Image courtesy of Knox Pages.

Mt. Vernon is a city in Knox County, Ohio. It is a thriving city that has been around for a very long time. It is known for being a great city to live in. It has won accolades for its livability throughout the decades. It was named an “All American City” by Look Magazine in the 1960s and “Ohio’s Most Livable Community” by Ohio Magazine in the 1990s. There are many events that regularly take place in the area that the city is very proud of. The Knox County Fair, the Antique Classic Car Show, and the Mt. Vernon Music and Arts Festival are among a few of the events held in Mt. Vernon every year. You will not regret it if you move  there. Everything you need will be right at your disposal. This vibrant community just may be the right place for you! 

Here’s what you should know about moving to Mt. Vernon:

• History of Mt. Vernon
• Facts and figures about Mt. Vernon
• Local favorite things to do in Mt. Vernon
• And more!
  

History of Mt. Vernon

Before Moving to Mt. Vernon, Get to Know the History of Your New Home

Mt. Vernon, Ohio was established by Joseph Walker, Benjamin Butler, and Thomas B. Patterson in 1805. At that time it was just a settlement. In 1830 it became classified as a village, a town in 1845, and then finally a city in 1880. It was named Mt. Vernon after George Washington’s well-known estate. 

Many Mt. Vernon residents find employment through the two universities in town. In previous years the town was dominated by industrial work. Cooper Industries, an electrical products manufacturer, was founded in the city and used to be a large source of employment in the 1830s. 

Mt. Vernon has undergone a continuous effort to revamp the city. It has made sure to retain its old aesthetic but with upgraded additions. A picture of downtown Mt. Vernon in the 1910s does not look very different from what it looks like now. The main difference is the trees that were added in recent years in an effort to bring more greenery into the city. There also used to be a trolley track that ran down the middle of main street. Trolleys used to be a major form of transportation, but have disappeared from use throughout the years. This city has gone from industrial to greener as its priorities change with the times. Mt. Vernon takes great pride in its history and aims to make the present even better. 

Mt. Vernon by the Numbers

Learn About Mt. Vernon’s Economy, Demographics, and What It’s Really Like to Live Here

Mt. Vernon’s Population

Mt. Vernon has a population of 16,681. The population is relatively young. The median age is 35. Over 40% of households are headed by married couples. Around 28% of them have children. Over 30% of households are made up of single individuals. 

Mt. Vernon’s Demographics

Over 96% of Mt. Vernon’s residents identify as white. Around 1.5% of the population identifies as African American. The homes here are very affordable. The median house cost $117,300. Mt. Vernon’s cost of living is 23.5% lower than it is for the rest of the U.S. The median household income is $29,801. It’s $38,217 for families. 

Mt. Vernon’s Schooling

Mt. Vernon is home to an educated populace. Nearly 90% of residents have their high school diploma. Many of those people went on to receive further education. Mt. Vernon is home to two universities. Mt. Vernon Nazarene University and Central Ohio Technical College are located directly in the city. Kenyon College is another college that is located nearby, in Gambier. 

Things to do in Mt. Vernon

Mt. Vernon is a city filled with different activities to get into. You can find things to do both indoors and outdoors. You will find hiking trails here as well as numerous restaurants. You can have your fill of local food and enjoy the outdoors right after. You will always have something to do when you’re in the city of Mt. Vernon! 

Get to Know Mt. Vernon Like a Local

Where People Shop, Dine, and Hang Out in Mt. Vernon

A night on the town in Mt. Vernon will be very eventful. There is no need to spend tons of time driving to a different city to have something to do. You’ll find a host of fun things to do right in Mt. Vernon! You’ll find great shopping, outdoor hangout spots, and great dining all just a few minutes from your home. The locals here are very welcoming. You’ll love having them around. If you don’t yet have any local friends, this list will help you take on Mt. Vernon just like one. Here are a few places in Mt. Vernon you’ll absolutely want to visit when you make the decision to live here. 

Southside Diner

It’s Always Great to Have a Good Diner Nearby

620 S Main St | Mt. Vernon | yelp.com/southside-diner

Southside Diner is the place to go to when you want a nice, homey breakfast. When you go there, you get to indulge in some great comfort food for a great price. It is a great spot to visit for a weekend breakfast. It is also a great idea to stop there for lunch. They have different daily specials each day that are bound to catch your attention. Aside from the specials, their menu is extensive. You will enjoy the chance to choose something off of this menu!

This restaurant sports nostalgic décor that reminds people of a different time. Their collection of vintage candies is another awesome throwback from a past era. They even carry Amish Baked goods! There aren’t too many places that offer that. 

