In northwest Washington’s Skagit River Valley, Mount Vernon sits overlooking a riverbend. This city of about 35,000 is known for the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and year-round outdoor recreation around the river, lakes and hills. Whether residents are attracted to the city’s health care industry or the state’s lack of a personal income tax, “Mount Vernon has a little bit of everything, much like other the cities along [Interstate] 5,” says Katharine Carey, Agent at eXp Realty with over 18 years of experience. “The population is increasing due to cost of living. It’s a little less expensive than, say, Bellingham, with just a half-hour commute to the big city.”
For family fun, Lakewood residents head to Roozengaarden Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon overlooks the beautiful Skagit River.
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The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and other annual events
Every April, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a month-long celebration of the brightly colored flowers grown in the valley. Tulip growers invite guests to stroll through vast fields, which stripe the land with red, orange and yellow hues. The festival includes various events in the area, like the Tulip Festival Street Fair, which brings food trucks, local vendors and live entertainment downtown. Shoppers can also browse locally-made goods at Skagit Valley Farmers Market, which runs from May through October. Every July, Skagit County Fairgrounds hosts the Skagit Valley Highland Games, a weekend festival of Celtic music and dance that draws thousands to Mount Vernon. For year-round entertainment, the Historic Lincoln Theatre, built in 1926, hosts live performances and movies. Volunteer musicians playing the rare Wurlitzer theatre organ signal that the movie is about to begin.
Arlington Heights residents head to the Tulip Festival Street Fair in Mount Vernon.
Lakewood residents head to Roozengaarden Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon every year.
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Recreation at Little Mountain Park and along the Skagit River
Dog-friendly Little Mountain Park has 10 miles of winding trails. Hikers and bikers can venture up to the overlook to see evergreen treetops and the valley below peeking through low-lying clouds. Alternatively, the paved Skagit Riverwalk offers a flatter, easier stroll. Part of Mount Vernon expands across the river, including Edgewater Park, which has a boat launch, baseball fields and over 50 acres of riverfront green space. “There are great features going east, like Lake Cavanaugh, and Big Lake is pretty awesome. It depends on what people want to choose as their adventure,” Carey says. “Mount Vernon is sandwiched between farming communities. Heading west, you can go to Bow or La Conner for the day.”
Take your dog for a walk on the pet-friendly trails of Little Mountain Park in Mount Vernon.
Enjoy a relaxing walk with a friend at Skagit Riverwalk in Mount Vernon.
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Single-family homes range in age
The median single-family price in Mount Vernon is $575,000, which is higher than the national median. A typical home here is New Traditional or ranch-style. Homes are a mix of ages: construction spans from 1900 to 2000, though some are newer. The Eaglemont neighborhood on the eastern side of the city contains sprawling million-dollar homes, while some smaller homes closer to downtown sell for as low as $250,000. Residents’ kids and teens may attend Mount Vernon School District, rated C-plus on Niche.
Sprawling million-dollar homes can be found in Eaglemont neighborhood of Mount Vernon.
Find your slice of heaven in a Mount Vernon ranch-style home.
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Commuting via the Interstate, train or bus
Interstate 5 runs through Mount Vernon, extending north to Bellingham and south to Everett. Electric vehicle owners can charge up at Mount Vernon Library Commons, home of the biggest electric vehicle charging station in the U.S. At Skagit Station, locals can hop on the Amtrak train, Greyhound bus or the Skagit Transit bus line, which has a commuter route to Everett. Skagit Valley Hospital is located within the city, and Bellingham International Airport is 25 miles north. Regarding cyberinfrastructure, Mount Vernon has city-wide fiber optic Internet access.
Local shopping and dining in downtown Mount Vernon
The pedestrian-friendly streets of downtown Mount Vernon are lined with trees, wide sidewalks and street parking. Flowerpots hang from streetlamps and the storefronts of local restaurants and boutiques. The Mount Vernon Downtown District Master Plan includes plans for more mixed-use redevelopment. Nationally recognized shopping and dining chains are located north of downtown along Interstate 5.
For home decor and more, head to Perry + Carlson in Mount Vernon.
Grab a pint and split a pizza with some friends at District Brewing in Mount Vernon.
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Mitigating floods from Skagit River
Summers are warm and dry, while winters bring snowstorms and rain. The Skagit River has a history of flooding the city, and the flood risk increases during heavy rains. In the past, residents have assembled walls of sandbags to mitigate floods, but now a permanent floodwall protects downtown.
A Floodwall protects the Skagit Riverwalk path in Mount Vernon during heavy rains.
Mount Vernon installed a floodwall along the Skagit River to mitigate flooding.
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Crime rates in Skagit County lower than state rates
According to the state of Washington, Skagit County’s property and personal crime rates attributed by those between the ages of 18 and 39 are trending downward, while the state rates are trending upward. However, both county and state levels decreased from 2022 to 2023. According to the CAP Index, Mount Vernon’s crime scores vary between 1 and 7, with less crime in the eastern outskirts and higher crime rates north of downtown.
