Hey folks, Been living here since 2013. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $429,300 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Is this normal for Mount Vernon? Cheers. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development.
1 upvotes
6 Replies
Easton Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 48, moved here 9 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Pine Hills and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
37 upvotes
Santiago Jimenez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Mason Taylor
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much manageable but now it's challenging.
17 upvotes
Dylan J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Jeremiah King
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
9 upvotes
Nova R.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much reasonable but now it's pretty good.
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