“What an awesome place to eat! Great food.  And I guarantee you WILL not go away hungry. Thank You Southside Diner, for the great meal. No matter what time you go, they are Super Busy. Does that merit a 5 star rating? Go check it out for yourself. You Will not be disappointed !!!!” -- Yelp Review

Amato’s Woodfired Pizza

Get Delicious Pizza Close to Your Home 

668 N Sandusky St | Mt. Vernon | amatosmountvernon.com

When you have a pizza craving, you need to visit Amato’s Woodfired Pizza. They have many unique pizza combinations to choose from, and they have an extensive menu overall. They offer appetizers, salads, pastas, wings, sandwiches, and desserts. Their options are more elevated than the average pizza place. For an appetizer, you can get a charcuterie board with cured meats and artisanal cheeses, a grilled appetizer platter with beef tenderloin skewers and asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, or scampi toast topped with shrimp. Their pizzas are just as exciting. They have a five cheese pizza with pesto, a “funghi” pizza topped with a mushroom medley with feta and mozzarella, and a “cippolini” with caramelized onions and scallions with gouda and mozzarella. You’ll want to try so much!

This place offers more than just food to make their visitors happy. They prepare activities to make their restaurant even more fun. You can catch trivia night every Tuesday from 7-9pm! 

“Awesome place! Pizza, pasta, bread and sandwiches are all amazing! The family had it for lunch and then the kids wanted more for dinner while we were camping near Mohican State Park. Staff was amazing and a very nice place to eat and dine in! I can't say enough good things about the food as well, so delicious!” -- Yelp Review

The Alcove Restaurant & Lounge

This Restaurant is the Place to Have a Fine Dining Experience

116 S Main St. | Mt. Vernon | restaurantmountvernonoh.com

The Alcove has been a fixture of Mt. Vernon for over 105 years. It has presented the city with American cuisine in an upscale setting for as long as it has been open. They sell award winning wines alongside their amazing chef-inspired menu. All of their ingredients are fresh and of the highest grade. For dinner, you can have everything from a tomahawk ribeye, sake marinated Chilean sea bass, or a salmon burger. Don’t forget about dessert! You can have a key lime tart or even crème brule, among other options. 

You need to make a reservation to eat at the Alcove. This place will make you feel excited to get dressed up. You’ll be served with the utmost care by dedicated staff. Depending on the night you visit, you can even catch some entertainment! Dinner theater performances are scheduled by local theater groups on a regular basis. 

“We went out for an early Valentine's dinner at the Alcove and had the best dinner experience we have had in years. Flawless service and delicious food and drinks. It was the evening we had been hoping for.  The prime rib was perfect and the truffle risotto was as well. Our waitress was helpful and knowledgeable and very pleasant. We will definitely be back for another special occasion.” -- Yelp Review

Stein Brewing Company

Here They Have Great Food and Great Beer

109 S Main St | Mt. Vernon | steinbrewco.com

Stein Brewing Company was the first brewery to open in all of Knox County around 1978. They have amazing beer that’s brewed locally. It is a treat to enjoy. Their focus on beer doesn’t take away from the quality of food. For many breweries, if they happen to sell food, it's not treated as a priority. Stein Brewing Company has curated such a great menu that it is said to have one of the best menus in the county. The award winning chef they employ has made that distinction possible. Many of their menu items also happen to be locally sourced. 

This brewery is located inside the historic Woodward Opera House building. It is the oldest 19th century opera house in the country. It was fully restored back in 2019. Their brewing area and taproom exist on one side of their building and the restaurant exists on the other side. Visit this place to eat, drink, or do both!

“If you are visiting or living in Mt. Vernon, then you need to make a stop at this brewery. The atmosphere is something you can't pass up. You will feel just at home, and the beer is unbeatable!

The service is top notch, as the servers will come to you frequently and check on you to ensure everything is going well. They will also go above and beyond to ensure you are enjoying your time.

We were so impressed that we signed up for the "mug club" and we don't even live here. This is a must if you are in town!” -- Yelp Review

Paragraphs Bookstore

Get Yourself a Fun Book to Read

229 Main St | Mt. Vernon | paragraphsbookstore.indielite.org

Paragraphs Bookstore is located right downtown. They have been around since 1996. They sell books for people of all ages and interests. They have recently expanded their book selection to give customers more options. Although this store espouses the value of holding a physical book in your hands, it now offers online sales and eBooks. They also offer in store Wi-Fi for anyone who needs it.

Along with their great book selection, they sell greeting cards, toys, and other unique gift items. You will find certain book-related events held there. They sometimes hold “Storytime's” for kids, and every once in a while an author comes in to do a book signing. Even though you can access books online, the in-person experience offers something special. This bookstore makes sure to make that fact clear. 

“A friendly little bookstore with a welcoming environment and a knowledgeable staff.

And... if they don't have what you are looking for they can almost always have it there the very next day! Fast, Super convenient, fun to visit, and all around a good hangout.

Find your next adventure inside!!!!! You won't regret it!” -- Yelp Review

It would be a great idea for you  to consider Mt. Vernon, Ohio for your next move. You’ll have so much to do and it's all pretty much right in your backyard! Stop by for a visit and give this place a look. We promise you will not be disappointed.