Living in Mount Vernon Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Mount Vernon Washington Like?
Mount Vernon, Washington, is a charming city located in Skagit County, known for its beautiful surroundings, outdoor recreation, and unique local culture. The city is situated halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, making it an ideal location for those who want access to major metropolitan areas while enjoying a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle. Mount Vernon has a population of approximately 35,000 people at the time of writing.
One of the main attractions in Mount Vernon is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which takes place every April and draws thousands of visitors from around the world. The festival features fields of brightly colored tulips, arts and crafts vendors, food, and live music. The city also has several parks and outdoor recreational areas, including Hillcrest Park, which has hiking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, and Little Mountain Park, which has stunning views of the surrounding area. Mount Vernon is home to several unique museums and cultural centers, such as the Skagit County Historical Museum and the Museum of Northwest Art. The Lincoln Theatre, a restored 1920s movie palace, hosts live performances, films, and special events throughout the year.
The largest employers in Mount Vernon include Skagit Valley College, the Skagit Regional Health System, and the local school district. The cost of living in Mount Vernon is relatively affordable compared to other cities in Washington state, with a median home price of around $500,000 and lower prices for groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
Mount Vernon, Washington, offers a high quality of life with access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a tight-knit community. If you're searching for a city with a small-town feel but access to big-city amenities, beautiful scenery, and much to do, Mount Vernon, Washington, might be the perfect spot for you! Read on to learn more about living in Mount Vernon, Washington, including info on neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and pros and cons of living in Mount Vernon so that you can decide if moving to and living in Mount Vernon, Washington, is the right decision for you and your family.
The Moving to Mount Vernon Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Mount Vernon, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Mount Vernon, Washington, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria anywhere in Washington, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.
The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465.
Todd Davidson
Mortgage Broker
What is the Cost of Living in Mount Vernon Washington?
If you're exploring a move to Mount Vernon, Washington, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Mount Vernon, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Mount Vernon, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $47,000 a year. To live in Mount Vernon, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $70,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.
Living in Mount Vernon Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
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Top Neighborhoods in Mount Vernon Washington
Mount Vernon neighborhoods offer a unique living experience. Whether you're looking for a bustling downtown environment, a quiet suburban community, or luxury living with scenic views, living in Mount Vernon, Washington, you'll find it all. Below are five popular neighborhoods you should consider if moving to Mount Vernon, Washington:
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Hillcrest Park: Hillcrest Park is a neighborhood on the east side of Mount Vernon with a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The area features well-maintained homes on spacious lots, tree-lined streets, and a community park with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.
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Skagit Highlands: Skagit Highlands is a large master-planned community located on the northwest side of Mount Vernon. The community offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments to go along with parks, trails, and open spaces.
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Eaglemont: Eaglemont is a luxury residential neighborhood on a hill overlooking the Skagit Valley. The area features large custom homes on spacious lots, well-manicured lawns, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The neighborhood includes a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, offering a variety of options for buyers.
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College Way: College Way is a major commercial thoroughfare in Mount Vernon but has a residential component. The area features single-family homes, apartments, condos, and easy access to shopping, dining, and other amenities.
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Little Mountain: Little Mountain is a residential neighborhood located on the western edge of Mount Vernon. The area features older homes on larger lots, tree-lined streets, and access to hiking trails and natural areas in Little Mountain Park.
If moving to Mount Vernon, Washington, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Mount Vernon, Washington.
20 Pros and Cons of Living in Mount Vernon Washington
Living in Mount Vernon Washington Pros
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Beautiful natural surroundings: Mount Vernon is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including the Skagit River, the Cascade Mountains, and the San Juan Islands.
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Outdoor recreation opportunities: There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in Mount Vernon, including hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing.
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Vibrant downtown: Mount Vernon's historic downtown is full of charming shops, restaurants, and cafes.
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Strong sense of community: Mount Vernon has a strong sense of community, with plenty of community events and festivals throughout the year.
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Affordable cost of living: The cost of living in Mount Vernon is relatively affordable compared to other cities in Washington state.
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Access to major cities: Mount Vernon is located about an hour north of Seattle and an hour south of Vancouver, British Columbia, making it an ideal location for those who want to live in a smaller city but still have access to major urban areas.
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Good schools: Mount Vernon has a strong public school system, with several highly-rated schools in the area.
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Variety of housing options: There are a variety of housing options in Mount Vernon, including historic homes, new construction, and everything in between.
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Robust economy: Mount Vernon has a strong economy with a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.
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Friendly people: Mount Vernon is known for its friendly people and welcoming community, making it a great place to call home.
Living in Mount Vernon Washington Cons
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Limited job opportunities: Mount Vernon's economy relies heavily on agriculture, healthcare, and education. If you work in a specialized field, you may need help finding a job there.
