Mount Vernon is a walkable college town in Eastern Iowa
Mount Vernon is a historic college town in the rural reaches of Eastern Iowa, about 15 miles from Cedar Rapids, home to Cornell College. Cozy coffee shops, colorful Victorian architecture and a lively downtown district have made it a highly desirable place to live, and it’s appeared on numerous best-of lists for small-town living. “It’s very friendly and inviting, and you can walk everywhere. There’s a quaint downtown with all these old, historic buildings,” says Realtor Susan Eaton of Skogman Realty, a longtime area resident. “Actually, you’ll also see people riding golf carts a lot in Mount Vernon. Not because there’s a golf course, it’s just how people get around town.”
Park-like setting with mature trees and seasonal color
Near the college and downtown district, Mount Vernon’s streets are lined with an array of interesting and historic homes. Red brick Colonials, Victorian homes with wrap-around porches, Craftsman bungalows and American Four Squares are just a sampling of its architectural diversity. Newer subdivisions with contemporary homes can be found further out from the town center. The streetscape in Mount Vernon is known for its burst of foliage in the spring, summer and fall. “The whole town is very park-like. There are lots of mature trees and trails that cut through the town. Everybody has flowers outside their homes. It’s very colorful,” Eaton says. Prices range from around $200,000 to $650,000 depending on the size, age and condition of the home. “The inventory is always low, and when you get a listing, it sells very quickly,” Eaton says. “Anyone who moves to Mount Vernon wants to stay in Mount Vernon.”
Highly rated schools in one campus area
Public schools are another perk for residents — Mount Vernon has some of the highest-rated schools in the Cedar Rapids metro. Students start at Washington Elementary School, which earns a B-plus rating from Niche. The next steps are A-minus-rated Mount Vernon Middle School, followed by Mount Vernon High School, which earns a B-plus. All three schools are located on the same campus, just south of Cornell College and a few blocks from downtown. About 77% of Mount Vernon High’s seniors go on to attend a 2- or 4-year college, and the school offers dual-credit programs. Cornell College is, in some ways, the town’s centerpiece. A private, liberal arts school, it enrolls around 1,000 students every year and features a beautiful and historic hilltop campus.
Local businesses thrive along Mount Vernon’s 1st Street
Mount Vernon’s downtown district occupies about three blocks of 1st Street. Old brick storefronts house local eateries, cafes, businesses and boutiques, bringing together everyone from longtime locals and families to young college students and out-of-towners. “People really come out and support the local business here,” Eaton says. Big’s BBQ & Brew Pub is a favorite for Iowa-style barbecue and local beer, mead and cider. Established in 2000, Lincoln Wine Bar serves wood-fired Neapolitan pizza alongside a lengthy assortment of wines and spirits. Clothing shops, stationery stores and antique shops are also a draw. Grocery options include Gary’s Foods and Fareway Meat and Grocery.
Downtown hosts chalk art, parades and holiday lights
The town holds plenty of events that bring the whole community together. Chalk the Walk takes place during the first weekend of May, when hundreds of artists use chalk to decorate the streets of Downtown Mount Vernon. In July, the town holds its Heritage Days Festival, a four-day event that celebrates the town’s history with music, games, fireworks and a parade. Magical Night rounds things out at the end of the year. Primarily held in the downtown district, it’s a festival of holiday performances, curated window displays and lots of Christmas lights.
Parks and green spaces offer year-round recreation for all ages
Several community parks and green spaces are available in town. Mount Vernon Dog Park offers a fenced-in field where people can let their dogs play without a leash, while Nature Park has a disc golf course, a dock, picnic shelters and several hiking and biking trails. During the summer, kids and families flock to the Mount Vernon Swimming Pool, Underhill Skate Park and the Elliott Athletic Complex for baseball and softball. Golfers can tee up at Kernoustie Golf Club, an 18-hole course that’s open to the public. During the winter months, residents can utilize the indoor gym and basketball courts at Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center.
Route 30 connects residents to Cedar Rapids and beyond
U.S. Route 30 runs along the southern edge of Mount Vernon, offering a direct route to Cedar Rapids. The town is walkable and bikeable, but residents will need a car for commuting or running errands in Cedar Rapids. Those in need of medical care can head to Mercy Medical Center, about 14 miles away. Eastern Iowa Airport, about 18 miles away, offers a full slate of regional flights.
