Mount Vernon, IL

Looking for the perfect place to call home? Then train your sights toward one of the best places to live in Southern Illinois – Mount Vernon. Found in the heart of Jefferson County, this charming city offers residents an idyllic suburban atmosphere with incredible community amenities that are within easy reach.

When it comes to real estate options, Mount Vernon does not disappoint. There are both residential and investment opportunities in the city. Mount Vernon real estate has almost everything, from gorgeous luxury properties and cozy single-family homes to sprawling vacant lands and everything else in between.

The City of Mount Vernon blends its historical roots perfectly with urban comforts. Known as the Festival Arts City, it has a dynamic arts scene and a vibrant local culture. Because of its welcoming atmosphere, historic and scenic nature sites, incredible outdoor recreational activities, and so much more, people from all over the country choose to settle down in the area. The city’s diverse demographic includes families, young professionals, and retirees.

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE HISTORY OF MOUNT VERNON, IL

Mount Vernon’s history traces back to the 19th century. It was founded by Zadok Casey, a prominent local figure who rose in the political ranks to serve in the US Congress from 1833 to 1843.

Originally named Mount Pleasant, the area’s name was changed to Mount Vernon, after George Washington’s Virginia plantation. The said plantation was named after British naval hero Edward Vernon.

Mount Vernon was officially incorporated as a city in the State of Illinois after the building of Vandalia Road. This road and the bridge across Casey Creek made Mount Vernon an important passage town for travelers going west to Vandalia – the state capital in 1819. The city became a thriving hub for trade and commerce due to its proximity to these transportation routes.

When the Illinois Supreme Court relocated to Mount Vernon, even more people flocked to the city to be closer to these important sites. Lawyers from all over Illinois, including Abraham Lincoln, appeared before the Illinois Supreme Court. Landmarks where lawyers used to congregate, such as the 5th District Appellate Court and the Mount Vernon Inn, have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1872, a railway link propelled the industrial development of Mount Vernon even further. However, Mount Vernon experienced a catastrophic tornado in 1888 that destroyed over 400 buildings.

The city bounced back quickly, thanks to the commerce brought about by the construction of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. It became a leader in the railroad industry in the early half of the 20th century. Other industries like oil and tire manufacturing flourished, as well. In World War II, the railroad car manufacturers were converted for wartime production which included the building of bomb cases.

After the war, the locomotive industry in Mount Vernon continued its rise. In the 1970s, Precision Engineering, a company that purchased most railroad car manufacturers in the area, started refurbishing old diesel and electric railroad locomotives. Currently, the company’s manufacturing plant has become a center that provides services to the National Railway Equipment Company. As demand for hybrid locomotives increases, the area may once again become one of the city’s largest employers with possible expansions opening across Mount Vernon.

MOUNT VERNON, IL REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

The great thing about Mount Vernon, IL real estate is that it offers buyers an array of property options. The homes range from affordable bungalows to sprawling luxury estates and vacant land. In addition to residential properties, you may also find a market for investment and commercial real estate.

Land for sale in Mount Vernon, IL

One of the most difficult parts of building your own home is the lack of vacant plots available. What makes Mount Vernon real estate unique is that there is an abundance of land for sale compared to other areas. If you want to build your dream home from the ground up, you will not be hard-pressed to find the perfect location.

At Mount Vernon, buyers may choose from several locations. For those who want more tranquility and privacy, there are vacant lots in lakeside or more wooded areas. It gives homeowners the best of both worlds. Enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with being close to nature while having easy access to urban amenities. There are also several vacant lots in well-established neighborhoods. These locations are great for young families and professionals as they are close to schools, transportation hubs, and other community facilities.

Homes for sale in Mount Vernon, IL

Mount Vernon real estate also boasts an array of established properties. These are great for those who want turnkey properties or move-in-ready homes. Houses for sale in Mount Vernon, IL come in a range of sizes, amenities, and prices so finding the perfect home becomes easy.

