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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