Written By
Laura Copan
Photography Contributed By
Jake Chaplin
Video By
Jahlil Harris
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rick Moore,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Mount Vernon, WA sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Mount Vernon, WA over the last 12 months is $600,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Dreaming of a different kind of life? One with more freedom, connection to the land, space for loved ones, animals & nature to come together? Set on nearly 40 private acres with direct access to 22,000+ acres of DNR land, this remarkable property combines the feel of a mountain lodge retreat with the practicality of a working homestead. Fully off-grid capable with 50 solar panels + new battery
Welcome to this Stunning Contemporary Modern Home in Nookachamp Hills, a Master-planned community in Mount Vernon. Set on nearly One Private Acre of park-like grounds with Flower Gardens, Mature Woods, & Abundant Natural Light. This property offers Exceptional Privacy & Serenity. Inside, Soaring 11–14 ft Cathedral Ceilings, over 50 Expansive Windows soak the home w/ natural light. The thoughtful
*New price* This amazing property is a hidden gem that must be seen to be appreciated! Set on 5.91 park-like acres with TWO remarkable PNW style homes, a private pond, and stunning Mt. Baker views, it offers the perfect blend of privacy, beauty, and income potential. Ideally located just 10 minutes from amenities in a highly sought-after area, the property feels like a private resort. The
Dreaming of a different kind of life? One with more freedom, connection to the land, space for loved ones, animals & nature to come together? Set on nearly 40 private acres with direct access to 22,000+ acres of DNR land, this remarkable property combines the feel of a mountain lodge retreat with the practicality of a working homestead. Fully off-grid capable with 50 solar panels + new battery
Perfectly positioned between 2 world class cities, approximately 50 miles north to Vancouver BC & 50 miles south to Seattle. East facing 5 acre retreat in a gated community on pristine Lake McMurray waterfront. 269 feet of private lake frontage w space for a future dock creates a rare lakefront estate offering privacy, nature, wildlife & comfort for buyers seeking a peaceful off the grid
Welcome to this Stunning Contemporary Modern Home in Nookachamp Hills, a Master-planned community in Mount Vernon. Set on nearly One Private Acre of park-like grounds with Flower Gardens, Mature Woods, & Abundant Natural Light. This property offers Exceptional Privacy & Serenity. Inside, Soaring 11–14 ft Cathedral Ceilings, over 50 Expansive Windows soak the home w/ natural light. The thoughtful
Now available - three incredible estate-sized lots perched above beautiful Big Lake, each ranging from just over 1 acre up to 2 acres. These rare parcels offer breathtaking views of the water and surrounding hillsides, creating the perfect canvas for your custom dream home.With water and power already at the street and a trusted septic contractor ready to go, these lots are primed for building.
Now available - three incredible estate-sized lots perched above beautiful Big Lake, each ranging from just over 1 acre up to 2 acres. These rare parcels offer breathtaking views of the water and surrounding hillsides, creating the perfect canvas for your custom dream home.With water and power already at the street and a trusted septic contractor ready to go, these lots are primed for building.
Welcome home to this beautiful, move-in-ready ground-level condo in Mount Vernon! Offering a desirable open floor plan across 1,406 square feet, this 2-bedroom, 1.75-bathroom home combines a layout that flows effortlessly with localized updates. Enjoy a large utility room/walk-in pantry with new vinyl flooring, new neutral paint throughout the main living spaces, and a cozy fireplace insert for
Incredible 314+ acre property with nearly 2.5 miles of waterfront along the Skagit River comprised of 17 tax parcels in Mount Vernon. Approximately 30 acres of the property are zoned Residential-Agricultural with several potential homesites and extensive recreational opportunities. The remaining 285+/- acres of the property are subject to a Conservation Easement which allows land uses for
Investor Alert! Opportunity Awaits on 5 Acres in Big Lake Bring your vision and unlock the potential of this versatile 5-acre property in the heart of Big Lake. With an existing well, septic system, and power already on site, much of the groundwork has been laid for your next project. Zoning may allow for an ADU, creating additional possibilities for multi-generational living, rental income, or
Rare opportunity on sought-after Big Lake! Enjoy 100 feet of private waterfront, a 63-ft dock with 1,038 sq ft of dock space, and endless fun on the water - perfect for boating, fishing and water sports. A cozy mobile home sits on site, ideal for weekend getaways, plus a large deck and multiple outbuildings for guests, storage or future expansions. Whether you're looking for a summer retreat or a
Welcome to easy living in this beautifully updated home located in a desirable gated 55+ community in the heart of Mount Vernon! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers a bright, functional floor plan designed for both comfort and flexibility. The inviting main living area flows seamlessly into the dining space and recently remodeled kitchen, featuring convenient pull-out pantry
Seize a truly exceptional opportunity to own one of the final remaining vacant parcels on the highly coveted Big Lake.This 0.15-acre level lot offers a premier canvas for your custom lakefront retreat or seasonal getaway in the heart of Skagit County. Nestled in a serene, established community, the property provides direct access to the best of PacificNorthwest lake living - from morning fishing
Now available - three incredible estate-sized lots perched above beautiful Big Lake, each ranging from just over 1 acre up to 2 acres. These rare parcels offer breathtaking views of the water and surrounding hillsides, creating the perfect canvas for your custom dream home.With water and power already at the street and a trusted septic contractor ready to go, these lots are primed for building.
