Mount Vernon, IA

Perched on a scenic ridge about twenty minutes east of Cedar Rapids, Mount Vernon offers quiet small-town living with an easy commute to the metro area. Around 4,500 people call the town home, enjoying a historic Main Street filled with local dining, antique shops, and preserved nineteenth-century buildings. Along with its twin community of Lisbon right next door, Mount Vernon gives residents a friendly, neighborhood feel surrounded by rolling eastern Iowa countryside.

ATTRArtisticAbode / CC BY-SA 3.0

At the center of town sits Cornell College, which infuses the area with youthful energy, visiting artists, and college athletics. Families are drawn to the local school district, known for having its elementary, middle, and high schools grouped together on a single, easy-to-navigate campus. Signature events like the annual Chalk the Walk festival in May and the downtown Magical Night celebration in December keep the community connected throughout the year. It makes for an inviting spot for anyone looking for great schools, vibrant local culture, and a true sense of community.