You may not know this, but because there are so many houseboat manufacturers in Monticello, the city is known as 'The Houseboat Capital of the World'!
The city of Monticello lies in Wayne County, Kentucky and covers an area of 6
You may not know this, but because there are so many houseboat manufacturers in Monticello, the city is known as 'The Houseboat Capital of the World'!
The city of Monticello lies in Wayne County, Kentucky and covers an area of 6.1 square miles, with a population of 6,188. The city's economy revolves around nearby Lake Cumberland, which attracts tourists throughout the year.
Whether you already live in Kentucky or are new to the area, hunting for a rental apartment in Monticello is a fairly straightforward process -- real estate is pretty much evenly split between owners and renters. The city's various neighborhoods each have their own vibe, and to a large extent, the neighborhood you choose will depend on your budget and the availability of property.
What to Bring
Start your search for rental condos or apartments early on in the game -- nobody is suggesting you get out of bed at 5 a.m., but giving yourself around four to six weeks should be enough time to find your dream pad! You'll probably need to provide ID and prove you can pay the rent, but most private landlords are a bit more lenient when it comes to paperwork. As a general rule, bank statements, pay stubs, ID, credit check and references from your last landlord will get you far.
Choosing Your Property
It can be tempting to rent a stunning four-bedroom townhouse in the heart of the city center, but take time to think about what you really need, as opposed to what you want! If you need a yard for the family dog or are looking for a property with a pool, you're more likely to find something suitable on the outskirts of the city, whilst one-bedroom apartments for rent are more likely to be found amongst the hustle and bustle of the city center. It's OK to compromise, but make sure you get the essentials you need -- don't rent a property that's too large or too small!
The size of the city means that each neighborhood has its pros and cons; its own distinct vibe. Whilst budget and the type of property you're looking for play a part in which neighborhood you choose, here's some more info that could help you decide:
City Center: This is one of Monticello, Kentucky's most affordable neighborhoods for rental apartments. Whilst you'll mostly find one- and two-bedroom apartments here, there are a number of three-bed townhouses and mobile homes too, and the area is mostly filled with modern properties -- 46% were built between 1970 and 2000. The city center has a fairly quiet atmosphere so you'll probably need a car, like 75% of residents here. There are plenty of options for dining out in this neighborhood, but one of the best restaurants in the area has to be El Cazador, which is a popular spot for families and groups of friends. Of course there are fast food options too such as Burger King and Dominos - if you fancy a steak, the Black Stallion Steak House is renowned locally.
Coopersville / Denney: This neighborhood in South Monticello borders Daniel Boone National Forest and has a rural, uncrowded vibe. This is the place to be for peace and quiet -- while rental rates here are higher than the city center, vacancy rates are also higher at around 20%, which could mean you're living next to an empty property for much of the year. A car is practically essential for this part of town. For dining in the area, you're best hopping in your car and heading for the city center. Activities in this neighborhood tend to involve the great outdoors: camping, hiking, hunting and fishing at Laurel River Lake.
Shearer Valley / Bethesda: Boasting the lowest rental rates of all the city's neighborhoods, this district has a rural feel. Around 30% of homes here are mobile homes, so if that's your thing, you're in luck! Remember that it could be trickier finding a rental property here as most homes are owner occupied. Due to its rural feel, you'd be best heading for the city center if you're looking for a decent cafe for brunch, fast food or a restaurant for a family meal.
There's plenty to keep those living in Monticello busy and the area is perhaps best known for Lake Cumberland. With 63,000 acres of water and 1,200 miles of coastline, whether you decide to buy a houseboat here or head to the lakeside for camping, picnicking, fishing or hiking -- you'll be more than welcome. The ASPIRE Center in the city is a unique venue for locals which provides a gymnasium, pool, community room, and recreational programs to bring the community together, while the County Park and Country Club offer plenty of sporting options including a 9-hole golf course, putt-putt golf, horse riding, tennis courts, basketball and more.
