Monticello is all about wood. The city of more than 8,000 people is surrounded by the pine and cypress forests of the Arkansas Timberlands. Not surprisingly, the timber industry is important to the region, and it continues to expand. The Weyerhaeuser Company is constructing a $500 million timber facility near the city that is expected to create hundreds of jobs.
While timber attracts many to the area, other aspects of Monticello keep them there. Lake Monticello is a summer destination and the University of Arkansas at Monticello enrolls more than 3,000 students.
The Weyerhaeuser Company is constructing a $500 million timber facility near the city that is expected to create hundreds of jobs.
Many homes in Monticello are surrounded by tall trees.
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Ranch-style homes for below-median prices
Homes have a median price of around $175,000, below the state median, and stay on the market for about 110 days on average. Ranch-style homes with brick exteriors are found throughout the city, as are larger traditional homes. “We have some newer subdivisions, and we are expecting more to come up with the new Weyerhaeuser plant,” says Virginia Ward, a principal broker with Monticello Realty.
Brick ranch styled dwellings are a common design in Monticello.
The median home price in Monticello is around $175,000.
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Lake Monticello attracts visitors from across the region
Lake Monticello has developed a reputation as a premier bass fishing location. Multiple boat ramps allow visitors to get on the water. The lake also features a natural quail habitat, playgrounds and a disc golf course. “If people are looking for an afternoon of fun, they will head to the lake,” Ward says. The Lakewoods Trails are a set of non-motorized paths surrounding Lake Monticello. There are 7 miles of trails currently constructed with 25 miles being the end goal in the future. Other green spaces focus on athletics. About 35% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, lower than the urban U.S. median.
Stop by the town square in downtown Monticello.
Monticello is a city embraced with nature and beautiful scenery.
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The state's only Forest Resources Center
The Monticello School District serves more than 1,500 students across four schools and has a B-minus Niche grade. Monticello Elementary School holds an individual B score. Some students may be served by the Drew Central School District, which has a C-plus grade.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello is home to the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, the only such center in the state.
Older students may attend Drew Central High School.
Students may pursue a degree at The University of Arkansas at Monticello.
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Downtown murals and the Pomeroy Planetarium
A mural depicting animals, industries and places important to Monticello was painted next to city hall. More downtown murals are planned, expanding on the ideas expressed in the original.
The Turner Neal Museum of Natural History contains the Pomeroy Planetarium, one of four in Arkansas. The museum also contains information on local plant life and wildlife.
Each October, The Nightmare Maze is held in the woods behind the Allen House, a residence thought by some to be haunted. The home used to be open for tours before it was purchased by a family in 2024, but the scare-filled maze continues to run.
Monticello is a small Arkansas city located about 2 hours from Little Rock.
The Turner Neal Museum of Natural History in Monticello has several great exhibits to visit.
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Ray's Hamburgers is a local institution
Most dining and shopping options are found along U.S. Route 425, which passes through the western side of the city. The city has a mix of big-box stores like Bealls and smaller boutiques and thrift stores. Ray’s Hamburgers has served the community since 1964. “Ray’s is the talk of the town,” Ward says. “People that grew up here will come back just to eat there.”
Ray’s Hamburgers has served the Monticello community since 1964.
Stop by Walmart for your grocery needs in Monticello.
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Convenient access to Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport
U.S. Route 278 runs perpendicular to U.S. Route 425 and cuts through the middle of the city. Monticello is around 50 miles from Pine Bluff, home of Saracen Casino Resort, and about 90 miles from Little Rock, the state capital. Little Rock’s Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport has domestic flights to several destinations. Baptist Health Medical Center – Drew County is a 60-bed hospital.
For travel needs, residents may take a 2 hours drive to the Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport.
The Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff opened in 2020.
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Crime rates below the state average
The city’s violent crime rate has risen in recent years while its property crime rate has fallen. Both rates are below the state average. Summers are long and humid, while winters are short but cold. Drew County is at a moderate risk of ice storms and strong wind.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
Video By
David Strayer
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Monticello, AR sell after 119 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Monticello, AR over the last 12 months is $130,000, down 30% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home on the edge of Monticello, full of character and natural light! This spacious property sits on a quiet dead-end road, offering extra privacy and a large yard for everyone to enjoy. Inside, you’ll find tons of storage and thoughtful updates throughout, including fresh paint downstairs, new flooring, replaced joists in the front living room, and a moisture barrier
This mobile home sits on a very quiet and shady lot. It's been completely remodeled over time with custom wooden decks. It has a fully furnished guest house / mancave that is completely self-contained. It is attached with a large wooden deck perfect for sitting! This property also come with a 24' x 48' shop and a 24' x 48' shed that is perfect for RV storage. This property is a must see!
