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Nestled on the western slopes of Mt. Mansfield, Underhill's 2,980 residents enjoy the wild beauty and serenity that attracted the township's original inhabitants. Probably named for Benjamin Underhill or Underhill Horton, the township took form as settlers cleared land along the Browns River at Underhill Flats, establishing an agricultural community that has retained its rural atmosphere through the years.

One of Chittenden County's slowest growing towns, 6% since the 1990 census, Underhill consists of two communities, Underhill Flats along Route 15, and Underhill Center, three miles east of the Flats toward Mt. Mansfield State Park. Half of Underhill Flats lies in Jericho, which may seem unusual to the casual observer. The town line crosses through the front portion of every house and the Park on the west side of Park Street. The residents don't mind. In fact, a camaraderie exists between Jericho and Underhill that has resulted in sharing the Underhill/Jericho Fire Department, the Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho Underhill Park District, the Jeri-Hill XYZ Seniors, and senior housing. The economics of sharing has proved beneficial to both communities, and maintains the strong ties between the two.

Although Underhill's two elementary schools are separately maintained, the middle school is shared with Jericho, and high school students share Mt. Mansfield Union High School with pupils from four other towns. Nancy Bradford, Town Clerk, says that many residents move to Underhill because of the excellence of the schools.

Those who commute the 20 miles to Burlington or 10 miles to Essex Junction, can easily do so via Route 15 and/or I-89. The commute to recreational activities is just as effortless. Many sites are well-suited for hiking and fishing during the summer and cross country skiing in the winter. Because of the scenic views and access, Underhill's roads are popular with bicyclists and equestrians. Cross-country trails cover the mountain and the town during the winter. Smuggler's Notch ski area is a short commute for downhill skiing enthusiasts.

Each season brings beauty to Underhill's landscape. It is not only the beauty and amenities that make Underhill a special place to live, it is the community spirit. A town where residents still get together for pot lucks and dances, it is an old-fashioned community where people band together; a community that cares about its people. "It's a really great community," says Bradford. "We've got Mt Mansfield, State Park and beautiful view, but mainly it's the people."