Stretching along the Potomac river south of Old Town Alexandria to its southern border, the Occoquan river, Mount Vernon has a small-town feel and provides residents with the stability, safety, and comfort of neighborly friendship. This phenomena so coveted by individuals and families stressed out by the pressures of modern day life in the fast lane is due at least in part to the fact that the people who move here do so because they desire the stability and small town atmosphere, and stay.
For those who desire the cultural, entertainment, and historic amenities typically available in large metropolitan areas, Mount Vernon residents are within minutes of these big city attractions by public transit or car. Mount Vernon is largely protected from runaway development by the federally protected northeastern boundary, the Mount Vernon parkway.
In addition, the public school system is widely regarded as one of the best in the nation. Should one choose to send children to a private school there are numerous options available in Northern Virginia or the District of Columbia.
Enjoy the outdoors? Boating, sailing, fishing is at your doorstep on the Potomac River. Jogging and biking is a popular pastime along the Mount Vernon parkway. Canoeing and kayaking is easily accessible with marinas offering safe launch from Alexandria city to the north, Dyke Marsh, and Pohick Bay regional park in the south.
For low and moderate income families and senior citizens living on fixed incomes, there is an effective social services network to assist residents in need. Senior citizens have the south county government center on Richmond Highway, and Hollin Hall Senior Center to provide counseling and recreation and other services. The new Mount Vernon At Home (MVAH) provides transportation, social networking, and counseling services to help seniors stay in their homes and remain independent. Also, Mount Vernon Hospital provides quality medical care to everyone.
The Potomac River and parkway on the east, the national and state historic sites numbering more than any other district in the county, and the community’s philosophical bent and desire to preserve and protect neighborhoods throughout promises to ensure that Mount Vernon remains as a special place to live for the foreseeable future.
Here are several residents’ reflections on their community.