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I am considering accepting a job in Monticello. I am from Orange County, NY. I am
not too familiar with Sullivan other than going up to Bethel for a concert in the Summer. I have heard negative things about Monticello when it comes to crime, drugs, and it being an overall economically depressed and "trashy" area. Sorry if that word is offensive I am just relaying what I've been told and I'm just seeking honest advice from those who are actually familiar with the area. Could anyone provide some insight as to whether or not there are any nice nearby towns? I am a single woman in my 20s and my hope would be to find a detached home to rent with a yard for my dog. I prefer rural areas and am not interested in nightlife. I don't mind driving a little bit of a distance to stores, etc. My main concern is SAFETY as I have heard such negative comments.
Your information about Monticello and Sullivan County as a whole is correct. One village is as depressed as another. That being said, there were still some decent side streets there as late as 10 years ago, which was the last time that I was in Monticello. You can also check out Wurtsboro, Jeffersonville, Glen Spey and Narrowsburg. A bit farther out, you have Ellenville and the city of Port Jervis. "Port" tends to have an unsavory reputation but it's really not that bad and rents are reasonable. There are a variety of stores, supermarkets and restaurants across the river in PA and the train to NYC.
I own a seasonal home in Sullivan county and I agree about the conditions. However, Livingston Manor has nice areas, also Rock Hill and many small Lake communities have their own feel and are quite safe.
Stay away from Liberty. Liberty & Middletown were only school districts with an increase in student enrollment. This is due to illegal immigration. There really isn't anything in Sullivan. Once casino opens it will go further downhill...
All of these suggestions are good: Livingston Manor, Roscoe, Narrowsburg, Rock Hill and Jeffersonville. I would stay away from the big towns like Monticello and Liberty for two reasons: more crime and higher taxes. Another place you might look into is Claryville. It's in the northeast corner of Sullivan County. Lew Beach is beautiful, but it's an expensive area for the most part.
Yikes I'm kinda torn about accepting a job up there now.
Don't be. There are all kinds of really nice places up around there. I have a place near Grahamsville and that area is nice and quiet. It's a little more than 20 miles from Monticello, I believe. Going north from Monticello, once you get past Woodbourne on route 42, you're getting away from the old resorts and bungalow colonies and more into the hills. South of Monticello I think the Eldred area is pretty nice. If you're into river type boating it's closer to the Delaware.
Thank you all for the suggestions thus far! The only problem
is that I am having trouble finding homes available for rent in those areas!
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