Monticello is a regional hub for shopping and entertainment
While many of the surrounding communities in New York’s Catskill Mountains have seen their vacation allure dim since the 1970s, Monticello’s attractions and a revitalized downtown area are attracting a new generation of vacationers and full-time residents. Monticello is the seat of Sullivan County and is the largest village in a mostly rural area, making it a hub for shopping in the region. The popular Resorts World Catskills casino, Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark, and Monticello Raceway provide opportunities for recreation and employment. Its location near state Route 17 makes it easy to get around the area, including to New York City, 101 miles away.
A variety of village homes, lakefront houses and country retreats
Monticello’s village and the surrounding rural area offer a wide variety of homes. “You can have the smaller houses tight-knit in the village, or you can have houses sprawling on 5, 10, 20 acres,” says Cheryl Wolfe, who’s sold homes in the area for 40 years and is the owner and broker of Cheryl Wolfe Realty. Homes in the village are turn-of-the-century National and Colonial Revival designs or midcentury ranch-style and Cape Cod houses. These sit close together and have yards large enough for paved driveways and mature trees. Colonial-inspired New Traditional homes and cabin-style builds are more common outside the village. Some of these are in private lake communities where they have access to water recreation and clubhouses. Prices generally range from around $190,000 to $680,000, though lakefront homes can range from $800,000 to $1.3 million. Townhouses can cost between $150,000 and $370,000. Rental homes and low-rise apartments are also available.
Monticello’s public schools earn Bs and Cs
Kids can attend schools in the Monticello Central School District, which earns an overall rating of C-plus from Niche. They can start at George Cooke School for pre-kindergarten through second grade, and then they can go to Kenneth L. Rutherford School for third through fifth grade; both schools earn a C rating. Robert J. Kaiser Middle also earns a C, and Monticello High earns a B-minus. High school students can choose one of four pathways, called STREAM Journeys, that provide career training in fields like information technology.
Bagels and grocery stores on Broadway
Broadway is Monticello’s main street and is a hub for small businesses. “You’ve got your county building there, your government center and a lot of little shops,” Wolfe says. “They're starting to redo the faces of the shops on the main street, giving them a fresh look.” Monticello is recognized by the state as The Bagel Capital, a title that was earned by the local invention of the bagel-making machine in 1942 and the continued popularity of Monticello Bagel Bakery, which has served the community since 1967. This bagel history is celebrated each August during the annual Bagel Festival, a one-day event that closes Broadway with a car show, live music and a bagel triathlon. Miss Monticello Diner is another popular Broadway eatery and is known for its Greek and American comfort food. Walmart and The Home Depot are just north of the village center. Grocery stores here include Aldi, ShopRite and Sunflower Kosher Market.
Public parks, a casino and an indoor water park for recreation
DeHoyos Memorial Park is the village’s primary green space where kids can climb on the playground and anglers can fish in a small pond. Dillon Park also has a fishing pond, but it’s most popular for its public swimming pool that’s open in July and August. Resorts World Catskills offers a Las Vegas-style casino with table games, and it’s also home to the Monster Golf Club, which has an 18-hole course. The Monticello Raceway is known for its harness racing. The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark has water slides and year-round swimming. Nearby, the Swinging Bridge Reservoir is a destination for boating and fishing for walleye and bass.
Car and bus routes to nearby amenities, Middletown and New York City
State Route 17 is the main east-west route through the area, leading around 28 miles to Middletown and 101 miles to New York City. Commuters can take Coach USA’s ShortLine Hudson bus to the city, and the Move Sullivan bus has routes around the county. Some parts of the village have sidewalks. Houses of worship here include the Landfield Avenue Synagogue and the Church of St. Peter. The closest hospital is Garnet Health Medical Center in Harris, which is around 5 miles away. New York Stewart International Airport, which has domestic flights, is roughly 46 miles away, and Westchester County Airport is a 92-mile trip.
Live music at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
For live music and seasonal festivals, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which is famous for being the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, is 12 miles away. “It’s a really nice venue and they have a lot of good artists,” Wolfe says. “You have under-the-pavilion seating for concerts, and you have outdoor seating on the lawn. They also added glamping, where they rent tents and people can actually stay for a weekend and do a show.” The venue also has a museum that chronicles Woodstock’s impact.
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Written By
Annie Franklin