3-bed, 2-bath double-wide mobile home on a spacious lot just off Hwy 425 N in Monticello, AR. Rural setting with full length back wood deck, great for comfortable living!
This charming home was built when homes were built by true craftsman! It offers a large living room with a formal dining room, four bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It has a large sunroom on the back of the house and a bonus Mother-In-Law suite! The home has two completely separate kitchens. It sits in a very quiet neighborhood and is move in ready.
Beautiful newly developed, rural, wooded lots with restrictions! Close to town but still private and secluded! Build your new dream home now! $8,500.00 per acre
8± acres of undeveloped land in a great location just off US Hwy 425. The property is cleared and ready for your vision, with an easement in place to add utilities. Seller is willing to divide, making this an excellent opportunity for residential, recreational, or investment use.
This beautiful, majestic, 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home is nestled on a quiet hillside within golfcart distance to the golf course! This home is loaded with extra's including a whole-house generator!
2 bedroom 2 bathroom craftsman style home on a corner lot in the heart of Monticello. New shingles on a gable roof with exposed rafters, new flooring throughout with upgraded sub flooring. Full width front porch to enjoy the shaded yard. Detached carport and workshop with plenty of parking. Cash flow opportunity in a rental market that's low on supply or great for a family looking to own their
Well maintained, one owner home! 3-bedroom, 1-bath home located on a large, quiet city lot on a dead-end street. Perfect for the first-time home buyer or investor!
Welcome to your historic dream home nestled in the heart of charming, Monticello where elegance meets modern comfort in this meticulously upgraded Tudor-style residence. Spanning nearly 3600 square feet, this architectural gem sits proudly on a coveted corner lot, offering both privacy and prominence. With its steeply pitched and new gable roof, decorative half-timbering, and rich brick facade,
Meadowview has 1, 2/1, and 2/2 floorplans. All of our units are furnished with kitchen appliances only and have washer/dryer hookups. While being only a mile from UAM, Meadowview is the perfect place for college students wanting to be close and have a clean, safe environment to live in. Contact us now to check availability on our BRAND-NEW building. Lively Properties, Inc. is a
Property Id: 2311723Completely remodeled 2BR 1BA 726 N Slemons St., Apt 2 Monticello, AR $800 rent, $800 Deposit No smoking inside Pets allowed at owners discretion Please complete the rental application listed below: Contact via text at or Serious inquiries only please!
Property Id: 1735742Welcome to your new home at 802 North Chester St! This charming 2 bed, 1.5 bath unit in Monticello features modern amenities including a dishwasher, garbage disposal, and washer/dryer hookups. Enjoy the convenience of central heating and cooling, luxury vinyl tile flooring, and a patio. Conveniently located near Downtown Main Street and Monticello Branch Library, in a
Property Id: 1725413Charming 2 bed, 1.5 bath single unit in Monticello! This modern multi-family property boasts amenities like dishwasher, oven, microwave, and more. Enjoy the convenience of washer/dryer hookups and a beautiful patio. Available 2/1/2025 for $1200/month. No pets allowed. Don't miss out on this gem!
Property Id: 1737480Welcome to your new home! Located in a quiet neighborhood near the University of Arkansas at Monticello. This beautiful 2 bed, 2 bath unit is available starting 2025-02-01. Offering modern amenities such as dishwasher, washer, and dryer. Central Heat and Air, luxury vinyl tile flooring, and spacious walk in closet in Master Bedroom. Don't miss out on this amazing
Property Id: 1737459Welcome to your new home! Located in a quiet neighborhood near the University of Arkansas at Monticello. This beautiful 2 bed, 2 bath unit is available starting 2025-02-01. Offering modern amenities such as dishwasher, washer, and dryer. Central Heat and Air, luxury vinyl tile flooring, and spacious walk in closet in Master Bedroom. Don't miss out on this amazing
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