Relocating to Monticello, IL (Decatur, Champaign: real estate, rentals, crime)

[blh]

My family is considering relocating to Monticello from Michigan. I would like to move into an area that has a lot of kids as we have 2 of our own. Would it better to live in town or in the newer houses on the outskirts? Are there any subdivisions that are popular with families? I have a 10 year old daughter, who will be anxious about the move, and want to make meeting new friends as easy as possible. I am also looking for preschool recommendations for my 4 year old. I appreciate any help you can offer!

[GivMeABreak]

I am not sure about which parts of Monticello would be better than others, however we have spent a lot of time with our children at events there. The Train Depot is very popular with children and the Christmas Parade and Train ride with Santa is an event we never miss. It seems to be a very kid friendly town with good schools. Some of the best schools in the area. Good Luck.

[Drover]

My brother and sister-in-law are in the same boat as you. They are currently looking to move into a larger home on a less busy street. They have a six-year-old and they are specifically looking for a neighborhood where he will have more playmates. They are finding more young families in the newer subdivisions. The houses closer to the square tend to be older (many are pre-war) and have more maintenance/operating costs that budget-conscious young families would rather avoid. Those homes tend to be for folks who have more disposable income.

[Drover]

As for preschool, check out Monticello Christian Academy. My nephew came out of there reading at a 2nd grade level and knowing multiples of 5 (up to 100) before he ever stepped foot in a kindergarten class.

[ShampooBanana]

Monticello is a very nice small community about halfway between Champaign-Urbana and Decatur. It is relatively small but it is very quaint, has nice homes, has a nice traditional downtown with a town square and old courthouse, antique shops, good schools, and a great natural area nearby called Allerton Park that was actually once a large estate and is now owned and run by the University of Illinois. If I were going to live there, I would probably choose to live near Allerton Park or in the old part of town where there are some really great houses with lots of history and character. It's very safe there so you need not worry about that. Monitcello schools are also quite good. I have a friend who went there and he is now a graduate engineering student at U of I. They have good sports programs, as well.

[JanetWhite]

Monticello is a wonderful town, I have lived here for 47 yrs, 3rd generation. I also
work as a Real Estate Agent here. Here are some web links you might want to take
a look at
schools-www.sages.us
About Monticello-www.monticelloillinois.net
Let me know if you have any further questions. I know all the subdivisions,
streets, etc and anyone to contact for any services.

[NewGrad]

Monticello is a nice town. I'd recommend it. A very beautiful park, Allerton Park, is on the outskirts. From what I've heard the schools are good.There is also a Montessori school in town (my nephew goes there). People are friendly and the town is clean...no crime to speak of.

[Rosemarie2]

My husband just received a job offer in Decatur, but we have done some research and would prefer not to move there. We have heard good things about Monticello and would like to move our family there. We will need to rent a house/townhome/apt., but there do not seem to be any home rentals in the Monticello vicinity. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[EyesInTheSky]

As others on this thread have mentioned, Monticello is a wonderful little town. It is a very safe and hospitable community with virtually no violent street crime (Champaign-Urbana probably has more violent street crime in a single day then Monticello has in a year, and that's no exaggeration). It also is a very family-friendly community with terrific public schools.

There are some new subdivisions on the east side of Monticello, along what's called Monticello Road (this road runs all the way to the southern fringe of the Champaign metro area). Plus, there are various nice subdivisions scattered in unincorporated areas along I-72, also to the east of Monticello, including a small town called White Heath.

Monticello is an excellent choice for your family. If you want to be closer and more convenient to Champaign-Urbana, you could also consider Mahomet, which might be a bit pricier and higher taxes, but also is a great, safe, family-friendly community. Good luck!