns and some ski towns. In winter 2005, thus far, we've made significant gains over winter 2004. Prices are up about 10 percent and real estate, including land, is moving very quickly."

Waterbury, Waterbury Center

"Beauty abounds in the towns of Waterbury and Waterbury Center," says Realtor Susan O'Rourke. "With views of both the Worcester Range and Camel's Hump, Waterbury and easy access to I-89, this area has become a popular area to live."

About the market, O'Rourke says, "The market continues on a steady incline in Waterbury and Waterbury Center. Over the past 10 years, this community has emerged as a very desirable place to live and is reflected in the large increase in market values of both land and residences. Just minutes from exit 10, Waterbury is an easy commute to both Burlington and Montpelier. That, combined with beautiful vistas, good schools, churches, restaurants, and downtown shopping make Waterbury a great town to live in."

Hyde Park

"Hyde Park is located north of Morristown and neighbors Johnson, Eden, Craftsbury, Wolcott and Morristown," says Realtor Teresa Merelman. "It's a Vermont town with lots of character, and it is Lamoille County's seat of government. Its population, based on the 2000 census, is 2,847 people. It is about 39 square miles and sits at an altitude of 671'.

She relays, "As of 12/25/04 there are 25 active listings. The average list price is $278,920 and the mean list price is $215,000. Between 12/25/03 and 12/25/04 there were 40 properties sold. The average sales price was $195,578 and the mean sales price was $156,500. The average days on market was 130. As of 12/25/04, there are no condo/townhome properties for sale. There were also no sales within the past 12 months. As of 12/25/04, there are 16 land properties available. The average list price is $95,738 and the mean list price is $77,450. Between 12/25/03 and 12/25/04 there were 15 properties sold. The average sale price was $81,133 and the mean sale price was $50,000. The average days of the market was 223 days."