Renovated townhome on hill in great location in Mount Vernon. Vaulted Great room opens into dining room. Newer interior paint and newer carpet. Kitchen has newer SS appliances counters & some light fixtures. 1/2 bath on main level has washer/dryer hook up. 2 good sized bedrooms upstairs with a full bath and small loft area in between. Gas heat. W/S/Garbage of one can per week paid by Lessor.
Our beautiful community lies in the heart of Mount Vernon, surrounded by scenic landscapes, local shops, restaurants, and Skagit Community college. Find your new home in our beautifully maintained community featuring a full staff on site 6 days per week, a convenient 24/7 on-call maintenance team, and professional management.?Our newly renovated apartment homes feature sleek
New construction. 5 Industrial condominiums with warehouse/distribution/production area and restroom with shower on the first floor. Also available for Purchase at $375,000 Mezzanine office on the 2nd floor. Close proximity to I-5 via Anderson Rd exit and Kincaid Street exit. Gated industrial complex upon completion of next door construction. Broker to be on site for all showings. Lease Rate
This is a brand-new home that was recently sited on the lot. It features 2 Bedrooms and 2 baths and is located within Mountainview MHP. This home is being offered at $109,900. Seller financing available on approval of credit. Financing terms are negotiable but typically involve a 20% minimum down payment, 10% interest rate (12.84% APR), based on a 30-year amortization, however due and payable in
This charming 1-bed, 3/4-bath home offers comfortable, low-maintenance living with updated flooring, a modern shower enclosure, and the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer. Enjoy a relaxing covered porch, perfect for morning coffee or evening unwinding. The unit includes one designated parking space, and water is included in the rent, making monthly budgeting a little easier. A great
Formerly a logging town, Big Lake is now a rural, residential community with a down-to-earth vibe and nature at its heart. “Big Lake has year-round residents. It’s vibrant with young families,” says Kathy D. West, Broker at Windermere Real Estate/JS with 13 years of experience. At Christmas, families can cut down their very own tree to decorate from Big Lake Trees & Events. This family-owned and operated Christmas tree farm since the 1970s is one of several small businesses that have been around for decades. And for other outings, Big Lake residents drive a few miles into Mount Vernon or Sedro-Woolley.
The lake itself is safe to splash around in: “You can get in the water to swim and use watercraft,” West says. “If you want to get out on the lake with your boat, Big Lake is the better choice as opposed to Clear Lake,” which is a similar community with a smaller lake about 5 miles north. Big Lake has a public boat launch and a maximum depth of 23 feet. Anglers fish for Coho salmon, Largemouth bass, Coastal Cutthroat trout and other species. Golfers enjoy lake views from Overlook Golf Course, a nine-hole executive course, veteran-owned since 1985. Campers can head to Tree Tent Park, just south of the lake. Finally, Lang’s Horse & Pony Farm gives horseback riding lessons to all ages, where guides lead trail rides through the 300 acres of forest.
Paved roads lined with telephone wires encircle the lake and cut through dense patches of trees. Driving through the quiet neighborhood, it’s clear that homes are not cookie-cutter lookalikes. In addition to the scenic lake and evergreens, the custom homes give Big Lake another boost in visual appeal. Some homes sit right by the shore, while others are surrounded by land. Those facing the lakeshore have large windows and some have wooden docks. Prices extend from about $510,000 to $1.5 million; homes at both ends of the price range are available on the lakeshore. Land parcels are also available.
Featuring live music, seafood and burgers, Big Lake Bar and Grille is the only restaurant in the neighborhood. Similarly, Big Lake Grocery is the only place to get beer and groceries. For larger supermarkets and more retail and dining options, residents go to the neighboring town of Mt. Vernon, about 6 miles west.
Big Lake Elementary, rated B-minus on Niche teaches kindergarten through Grade 6 and is located in the neighborhood. Students attending Cascade Middle, rated C-plus, and Sedro-Woolley Senior High School, rated B-minus, commute about 9 miles north to Sedro-Woolley. Starting as early as ninth grade, high school students can take college classes offered by Skagit Valley College and Central Washington University without needing to leave the campus.
Big Lake is not known for being a bikeable or walkable neighborhood, as it is quite rural. Route 9 runs alongside the lake, extending north to Sedro-Woolley and south to Lake McMurray. Skagit Valley Hospital is about 5 miles northwest and Bellingham International Airport is about 37 miles north up Interstate 5.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Mount Vernon Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
17
Median Rent
$2,400
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,475
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$3,200
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,350
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,350
Median Condo Rent
$1,975
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,600
Demographics
Total Population
36,530
Median Age
38
Population Density
353 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$63,593
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$84,799
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.2%
College Graduates
25.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.6%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
35°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Fairly bikeable
Bikeability®
50/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
50/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