Many of the single-family homes in the city are ranch-style abodes with low-pitch roofs and large windows along the front. These houses are single-story and have an open-concept layout. They feature a patio and most have an attached garage. Most homes have between two to four bedrooms with one to three baths. Some properties sit on sprawling acreages while others are in more traditional neighborhoods.

Most homes in the area are bungalows, characterized by their low-pitched roofs and open layouts for the living room, dining room, and kitchen. They also have separate areas for the bedrooms. The bungalow homes in Mount Vernon are usually one to two stories and are built close to the ground. Preferred by many home buyers because of its versatility, these bungalows could easily adapt to your specific tastes without extensive modifications or renovations.

Other styles of houses for sale in Mount Vermont, IL include Victorian, modern, contemporary, colonial, and multi-story. Start your house hunt with the help of expert Realtors at Capps Realty today!

LIVING IN MOUNT VERNON, IL

Apart from its history, vibrant culture, and commitment to the arts and outdoor recreation, Mount Vernon also has exemplary dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities you cannot find anywhere else.

Mount Vernon’s dynamic arts and culture scene

The city boasts a thriving art community with so many festivals, events, music and theater productions, and activities happening all year round. At the center of Mount Vernon’s artistic community is Cedarhurst Center for the Arts. This visual and performing arts institution is the city’s cultural mecca with four galleries, an impressive performance hall, an interactive family learning center, and visual and performing arts programs for visitors.

Cedarhurst is home to Shrode Art Center, Mitchell Museum, the historic Mitchell Home and the modern Schweinfurth House, and the Goldman-Kuenz Sculpture Park. Here you will find incredible outdoor contemporary sculpture collections and even more galleries, classrooms, and studios. Every year, there is a Cedarhurst Craft Fair held at the institution grounds where art lovers may shop and meet local artists, listen to live music, and enjoy local food concessions.

Another cultural offering in Mount Vernon is the Jefferson County Historical Village. This attraction brings visitors on a tour back in time to mid-19th century Jefferson County, complete with log cabins, a blacksmith shop, and a log jail. The Jefferson County Historical Society Museum is also within the village grounds. This is where you’ll find artifacts, documents, and exhibits that showcase the history of the region like Native American artifacts and Civil War memorabilia.

Shopping at Mount Vernon, IL

One of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations in Mount Vernon is Times Square Mall. This is a bustling shopping center with a slew of retail and dining options. You will find stores such as Dunham’s Sports, Ross, Trinity Beauty, Hobby Lobby, Bath & Body Works, and so much more.

You’ll also find plenty of smaller, niche boutiques from local retailers in Mount Vernon. Go to 74 Ties for elegant and stylish neckwear to match any kind of occasion. Another great boutique for the fashion-conscious is 809 Xclusive. As the name suggests, this store has an exclusive and curated selection of clothing for both men and women that makes a statement.

For antique lovers, Finders Pickers Treasure Island is a shop that showcases some of the most interesting and distinctive collectibles. It also sells vintage salvage and primitives. What Finders Pickers Treasure Island is most proud of is its wide range of repurposed furniture, from upcycled dressers to ornate, handcrafted chairs and tables. The shop also hosts flea markets where you may find unexpected gems.

The city has a seasonal event called Market Days where artisans, crafters, and other small businesses open stalls at an open-air market. This event is held near Downtown and happens every first Saturday of the month from April through October. This is a great place to discover new boutiques and learn more about the businesses in the area.

Best places to dine in Mount Vernon, IL

Mount Vernon offers a diverse culinary scene, from classic American fare to international cuisine. For those who want upscale dining, RARE Chop House offers an exquisite steakhouse experience. This restaurant offers incredible ambiance, premium cuts of steak, and an impeccable wine selection.

If you want excellent cuts of meat but are not in the mood to dress up, another great steakhouse in the city is Trackside Bar & Grill. Their menu includes prime ribs, Angus porterhouse steaks, fresh salmon, filet mignon, and an assortment of sides.

