Mount Vernon is a small city in the Ozarks
Mount Vernon, Missouri, is a city of just under 5,000 people on the Ozarks’ Springfield Plateau. The location provides some scenic views, but also allows many here to live less than 1 hour from water sports destinations like Stockton Lake. The city’s attractions include multiple parks offering activities ranging from swimming and fishing to golf. There are also popular gathering spots like downtown Mount Vernon, with its historic and ornate courthouse and patriotic-themed murals. “I like that it’s quiet, super quiet, and there’s no real crime,” says John Typaldos, owner of gaming store Eldorado Games. “And you’re 30 minutes away, either direction, from any big town. You’re right off 44 [I-44], so it’s super easy to jump right on the freeway and get wherever you need to be. It makes it super convenient.”
Housing ranges from 19th century to new homes
Many homes in the city are along gridded, tree-lined streets. Mount Vernon has new construction, but also has homes from eras like the mid-20th century and late 19th century. Houses here include ranch-style, Cape Cod, Craftsman bungalow and Victorian-era homes. Most of the area’s homes are under 2,500 square feet and go from about $120,000 to $400,000. A few even larger homes go well above $450,000. The city’s median single-family home sale price of $260,000 is about $60,000 less than that of regional neighbor Springfield. “That’s how I ended up here,” Typaldos, a California native, says. “It’s such a much cheaper cost of living out here.” Also, about 40% of residents here rent.
Recreation includes city pool, fishing holes and sports facilities
The city has several recreational facilities, including an Olympic-size pool and bathhouse that received upgrades in 2023. The pool is in Mount Vernon’s signature Spirit of ‘76 Park, which also has baseball and football fields and tennis, pickleball and basketball courts. The park is home to Williams Creek Pond, a popular fishing hole for anglers of all ages. “It’s mostly kids playing baseball, tennis and soccer,” Typaldos says about the park. “It’s very kid specific, with mostly grand-parents and parents watching their kids playing sports on the weekends and week nights.”
Gary Ewing Park offers more sports with its nine-hole golf course. The city is also about 10 miles from Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area, a roughly 4,300-acre site made up of woods and savanna. The protected site has several miles of trail and some multi-acre lakes popular for their bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish.
Mount Vernon offers diverse dining options
A few restaurants and shops are located downtown around the Lawrence County Courthouse, a limestone and Romanesque Revival landmark. El Maya Mexican Grill is one of the staples downtown. Other options in the city include Fine Wok, a buffet-style restaurant and one of the latest additions to Mount Vernon’s dining scene. For seafood and pies, there’s the farm-themed Red Barn Cafe. El Azteca Mexican Restaurant offers another spot for Hispanic cuisine. Residents usually go to Walmart to buy groceries and other items.
Local district offers vocational schooling opportunities
The city is home to Mount Vernon R-V School District, which receives a B-minus grade from Niche. Students may start at Mount Vernon Elementary School, which gets a B and takes in students from kindergarten to second grade. Students may then finish their elementary years at Mount Vernon Intermediate School, which also receives a B grade and serves third to fifth graders. Mount Vernon Middle School gets a B-minus, while Mount Vernon High School receives a C-plus. Mount Vernon R-V is among many districts nationwide that have worked to grow vocational schooling. For example, juniors and seniors may take classes at Monett’s Scott Regional Technical Center, which also offers dual college credits in areas like welding and graphic design.
Apple Butter Makin’ Days is a local tradition
The city hosts several events during the year, with one of its most popular ones being Apple Butter Makin’ Days. In October, many flood the city’s historic downtown to listen to live bands, look for crafts and try out treats topped with homemade apple butter. There are also jars of the staple on sale. Other activities include a parade and dance performances.
I-44 connects Mount Vernon to larger regional neighbors
Interstate 44 directly connects Mount Vernon to the two larger cities of Joplin and Springfield. Mount Vernon is about 30 miles west of Springfield and 40 miles east of Joplin. Springfield is home to Springfield-Branson National Airport, the nearest hub for commercial flights. Springfield is also a destination for medical care, as it's home to the nearly 900-bed Mercy Hospital Springfield.
