CITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Search Homes

Benton, Marion, and Mount Vernon anchor Southern Illinois’ “Little Egypt” region — three county seats within a short drive of each other, and all within easy reach of Rend Lake’s 162 miles of shoreline and the Shawnee National Forest. Each has its own character, from Benton’s quiet courthouse square to Marion’s retail energy to Mount Vernon’s arts scene — but all offer small-town living with real amenities close by.

Explore Local Flavors
From downtown diners in Benton to Marion’s growing restaurant row along Route 13, Southern Illinois serves up comfort food and local favorites — no big-city prices required.
Experience Local Culture
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mount Vernon anchors the region’s cultural life with a real American art collection and an outdoor sculpture park, alongside small-town festivals year-round.
Discover
Discover Local Treasures
Historic downtown squares in Benton and Marion are home to locally owned shops, antique stores, and the Franklin County Auto Museum — worth a slow Saturday exploring on foot.
Explore the Outdoors
Rend Lake’s 19,000 acres and 162 miles of shoreline sit minutes from Benton, with boating, fishing, camping, and a 27-hole golf course. The Shawnee National Forest is a scenic drive further south.
Explore

Our Communities

Benton, IL
Franklin County’s seat since 1841, Benton grew up around the courthouse square and the coal industry that built Southern Illinois. Today it’s a quiet, close-knit county seat with a historic downtown and easy small-town living. Its biggest draw might be geography — Rend Lake, with 162 miles of shoreline, boating, fishing, and a 27-hole golf course, sits right at the edge of town.
Marion, IL
Established the same year as Williamson County in 1839 and named for Revolutionary War general Francis Marion, today’s Marion is the region’s commercial hub — the largest retail center in Southern Illinois, sitting where I-57 meets Route 13. It’s also home to the area’s only commercial airport and Mountain Dew Park, where the Southern Illinois Miners play. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and Lake of Egypt are both minutes away.
Mount Vernon, IL
Founded in 1817 and later renamed for George Washington’s estate, Mount Vernon is Jefferson County’s seat and Southern Illinois’ self-declared “Festival Arts City.” The centerpiece is Cedarhurst Center for the Arts — 80 acres, a 19th- and 20th-century American art collection, and an outdoor sculpture park. Like Benton and Marion, it’s within easy reach of Rend Lake and a scenic drive from the Shawnee National Forest.

Work With Local Experts

We know Benton, Marion, and Mount Vernon block by block. Whatever brings you to Southern Illinois, we’ll help you find the right home in the right community.

CONTACT US