Is Mt.Vernon IL a decent place to live? ?

Question

I'm considering a job transfer to SIL,  Mt.Vernon to be exact.   I've never been to Southern Illinois,  how is the quality of life, home prices, and things like that?

Foofa · Accepted Answer

I'd suggest you visit there before making the move. Don't rely on online reviews.

Saut de Chat · Answer

I hate it. It's just a rural redneck town in the Midwest. Affordable homes because no one wants to live there.

Anonymous · Answer

change city of compare:
https://www.areavibes.com/compare-results/?place1=Mount%20Vernon%2C%20IL&place2=Las%20Vegas%2C%20NV
Basic Amenities and Cost of Living are excellent. You would already have a job, so as long as not losing it, the employment situation is not important. 
Crime rate is way too high in Mount Vernon, IL
Housing is relatively cheap, but may not be going up in value so well.
Schools rated weak by above if you have kids, you would need to look into it more.
A few reviewers at Areavibes give it a low rating as living overall. Limited data there.

Area west side is more expensive.
https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/il/mount-vernon
Best appreciation of values in the north-central Idlewood section.
In general it is a low appreciation area.
Incomes are lower than average. If your job pays well, you can do OK relative to the area. Crime rates far too high. Higher priced area has a high crime rate which is unusual. Aims towards living in Idlewood. You need to find a safe neighborhood to live. 
In 2016, the county voted Trump 73% Clinton 27%.
Restaurants look OK
https://www.yelp.com/c/mount-vernon-il-us/restaurants
Looks only slightly bigger than a town, with not a lot to do.
It's too dull a lifestyle for me, and too "country" and town-y for a city boy.
Depends what you are used to. Everything is relative.
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US,jeffersoncountyillinois/VET605218
Rather "white", slightly undereducated on average.

Is Mt.Vernon IL a decent place to live? ?

3 Answers