Comparable to quality and dependability in major cities, The Shires of Vermont is proud of both its paid and volunteer services. Rated tops nationally in medical care, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington is the region's hospital and cancer-care center. In higher education there's the world-renowned Bennington College plus the Community College of Vermont and Southern Vermont College, both highly-rated with excellent faculty-to-student ratios.

A variety of professional services including real estate firms, attorneys, accountants and physicians - many with lifelong ties to the community - are knowledgeable, dependable and reputable.

Emergency services are up to date and state-of-the-art. Our police departments know our small towns and residents, and the region has an outstanding, trained core of volunteers to serve on its fire and rescue squads, giving residents and visitors alike a secure and safe feeling.