$200,536Average Value$111Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Monticello is a rural community surrounded by Iowa greenery
Monticello is a small town tucked away in the rolling hills of eastern Iowa. Home to around 4,000 residents, it’s anchored by a historic Main Street, where century-old brick storefronts house small-town shops, eateries and boutiques. Residential streets extend outward on a flat street grid, putting most people within walking distance of the town center. “It’s a small community, and that’s what we like,” says Mike McDonough, owner of McDonough Real Estate, who was born and raised in Monticello. “I’ve lived here all my life, and it really hasn’t changed that much.” The northern part of town is home to several large industrial plants, including a metal fabricator and several plastics manufacturers. “We get a lot of people moving here for work — there’s a lot of industry here. But we’re also a bedroom community for Cedar Rapids and Dubuque,” McDonough says. The town sits at an equal distance from both cities.
Historic homes and new builds offer a range of housing options
Housing options are diverse, with more than a century’s worth of architectural styles dotting the streets. Prospective homebuyers will find everything from well-preserved Craftsman and Victorian homes to mid-century ranch-style homes and new construction. “There are some streets close to downtown with historic homes, but there’s some new construction too,” McDonough says. Many of Monticello’s homes are set on generous lots, shaded by tall maple trees, offering plenty of privacy and greenery. Streets like South Sycamore and East Grand feature stately older homes with wide front porches, while newer subdivisions on the edge of town offer modern amenities. Prices range from $120,000 to $320,000, making it relatively affordable compared to nearby Cedar Rapids.
Craftsman-style homes in Monticello highlight timeless architecture and cozy interiors.
Victorian-style homes in Monticello offer historic charm near the town center.
Modern homes in Monticello feature updated designs in newer subdivisions.
Monticello’s Craftsman homes offer character and curb appeal in established neighborhoods.
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Historic downtown offers shopping, dining and city services
Monticello’s historic downtown is the heart of local commerce and culture, with an array of shops, a hardware store, several banks and Monticello City Hall sitting along 1st Avenue. Residents can be seen browsing boutiques like Whiffle Tree Mercantile and Muddy Boots Flowers & Gifts, or enjoying a cup of coffee at Java Jones. Dining options are equally enticing — The Blind Pig serves up delicious American fare, while The Market at the Tap is a local favorite for drinks and pub fare. For breakfast, locals head to Darrell’s, a classic diner that opened its doors in 1947. When it comes to groceries, residents enjoy the convenience of the Monticello Fareway Meat and Grocery, which offers fresh produce and pantry staples.
McNeill Hardware in Monticello provides tools and supplies for home improvement projects.
Whiffle Tree Mercantile in Monticello offers unique gifts and home décor in a historic space.
Java Jones in Monticello is a popular breakfast and lunch spot for locals and visitors.
The Blind Pig in Monticello serves hearty American fare in a cozy downtown location.
Darrell’s Family Restaurant in Monticello serves classic comfort food in a welcoming setting.
The Market at the Tap in Monticello is a local favorite for drinks and casual dining.
Fareway Meat & Grocery in Monticello is the go-to spot for fresh produce and pantry staples.
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The Great Jones County Fair draws crowds every summer
The Great Jones County Fair is a five-day festival held every July in Monticello, drawing visitors from across eastern Iowa and beyond. Known for its carnival rides, concerts featuring nationally recognized artists, and lively livestock exhibitions, the fair is a summer highlight for the town. The town holds a farmers’ market every Saturday morning between May and October.
Parks, rivers and trails offer plenty of ways to enjoy nature
Monticello offers plenty of parks and outdoor recreation. The city’s Riverside Gardens offers walking paths and flower beds near the banks of the Maquoketa River. For more active pursuits, the Monticello Aquatic Center provides summertime fun with its pools and water slides, while the avid golfers tee up at the Monticello Golf Club, an 18-hole course that’s open to the public. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Wapsipinicon State Park, just a short drive away, where fishing, hiking, and camping abound along the banks of the Wapsipinicon River. Jones County Central Park, with its sprawling trails, fishing lake, and disc golf course, is another retreat for nature lovers and families.
Riverside Gardens in Monticello offers scenic walking paths along the Maquoketa River.
Bud and Georgia Johnson Park in Monticello offers green space for family recreation.
Johnson Park in Monticello features open fields and shaded picnic areas for gatherings.
The Fairgrounds Grandstand hosts events during the Great Jones County Fair in Monticello.
Monticello Golf Club offers an 18-hole course for local golfers and visitors.
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Public schools earn B ratings and offer music and band programs
Students start their education at Shannon Elementary for kindergarten and first grade, and Carpenter Elementary for second through fourth grade. Both schools earn B ratings from Niche. Next in the pipeline are Monticello Middle School, rated B-minus, and Monticello High School, rated B. The high school is home to an award-winning jazz band and marching band that has performed at regional and national events. Kirkwood Community College’s Jones County campus is just south of Monticello.
Monticello High School offers strong academics and an award-winning music program.
Monticello Middle School provides quality education with a focus on community values.
Monticello High School supports student success through academics and extracurriculars.
Carpenter Elementary in Monticello serves grades two through four with a B rating.
Shannon Elementary in Monticello welcomes young learners in kindergarten and first grade.
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Walkable streets connect homes to schools, parks and downtown
Monticello’s grid layout makes it a highly walkable community, with sidewalks connecting neighborhoods to schools, parks, and downtown amenities. For those commuting to work or seeking big-city entertainment, Monticello is conveniently situated just 38 miles from Cedar Rapids and about 36 miles from Dubuque, providing easy access to employment centers, shopping, and cultural attractions. The nearest hospital, Jones Regional Medical Center, is less than five miles from downtown. For air travel, the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids is the closest major airport, offering connections to destinations across the country and beyond.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Adam Barkley
Video By
Anne Sheridan
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Monticello, IA sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Monticello, IA over the last 12 months is $184,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
On the tree lined West First Street, this lot offers over a quarter of an acre to put a new dream home. This will be surveyed by the seller. Frontage is West First Street but the huge backyard is private and spacious. Call today for more details.
Nestled in the heart of rural Jones County, this property offers the ultimate retreat for those seeking tranquility and open space. Imagine waking up each morning to breathtaking views, surrounded by over 15.50 acres of lush countryside. Whether you're looking to generate extra income from the 9.3 acres of tillable land or enjoy the riding arena and pasture with your own calves or ponies, the
This exceptional brick split foyer residence offers approximately 3,100 square feet of living space on the edge of town. The main level features an expansive living room showcasing countryside views and ample space for relaxation. A formal dining area includes a sliding door that leads to a large deck, providing impressive views and plenty of room for outdoor dining and grilling. The kitchen is
This cute ranch has had a ton of remodeling done. Walking into this home, you will notice that the new LVP floors run throughout the main floor, creating a seamless and modern look. The open floor plan shows the huge and sunlit living room flowing into the dining room, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying family time. The kitchen has been updated with quiet-close cabinetry and new
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