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High traffic volume: Mount Vernon is located at the intersection of two major highways, I-5 and SR-20. Traffic can be heavy, especially during peak commuting hours.
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Limited public transportation: While Skagit Transit operates a number of bus routes in and around Mount Vernon, public transportation options are limited compared to larger cities.
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Limited nightlife: While some bars and restaurants are in Mount Vernon, the nightlife options are more limited compared to larger cities.
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Limited cultural attractions: While Mount Vernon is home to the Lincoln Theatre and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, there are fewer cultural attractions than in larger cities.
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Limited shopping options: While Mount Vernon has some retail stores and shopping centers, there are fewer options than larger cities.
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Limited rental options: The rental market in Mount Vernon can be tight, with limited availability of apartments and rental homes.
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Winter weather: The winters in Mount Vernon can be cold, dark, and rainy, which may not appeal to everyone.
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Lack of diversity: Mount Vernon is a predominantly white community with limited racial and ethnic diversity.
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Limited medical facilities: While there are some medical facilities in Mount Vernon, the options are more limited compared to larger cities. You might have to drive into a larger city if you need specialized care.
FAQs About Living in Mount Vernon Washington
What is Mount Vernon known for?
Mount Vernon, Washington, is most known for its annual Tulip Festival, which takes place every April and celebrates the blooming of millions of tulips in the Skagit Valley. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and features various events and activities such as tulip field tours, art shows, live music, and a street fair. The colorful fields of tulips are a sight to behold and have become an iconic symbol of Mount Vernon and the surrounding region.
What cities are nearby Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon, Washington, is located in Skagit County, part of the Puget Sound region in the northwestern part of the state. The city is approximately 60 miles north of Seattle and 35 miles south of the Canadian border. Mount Vernon is close to several other cities in the area, including Bellingham, about 25 miles to the northwest, and Everett, about 35 miles to the south. The city is also within easy driving distance of other popular destinations in the region, such as the San Juan Islands, North Cascades National Park, and the Olympic Peninsula. Mount Vernon's central location in Skagit County makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding natural beauty and nearby cities.
What is the weather like in Mount Vernon?
Living in Mount Vernon, Washington, you can expect mild weather throughout the year. In the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 45°F to 50°F, and the average low temperatures range from 32°F to 35°F. The city occasionally experiences light snowfall during the winter, with an average of 7 inches of snowfall annually. Summers in Mount Vernon are mild, with average high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 75°F and occasional hot spells in the 80s and 90s. The city receives around 33 inches of rain yearly, with most precipitation occurring in the fall and winter months.
Does Mount Vernon Washington have good public schools?
Students in Mount Vernon, Washington, attend public school in the Mount Vernon School District, which serves the city of Mount Vernon and some surrounding areas. For school year 2022-23, Niche.com ranks the Mount Vernon School District #107 out of 293 school districts in Washington, giving it an overall B- rating. The district is committed to providing a well-rounded education, including arts and athletics, and offers a variety of programs for students with different interests and needs. The district has a diverse student body and strong partnerships with local organizations and businesses. Families living in Mount Vernon, Washington, can feel confident that their children will have access to a quality education in the public school system.
Is Mount Vernon Washington safe?
Living in Mount Vernon, Washington, you'll find it a pretty safe place. Property crime rates in Mount Vernon are lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. According to NeighborhoodScout.com, Mount Vernon has a crime rate lower than 63% of all US cities. Mount Vernon, Washington, residents should feel relatively safe.
What is there to do living in Mount Vernon, Washington?
Living in Mount Vernon, Washington, you will always have things to do. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Skagit River and the Cascade Mountains, offering ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. Mount Vernon boasts several parks, including Edgewater Park and Kiwanis Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. The city hosts several annual events, including the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which attracts visitors from around the world, and the Skagit County Fair, offering carnival rides, live music, and 4-H exhibits. If you're looking for a day trip, Mount Vernon is located near attractions like Deception Pass State Park and the San Juan Islands. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is always something to do in Mount Vernon, Washington.
Who are large employers in Mount Vernon, Washington?
If living in Mount Vernon, Washington, some of the top employers include the Skagit Valley Hospital, which employs over 1,100 workers, the Skagit County School District, which employs over 1,000 people, and Skagit Valley College, which employs over 600 people. Other notable employers in Mount Vernon include the Port of Skagit, Janicki Industries, and various agricultural companies. With a diverse range of employers, residents of Mount Vernon can find opportunities in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and more.
I want to relocate to Mount Vernon. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Mount Vernon, Washington. There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Washington where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Mount Vernon area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Mount Vernon, Washington, is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.