Monticello quality of life (Moab, Blanding: new home, buy, schools)

[roadturn]

How is Monticello for family basics: Safe, quality schools; air quality; water quality? Is it a good place for pre-teens and family orientation? Is the tapwater drinkable there? Is there access to high-speed internet?

[recycled]

I guess nobody's been to Monticello? I've been there, a fairly remote place down in the southeast corner of UT south of Moab at elevation 6000' or so. There are lots of pine trees around town, surrounded by desert in the lower elevations nearby. The air quality is pristine, there are no coal power plants, large industrial sites, interstate highways or large metro areas nearby. There are some coal power plants in North East AZ but the wind patterns usually push the pollution south or east instead of north. Water quality must be pretty good from the nearby mountains, but it's probably a bit scarce as in most parts of southern UT. Of course the tap water is drinkable. I would guess that kids might get bored because it is a small town with limited entertainment options, and no other larger towns nearby. Safe? Compared to where? Is there a small town in Utah that is not safe?

[markg91359]

I have been through Monticello on a number of occasions. Recycled has pretty much hit things on the nose. I suppose what I am not sure of is why you would be considering moving there. Retirement? Do you have one of the very few jobs available in the community? Have you been there before or just read about it?

I think best word to describe San Juan County is "remote". Its a huge county with a very small population. It maybe the least populated county per square mile in the state.

I think if you moved there, you'd be living in a very beautiful place with alot of outdoor stuff you could do. However, it would be a hugely different lifestyle than one on the Wasatch Front of Utah. Medical care would be very limited. I understand there is a small hospital south in Blanding. I'd worry too about fitting in in one of these small towns. I suspect a large number of the people who live there are all related to each other in some way and they probably stick together. If you buy a house in a place like this, resale maybe a serious issue if you decide to leave.

I'm sure water quality and air quality are just fine. They'd be among the least of my concerns. I don't know anything about the schools there. Small town schools tend to produce better educated kids than big city schools do.

I'd really think hard before making a move to a place like this.

[roadturn]

I appreciate the responses. Thank you.

[roadturn]

We did end up moving to Monticello. It's like Mayberry in the mountains. We love it. The people are friendly, and the location is amazing--with pure air flowing down from Mt. Abajo. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

So glad it worked out for you!

[kaytidid]

YAY! I LOVE happy endings! So glad things turned out well for you!

PS. Jinx Southern..you owe me a soda! LOL

[roadturn]

Thank you, Belle and Kayti, for the well-wishing. This will be our first winter in the snow, so the anticipation level is building. There are more deer here than people. It is an amazing place.

[osugirl2]

Congratulations on your new home!! Keep us posted on how things turn out there