Moving to a new town can be so much fun and it can bring many enticing possibilities! Finding the perfect place to hang your hat, exploring your new neighborhood, and meeting the locals are all so exciting, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin.
If you’re moving to Mt. Vernon, we’ve assembled a list of things you should know that might just help, showcasing why this charming town has captivated the hearts of its residents and visitors alike. From its historic streets and vibrant community to its natural beauty and welcoming spirit, Mt. Vernon, Ohio, is a great place to work, play, and live!
Where We’re Located
Mt. Vernon is the county seat of Knox County, Ohio, along the Kokosing River and nestled among the picturesque hills and valleys around the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau. Head south straight down I-71N for about 50 miles, and you’ll be in the bustling metropolis of Columbus.
The Cost of Living Here Is Very Reasonable
One of the first things you may notice while searching for your new nest in Mt Vernon is the reasonable cost of living, which is 15% less than the national average! While the average salary is almost $12k less than the national average (roughly $46,656 vs. $59,428, respectively), the average home price here is significantly less as well: $120,600 vs. $416.100 US average.
If you’re renting an apartment in Mt. Vernon, you can expect to pay an average monthly rent of $618-$1,044 for a 2-bedroom apartment vs. the national average of $1,320.
Crime Rates Are Low, Too
Mt. Vernon’s small town (we have a population of 16,826), everyone-knows-everyone vibe is one of the reasons that crime rates here are so low. Per capita, the overall crime rate here clocks in at .85%, violent crime is 0.06, and the property crime overview is .79%.
Mt. Vernon Is a Great Place for Families
Mt. Vernon is very proud to be labeled as a fantastic place to raise a family! Public school ratings for Mt. Vernon are high for academics and college prep, and our teachers are second-to-none. There are many private school options as well, and we’re home to three beautiful college campuses.
We’ve already mentioned our low crime rates and affordable cost of living, and with great activities like the SPI Playplace, Hiawatha Water Park, and Ariel-Foundation Park (just to name a few), you’ll have plenty of things to do with the kiddos that you’ll enjoy too!
Our Little Downtown Area Has So Much to Do!
Don’t let the small size fool you (you can walk from one end of downtown to the other in about an hour), because there’s a lot going on in downtown Mt. Vernon.
If you like to start the day with a great cup of coffee, your first stop should be Happy Bean for the perfect latte, perfectly brewed espresso, or other hot beverage of your choice. Don’t forget to enjoy a delicious breakfast pastry with your coffee!
Next, visit Paragraphs Bookstore to check out the book selection, greeting cards, journals, and gifts. If you can’t find the book you’re looking for, they’re happy to order it for you free of charge. It’s also worth noting that Paragraphs also has a book of the month club, a great place to start if you’re a reader and are looking to make some new friends in your new town! And if you want a musical journey, check out Fat Dog Vinyl and their collection of records to bring home some of your favorite albums on high-quality vinyl.
Hungry for lunch? Whether you’re looking for traditional Americana, diner fare, a sub place with serious personality, or some spicy Mexican food, we’ve got you covered!
While you’re downtown, you should definitely check out the Dog Fountain! Installed in 2019, this beautiful, whimsical work of art is located in South Main Plaza. The fountain features benches and picnic tables all around, making it the perfect place for relaxing with a cool frozen custard. Or, if you want to cook your own meal later on, then a trip to Mount Vernon Farmer’s Market is a must to get your fresh, delicious produce and enjoy the atmosphere.”
If you’re interested in a little shopping, pop into the Dancing Bee Market and Studio for some goodies! As the name suggests, Dancing Bee specializes in handcrafted products for bath, body, and home featuring honey, beeswax, and herbs cultivated on the owner’s farm. If you’d like to learn to make your own hand-crafted soaps, they offer a soapmaking class as well as classes for DIY projects and a kid’s arts and crafts class.
A fancy dinner out is a fantastic way to close out the day (if you’re not too tired), and there are many great date night options with a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Try The Alcove for unique hand-crafted cocktails, seasonal oysters on the half-shell, amazing picks from the dinner menu, and classic desserts. Complement the whole meal with a selection from their diverse wine list, and you’ve got a night out to remember!
Welcome to Mt. Vernon!
If you’re looking for a cozy and idyllic place to put down roots, Mt. Vernon is your hidden gem.
It embodies the timeless allure of small-town America, where neighbors know each other’s names, and life unfolds at a pace that allows you to savor the moments. We can’t wait to meet you!
Submitted by: (Mihaela Buzec)
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There are only Fast food restaurants in this town! Want to eat at a chain restaurant? There is only one and the restaurant is durty inside. I ate there once and that was enough!
Want to eat at a great chain restaurant? You only have to travel an hour in any of four directions to find one. The few decent restaurants are usually crowded. This could be a great place to live with some good Chains but 90 % of the people I talk to are disappointed that the city government does think more of Mt Vernon and bring in better food. Why are they letting all the tax receipts that could be ours go to other cities!