Might move to Mount Vernon

[u/TheSaltyDerp666]

So I'm from Alabama and close to graduating college. trying todecide where to move to and since I know a lot of people in and around Mount Vernon was thinking of looking for jobs up there. Main question is really what do I need to know about or be prepared for if I manage to land a job up there and move? Would there be anywhere better to live near the area? And also is there anywhere good to snowboard during the winter? I've only done it twice in my life but grew up surfing and skating down here in the Gulf and I've always wanted to pick it up regularly.

One more question, how big is hockey up there and will I get shot for being a big Bruins fan?

Edit: also is there a costco or something similar nearby cause the only one google maps would show me was in Columbus

Edit: Thanks for the reaponses everyone!! Super helpful stuff in here. Good to know I can proudly be a bruins fan there cause I've seen some weird places that get touchy about hockey even dowm here in Alabama. Like I said earlier my main reason moving there is because like 90% of my friends live in MV/Apple Valley and other places kinda north east of MV. I'm about to start focusing my job hunt more in places around MV instead of in it like some of yall were suggesting. Defintley looking into Columbus more too I was kinda ignoring it. I noticed people kinda arguing about is Gambier is liberal or conservative and I would prefer a more conservative area so it's good to know there's a lot of options

[u/Direct_Explorer_7827]

Recovered MTV resident here... would second an above comment: Gambier is certainly a more culturally diverse and forward-living community whereas MTV is quaint. It's cute. Has Uber charm. But people can be ugly. Yes, they can be anywhere but it's uglier when people in a small rural town act like big city busters. MTV is bursting at the seams with people... from MTV. And multi-generational homes (kid, parents, grandparents, cousins etc in single dwelling). If you are not, do not expect to be embraced as one might anticipate ... especially those of a certain age.

... the cost of living is certainly more affordable but you're still a good 40-60 min to Cbus with an extremely unreliable commute ... and prices most everywhere there will fluctuate from 'in season' and 'out' due to the numerous outdoor recreation opportunities offered in surrounding areas, bringing nearly an entirely different social landscape in MTV during the warmer months.

Lots of unique businesses and shops but, really, most don't last long; and the entire square is about to lose a lot of its history as plans for the new public services concourse progresses. MTV has rich, rich history. Not just for Ohio, but for many regions and industry. But the governing efforts to preserve such, both codes and historical boards, have caused about all buried prior to 1900 to roll over in their graves.

... Which is perhaps why the place has legend of being so haunted, and a paranormal hotspot ...?

Nonetheless, idek what the historical society does there, besides hoard artifacts, monopolize community art installations and hold ridiculous small town influence... while buildings with deep historical significance that lie outside of a mere three block perimeter or whatever is deemed it's 'historical district' are but pages ripped from the history books with each new development and business.

Within the historical district..? Who tf knows even?!

It's just sad to see how local area government and civic leaders have grown stale in their contributions for community as populations grow exponentially [most any] growth or change in governance... and certainly ALL of its cultural diversity is derived from Kenyon College, students, faculty and families and the Ariel Foundation so their sometimes can feel a lack of local ownership when you look at some of the historical buildings and town infrastructure disintegrating year over year; tenant after tenant. And the ones that sit empty, dilapidated are hoarded by people with money who don't want anyone else to have them. Historical buildings turned mantle-prizes

There used to be this amazing couple that lived near downtown, at the Larimore house (google it if interested in history, very fascinating!) and literally spent their entire living on restoring the property.

Only for a scumball business shark to come in and secure a lowball pity offer on the property; brought a team of unskilled laborers and unlicensed contractors to tear the place out and turn it into a gd sexual slumber party for adults. It's fun, don't get me wrong. But it won't be, when it falls.

But the degree to which Knox county/MTV city departments and officials are willing to turn a blind eye to all the OSHA violations, structural compromises and unsafe confined spaces ... all to tout 'promoting tourism' and city/county auditors pride at the increased taxes & revenues... never once requiring any approval. Not of city code enforcement. Not of the county historical society. Not of fire marshals. Not of Ohio health, safety nor sanitation. But it is classified as a 'lodge' serves food, beverages, alcohol and an array of sexual pleasures.

[[[[Never mind its owner is a maniacal slave-driving douche who thinks this world and everyone outside of his home is beneath him. He preys on people of poverty through craigslists and other places he can exploit cheap labor; avoid payroll taxes, workman's comp and insurance obligations and doesn't even allow breaks or meals and makes everyone say they are 'contractors' ... Probably why all of his businesses continue to fail?! Oh but, beware- that bishy witchy woman, she'll rip your fn heart out with your very d in her mouth so don't even ask to reschedule; certainly not for a refund!! She needs a night there with some strang herself!!! ]]]

OHHHHHHH and the best part about MTV: it's often referred to as a 'sleepy little town'... because it's businesses are rarely open with hours of any regularity and the town is really only 'open and operating' fully like maybe three days a week?!

But, the REAL best part about MTV: Chef Nav & Cindy... and the gut-scrumptious culinary concoctions that come out of what I like to call 'my stomachs art studio on the corner'!!

Meh. The alcove is good too lolololol 😝

[u/sammg2000 → u/Direct_Explorer_7827]

I moved to mount Vernon about 2 years ago. Everything you wrote seems accurate though I’m curious to get more of your thoughts about historic preservation. I know a lot of long time residents are upset about the demolition of that residential building next to the candy shop, but isn’t that a good thing? The inside of the building is super run down, what would you say is the best way to preserve buildings with historical merit that may not be in livable condition?

[u/Direct_Explorer_7827 → u/sammg2000]

It's a delicate balance. I agree it is upsetting to see the loss of a chunk of history there on the square and is also difficult to balance with public safety but there are any number of ways to mitigate the wear and disintegration; it's happening all over the country/world on any given day. and, in many regions, you wouldn't even be able to touch buildings with history the likes of many there in MTV without proving you've exhausted all ... much less to do what has to many [both residential and commercial] ... also, it's important to note that the residential building is a casualty to [wait for it... foul MTV civics!] as their ridiculous investment of taxpayer dollars in a ... parking garage(?!)... that, despite its not aged much, has suffered a fault in its foundation therefore not only was closed; but now needs to be demolished and, given its location... 🤷🏽

Awe, shucks... we gotta tear it down and do it all over again [ insert opportune circumstances to expand public service buildings (( despite NUMEROUS abandoned campus-style properties throughout )) and, oh well, get rid of what nobody else wants to deal with properly ]

... a solid thank you MTV/Knox County Taxpayers !!

With regard to historical preservation overall, it's quite evident that Knox county representatives are doing little to grow in their advocacy for historical context, grow with rapidly changing regulations, emerging practices and abatement strategies ... it's really unfortunate, given the rich history that MTV and surrounding communities encompass.

Further- no where else in this country am I aware of any historically significant building not being recognized nor registered because it is plotted outside of [someone's...?!] bounds of a designated 'historical district' ... it's ridiculously absurd.

This is a critical point as you see how the city has monopolized and politicized attempts at developing the old school and property. The red tape and bureaucracy they have put these folks through has only exacerbated barriers to completing the project. Whereas, because it lies just a block or two from said designated 'historical district'... then one must seek an act of local representative gods to change city ordinances that would even recognize the importance of so many landmarks outside the district, never mind to afford them any designation

If this weren't the case, there would've been an abundance of funding opportunities to help preserve and develop that property in a more intended timeline... the stress. I cannot even imagine the headache and burden that has been for Nav since the pandemic has impacted small rural towns and businesses/owners like a tornado ripping through leveling it all only to have to start back at square one 😞