If you are looking for something more casual, Steak n’ Shake offers classic American diner food. You’ll find mouthwatering burgers served with plenty of fries and deliciously thick and creamy milkshakes to go along with them.

There are many Mexican restaurants in Mount Vernon, as well, like El Rancherito Mexican Restaurant which has a great festive atmosphere that’s perfect for family or group gatherings. They serve tacos, enchiladas, and other Mexican favorites. Another great Mexican restaurant is Agave. Be sure to try their grilled goodies like Tilapia with Shrimp and Chile Colorado Mixto, both served with rice.

Residents will also find a variety of Italian restaurants such as Joe’s Pizza & Pasta and Fazoli’s. Expect excellent pizza, pasta, and other Italian specialties to sate your cravings. Other eateries in the city include Asian buffets, sandwich shops, diners, and bakeries.

Economic and job opportunities in Mount Vernon

While Mount Vernon’s industrial sector makes the most revenue for the city and creates the most jobs, the healthcare sector is not far behind. The top employers in the city include Continental Tires the Americas, Walgreens Distribution Center, Good Samaritan Hospital, National Railway Equipment Company, and Crossroads Community Hospital.

A testament to Mount Vernon’s strong industrial muscle is the presence of major distribution centers for NAPA, the National Railway Equipment, ALCO and IPT, Walgreens, Vanex, Central Wholesale Liquors, and Pepsi of Mid America in the city. There also are three industrial parks located here.

Mount Vernon parks and outdoor recreation

The city boasts scenic nature spots and incredible outdoor recreation. For boating, fishing, and other fun water activities, Rend Lake is the perfect place to go. This picturesque destination is a great place to relax and simply enjoy nature amid the hustle and bustle of city life. There are also hiking trails around the lake.

For a family-friendly outing, the Aquatic Zoo Water Park has fun water slides, a lazy river, and a variety of pools, including a wave pool. There are splash pads for the smaller children and plenty of shaded areas where adults may kick back and relax.

Mount Vernon also offers golf courses like Green Hills Golf Club and Indian Hills Golf Course. Both courses provide an exceptional golfing experience with exquisite greens and plenty of trees, creeks, and lakes to create unique playing conditions.

Schools in Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is part of Mount Vernon City Schools District 80 which includes the following schools:

• Dr. Andy Hall Early Education Center (Pre-Kindergarten)
• Dr. Nick Osborne Primary Center (Kindergarten-Grade 3)
• J.L. Buford Intermediate Education Center (Grades 4-5)
• Zadok Casey Middle School (Grades 6-8)
• Mount Vernon High School (Grades 9-12)

The city also offers private schools such as:

• Mt. Vernon Christian School
• Victory Christian Academy
• St. Mary Continuation School

You’ll also find the C. E. Brehm Memorial Public Library District in Downtown Mount Vernon. The library offers programs, activities, online classes, e-books, and other learning opportunities for residents.

Getting around Mount Vernon, IL

The best way to get around Mount Vernon is by car. Mount Vernon is accessible through various roads and highways, namely, I-57 and IL 37 which both run from north to south, and I-64 and IL 15 which both run from east and west. Residents may also take the Greyhound bus or hop on the shuttles of the South Central Mass Transit District to get to anywhere in Southern Illinois and even beyond.

The nearest airport in the city is Mount Vernon Airport which offers charter and private aviation services. The next closest airport is MidAmerica Airport which is 45 miles away from the city along I-64.

FIND YOUR FOREVER HOME IN MOUNT VERNON, IL WITH CAPPS REALTY

An incredible life amid the natural beauty and lovely suburban atmosphere of Mount Vernon, IL awaits you! To get started on your journey to homeownership here, make sure to partner with Jefferson County’s leading Realtor, Cory Capps, and the rest of Capps Realty. The team’s insights and knowledge of Mount Vernon prove valuable throughout the home-buying journey, ensuring that you find the home that’s in tune with your lifestyle and preferences.

Get in touch with Capps Realty and find your forever home in no time. Call 618.231.6584 or send an email. You may also send a message here.

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