Mount Vernon, ideally located halfway between Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia is a hidden gem. It sits within Skagit County and offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and a thriving business culture.
Of all the different communities and neighborhoods in Mount Vernon, some of the most historic and seasoned residential properties are located within the hilltop neighborhood areas. Mount Vernon’s hilltop neighborhoods offer a peaceful setting, fantastic homes, close proximity to many great parks, convenient shopping, first class schools and in many cases, within walking distance to historic downtown Mount Vernon.
We’ll take a closer look at the two main neighborhoods in this area, as well as what life is like living here.
Hillcrest Park Neighborhood Area
Living in the Hillcrest Park neighborhood area you will feel far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. This part of town is peaceful and quiet, with plenty of green spaces and natural surroundings.
Of course, Hillcrest Park itself is within easy reach for residents here. This 31-acre green space is the ideal recreational area for families and young children to enjoy those sunny days in Mount Vernon!
In it, you can find covered picnic spots with tables, playgrounds, baseball and soccer fields, as well as tennis courts with night lights. A 0.25 mile loop in the park is ideal for stretching out your legs or taking the dogs for a walk whenever you feel like it.
Being such a child and family-friendly community means that the Hillcrest Park neighborhood area is closely positioned to a number of excellent schools in Mount Vernon.
West Hill Neighborhood
Another brilliant neighborhood nestled in the Mount Vernon hilltop area is West Hill. West Hill stretches from Division to Lawrence Streets, and North 4th to 15th Streets. This is one of the larger and most vibrant areas in Mount Vernon.
This wonderful community is centered around Mount Vernon High School. Without a doubt, this is one of the most sought-after locations in the city. West Hill is also a great place to raise a family due to its excellent policing and safety services. The school partnered with the local police force to ensure that an officer is available full-time to provide school and neighborhood support to the students and residents of the area.
West Hill is green and beautiful, with many lush lawns and gardens. Properties here are roomy with excellent outdoor spaces. Beyond schooling, West Hill is also conveniently located near the Skagit River, various parks, and Interstate 5.
Hilltop Neighborhood Attractions
Here are some easy to reach points of interest from both Hillcrest Park and West Hill neighborhoods.
Schools
If you are raising a family in Mount Vernon, then there are a number of top elementary and high schools within the area.
As mentioned, Mount Vernon High School is centrally located in the West Hill neighborhood, as is Lincoln Elementary. There are also top private schools, such as Emerson High School and Immaculate Conception Grade School, both located within easy reach.
Various other schools just outside of the suburbs include Washington Elementary, Mount Vernon Christian School, Little Mountain Elementary, and Mount Baker Middle School.
Medical Care
There are world class medical facilities within the area. The Skagit Valley Hospital is less than a 5-minute drive from either neighborhood, as is Skagit Valley Regional Clinic. Also conveniently located between the two areas is the Mount Vernon VA Clinic, which means that all types of medical services are easily accessible for hilltop residences.
Safety
Mount Vernon is well-loved for resident’s safety and low crime rates. The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office located across the street from the Skagit County Courthouse and Mount Vernon Police Department provide a high level of police presence and security throughout these neighborhoods.
Downtown Mount Vernon
While these hilltop neighborhoods feel secluded and quiet, they are also within easy walking distance of historic downtown Mount Vernon, just a couple blocks west.
Enjoy dining out at one of the many restaurants, shopping at Skagit Valley Food Co-op, or enjoying family fun at one of the festivals held around Edgewater Park – all within close range of West Hill and Hillcrest Park.
Parks and Green Spaces
Of course, there are plenty of stunning parks and natural spaces around here. With a playground, large lawns, trees, and an abundance of tranquility, Hillcrest Park is a great location for children as well as anyone looking for a quiet escape. There are also some great places to walk, hike, and rides bikes around in these neighborhoods.
Final Thoughts
These areas of Mount Vernon are not only beautiful but are also conveniently located to the main center and highway connecting Skagit Valley. Property prices vary, but you can expect affordable family homes with spacious gardens.
If you are looking for a neighborhood in Mount Vernon that feels removed but still has central and convenient access, the hilltop neighborhoods are a great place to look.