Bakersfield, VT

1. Overview

Like most of Vermont towns, Bakersfield is a small, self-governing town in Franklin County, VT with a population of 1,273 as of the 2020 U.S. Census. It ranks 137th of among Vermont’s 237 towns by size. About 44.5 square miles, the town is named after Joseph Baker, who purchased land in the area in 1791. It gained educational prominence with the establishment of Brigham Academy in 1879, which served as a private regional high school until 1966. Bakersfield has produced several notable individuals, including philanthropist Peter Bent Brigham, Vermont Supreme Court Justice William C. Wilson and Civil War veteran and World champion Wrestler John McMahon.

2. Local Government & Services

Bakersfield does not have its own police department and so relies on the Vermont State Police for law enforcement services. The town is served by the Bakersfield Volunteer Fire Department, which also provides EMS coverage. The town has zoning regulations. Bakersfield has an operating post office serving ZIP code 05441, but does not deliver mail. Bakersfield’s mail is delivered by Fairfield or Enosburg post offices. There is no town dog catcher, mostly because no one runs to be elected for it. The town offices are just off Route 108/Route 36 intersection, and have limited hours. The town office building is a wifi hotspot.

3. Schools & Education

Public education in Bakersfield is provided by the Bakersfield Elementary Middle School right in the village, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The school is part of the Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union. High school students can attend BFA in St Albans or others with private transportation, via local School Choice.

4. Economy & Businesses

Bakersfield has a few small businesses, including a Jolley’s convenience store, a general mechanic’s garage, and a pick-up caterer. It is primarily residential and agricultural economy with limited commercial activity. There are many maple sugar producers in Bakersfield. The convenience store provides gas and diesel fuel, refills propane tanks, air for tires, a coffee station, adult beverages in coolers and the usual convenience store items. It is open late but not 24-7. The closest grocery store is Hannafords in Enosburg or St Albans about 15-20 minutes away from the center of town.

5. Transportation & Roads

Bakersfield is accessible via Vt Route 108, which connects it north to Enosburg Falls and south to Jeffersonville, and Route 36, which runs west to St. Albans. Driving times are approximately; 45 minutes to Burlington, 30 minutes to Smugglers’ Notch, 50 minutes to Stowe, and 60 to Jay Peak. Montreal is about 1 hour and 45 minutes away by car, traveling up I-89 to cross into Canada. 

6. Recreation & Natural Features

The town is located west of the Cold Hollow Mountain range, with the highest elevation reaching around 994 meters. Bakersfield is part of the Missisquoi River watershed and includes features like Baker’s Pond, historically used as a mill site. There is a short town trail near the village center, and another trail up Waterville Mountain which is public but on conserved private land with limited parking.

The town votes every year to fund fourth of July celebration with an extravagant fireworks display, non-profit food vendors and live music, behind the Historical Society right in town. The celebration included a parade again in 2025. In the past, a local pilot did an airshow. It is well attended. A local church group sells fresh pies on Saturdays. The local, small Brigham library has frequent events for children in the summer and on weekends, and you can borrow snowshoes with your library card in the winter. The town elected in 2023 to vote by Australian ballot and thus formal town meetings have not been held since. The town has its own equipment and gravel supply to maintain town roads. Waterville Mountain Road is closed in the winter, in the section where no one lives year round. 

7. Utilities

Electric service is provided by Green Mountain Power, Enosburg Electric or Vermont Electric Cooperative, depending upon where you live. There is no public septic. Village residents pay an annual fee for public water, sourced in Bakersfield. 

 Fidium glass fiber internet is likely available from the closest utility pole, having been established town-wide over the past few years. XFinity cable service is mostly available on main state roads. Consolidated DSL and land-line phone service is available on all roads with telephone poles. Many locals also use satellite services as well.

The regional trash municipality is in Bakersfield, where on Saturdays residents can drop off sorted recyclables, batteries, compost materials and the like for free. Residents pay $3-$5/bag for trash, all from 8am-1pm. Some residents pay for curbside, zero-sort pickup through licensed providers. There is a free composting location for residents near the school for wood chips, large brush, etc  year ‘round to reduce open burning risks and keep it out of the landfill.

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