Low tax rates, a convenient location and a lively arts scene suit this Minnesota community
Situated conveniently between the Twin Cities and St. Cloud metro areas, the city of Monticello is part of a major transportation corridor with easy access to Interstate 94, Highways 25 and 10 and boasting rights for having one of the lowest tax rates in Wright County. “We’ve got the best of both worlds. We’re close enough to the cities, but then we also retain our small-town character and vibe,” says the city’s Communications & Marketing Specialist Haley Foster. “Everybody is pretty connected – you’ll always see someone you know when you’re out and about.”
Residential neighborhoods around Monticello enjoy quiet streets and pond views.
Downtown Monticello features charming antique shops and inviting restaurants.
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Creativity is at the center of things to do, most gatherings and city events
Creative to its core, Monticello works hard to bring the community together through public art. The Monticello Arts Initiative, now called MontiArts, as a way to liven up the downtown. It started as a grassroots effort in 2018, but now it’s engrained as part of the Parks and Recreation Department, which coordinates the installations. In the winter, a community art initiative allows people to create a piece of art that glows in the dark. Then, residents do an evening parade and everyone with something that glows in the dark can march in the parade. The art is a community effort, with residents participating in some of the creation of specific fish sculptures. An art tour of Monticello now has over 30 stops. River City Extreme, with tons of bowling lanes and arcade and Emagine Movie Theatre also provides endless hours of entertainment for residents and visitors.
Recreationists will love the proximity to the Mississippi River.
Montiarts invites all art lovers to use their gallery space for creative exposition.
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Housing hunters come prepared to shop for immediate home opportunities
The housing market in Monticello is somewhat competitive, with homes selling after about 15 days. The median sale price is around $350,000, lower than the nationwide median. Architecture runs the gamut, with options suiting a wide range of price points. A '70s or '80s split-level or traditional ranch could make you a homeowner for under $300,000, but prices can climb over $450,000 for larger homes like Craftsman styles. Monticello also promises a wealth of historic homes and pockets of new construction.
New construction homes boast custom designs in Monticello.
Older home styles in Monticello have modest floor plans and smaller city lots.
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Reading is more than fundamental in the city’s school system
Kids in Monticello can start their education at Pinewood Elementary, a highly rated school with a student-teacher ratio of 14-to-1. The school has a literacy plan to have every child reading at or above grade level by the end of third grade. Monticello Middle School stresses that students extend their learning through additional experiences like extracurricular activities, striving for 100% participation. With a B-plus grade from Niche, Monticello High School is above average and in the state’s top 25% of public high schools. They say every day counts with attendance and have a rigorous policy regarding absences. The school has a partnership with Wright Technical Center, which provides students with 14 different technical career opportunities.
Monticello High School has an overall Niche grade of 'B'.
Monticello Middle School enrolls over 1,000 students in grades 6-8.
Pinewood Elementary School has a favorable student-teacher ratio of 13-1.
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Parks like Ellison offers outdoor community adventure within the city
Whether you crave a picnic under the sun, an invigorating hike, or a serene encounter with wildlife, Monticello's parks have you covered. Ellison Park, a local favorite, is a haven for families. Its expansive playground, complete with swings, slides and climbing structures, keeps the little ones entertained for hours. Take a break from the slides and head to the picnic area for a leisurely lunch under the shade of mature trees. The park also features a meandering walking trail, perfect for a post-meal stroll to admire the surrounding greenery. Beyond Ellison Park, Athletic Park offers a vast expanse for soccer, baseball and even disc golf. And for those seeking a touch of history, West Bridge Park, with its charming gazebo and Mississippi River views, offers a glimpse into Monticello's past. Take a walk along the historic bridge and soak in the timeless beauty of the riverbanks.
Ellison Park features a playground, picnic shelter, and boat access to the Mississippi River.
Monticello Country Club invites both members and the general public for a round of golf.
Walking trails run throughout Monticello, connecting various parks and neighborhoods along the way.
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Short detours off Highway 25 lead to food, music, shopping and more
Highway 25 cuts through the heart of the city and is lined with dining options and bigger stores – Cub Foods, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Marshalls and PetSmart are all within the city’s borders. Bluestone Grill is a Mexican restaurant popular with locals that is said to be similar to Chipotle. Cornerstone Café & Catering is a modest and unassuming venue at the corner of W. Broadway and Walnut Streets offering café fare and a wide selection of freshly made pies and desserts. Diners love the Sunday brunch and Blood Marys. Boasting a state-of-the-art, fully refurbished music venue and event hall, Nordic Brewpub transitioned from brewery to brewpub in January 2022 when it added a full bar with craft cocktails and a kitchen.
Marshalls, PetSmart and Five Below are name brand stores in Monticello.
Cub Foods is your one-stop grocer with fresh produce, meats, and deli items.
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Public transportation to health
CentraCare Monticello medical center is in the city, at 1013 Hart Blvd., and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Those who don’t drive can take the Metro Green Line from the Monticello Transit Center to the Target Field Station and then transfer to Metro Bus Route 19 to get to the hospital. The total trip time would be approximately 1.5 hours.
CentraCare in Monticello.
Downtown is located right next to the Mississippi River.
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