Mount Vernon, Indiana, is named after George Washington's family plantation because the Indiana Territory's governor, General Thomas Posey, was Washington's long-time neighbor.
Mount Vernon is a town of approximately 6,700 people on the north bank of the Ohio River in southwestern Indiana. It's just a short drive to the city of Evansville and it's surrounded by lush Midwestern countryside. The town of Mount Vernon is most built up at the riverfront and becomes more suburban north of the Ohio River Scenic Byway. There is a large industrial zone southwest of town and a wooded enclave of houses surrounding Western Hills Country Club. Beyond town on all sides is rural land and the city of Evansville is roughly 30 miles away to the east.
Moving to Mount Vernon
There are plenty of rental properties in the area for those longing for the small town lifestyle. Autumn is the best time to move to Mount Vernon so you can avoid the warm, humid summer and cold, snowy winter. When you go on your search for apartments around Mount Vernon, make sure to have you personal identification documents (driver's license, Social Security card, etc.), proof of employment and rental history on hand. If you're moving from out of state, you'll have to register your vehicle within a few weeks of your arrival. Also, take note that some counties in Indiana require emissions tests at registration.
Neighborhoods of Mount Vernon
Check out this list to see which neighborhood is your cup of tea.
Riverfront: Mount Vernon on the Ohio River is a more dense, semi-urban area with 1-bedroom apartments for rent, government buildings and community amenities. Riverbend Park is a popular green space and there are many businesses around College Avenue and Main Street. There are also other rental properties and houses in the area.
Southeast: East of the riverfront there is a slightly more suburban neighborhood that's a mix of houses and condos, as well as another small industrial zone around Cypress Slough. The local shipping port uses Mount Vernon Towhead Island for shipping containers.
Central and Northern: The middle of town is almost entirely residential with houses, apartments and schools. The largest concentration of apartments in this area is on the north side facing larger farming estates. An industrial zone separates central Mount Vernon from a residential neighborhood on the north side that is almost entirely single-family houses.
Country Club: West of town around Western Hills Country Club, a number of developments with larger houses surround the club's golf course. There is also a small residential/rural area farther west that abuts the farm land, leading all the way to the Illinois border.
Life in Mount Vernon
Most businesses in Mount Vernon are at or near the riverfront. T. Anthony's Riverside Deli is a popular spot, as is the relaxed D & M Diner. There are also a few retreats in the southeastern part of town, which is where you'll find the Hawg 'n Sauce Bar and Grill, and Tequilas Mexican Restaurant.
Mount Vernon is also close to the historic New Harmony area that has many classic buildings, tours, museums and other glimpses into the post-colonial days of the Indiana Territory. Fans of high culture will also enjoy the Wolfgang Orchestra and Chorus that formed in 2006 and performs several shows throughout the year. Also, on the second weekend of September every year, Mount Vernon celebrates the River Days Festival with a parade, food, crafts, a nighttime fireworks show and other attractions.
Those craving an urban adventure can take the drive to Evansville in under an hour or a longer trip to St. Louis, Missouri to the west. If you're more of a nature nut, the Ohio River Valley has plenty to offer for boating, fishing, and camping.