Page Updated: Jul 14, 2010

The Monticello Experience:

Located in central Piatt County on I-72, Monticello is ideally located between Champaign, Decatur, and Bloomington and is within an hour's drive from 7 major interstate systems.  The proximity and convenience to the region not only make it a home where many people commute from, but a destination that people drive to.  A growing community of just over 5400, Monticello offers small city living with the big city amenities (you can’t find in town) just a short trip down the road.  Click HERE for a simple map of the Monticello area!

Monticello boasts a variety of residential neighborhoods.  Existing housing stock includes anything from large historic mansions to established moderate sized.  Monticello has three newer residential subdivisions that still have buildable lots available, ranging from smaller lots for modest housing to executive, higher-end homes on larger lots.  Keeping up with the recreational demands of today’s family, the City just opened a new state of the art family aquatic center, and has recently purchased 30 acres to be developed as outdoor recreation.  With a low crime rate and excellent school system, Monticello is the ideal place to raise a family. 

The City of Monticello offers free services such as residential brush pick-up, landscape waste disposal and leaf pickup.  Twice a year residents can dispose of their “not-so-usual” garbage for a nominal fee at the City Clean-up Days.  Property taxes for the City of Monticello are one of the lowest in the region, especially given the quality of life residents buy into, making Monticello an affordable choice for relocating.  Residents can even sign up for the community notification system to be alerted of anything that may affect their health, safety or general welfare.

Not just a residential community, Monticello draws in thousands annually to several tourism draws.  Allerton Park, designated one of Illinois’ Seven Wonders by the State of Illinois, is complete with formal gardens, historic architecture, and plenty of paths for walking and hiking.  Courthouse Square, Monticello’s beautiful historic downtown that recently underwent a complete streetscape renovation, is full of fabulous shops and delicious restaurants.  Eli Field, a recent addition to Monticello by the Monticello Model Masters Club, hosts regional and national events for giant-scale model airplanes and jets.  Monticello is also home to three Looking for Lincoln Storyboard signs, and there are three more along with Bryant Cottage State Historic Site in the neighboring town of Bement.  The Monticello Railway Museum attracts railroad enthusiasts of all ages to their historic depot and displays.  Running events such as the Polar Express, Railroad Days, not to mention the weekend train rides, keeps the interest in trains alive.  Visitors can ride the train from the Monticello Railway Museum into town and get dropped off at the historic downtown, where they can easily find themselves upon plenty of shops and restaurants- making Monticello truly a destination.

Warmer weekends almost always bring an event to the downtown- whether it’s an outdoor movie on the square for the family, the weekly farmer’s market, or even one of the several larger outdoor festivals.  There is always a friendly face waiting to greet you in one of the downtown shops and restaurants, or even strolling down the street.

In the age where every community is competing with their historic districts and charming downtowns, Monticello is well above the rest.  Come visit and let us surprise you!