The village (Essex Junction) and the town (Essex) combine to form the third largest town in Vermont. These two communities feature desirable residential neighborhoods, open pasture land and grand views of Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield..

Originally, Essex was chartered as one community in 1763. In 1892, Essex Junction incorporated as a separate municipality. The village population numbers 8,400 and occupies a 4.6 square mile area with brick store fronts, Victorian homes, and several suburban-style neighborhoods. Essex Junction is home to IBM, Vermont’s largest private employer. IBM's large tax contribution helps offset property tax for Essex Town and Junction residents.

The Town of Essex has a population of 16,500. The center of town is historically quaint with mall shops and historic brick buildings located at the intersection of Vermont 15 and 128. Nearby, and easily accessed from the Curcumferential Highway, are the Essex Outlet stores offering brand-name shopping and The New England Culinary Institute at The Inn at Essex. Essex is also the home of the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds host numerous events throughout the year from concerts to antique and craft fairs. The summer's closing event at the Fairgrounds is a traditional week-long carnival and farm show coupled with nightly big-name entertainment.