Monticello plays host to one of the very few drive-in movie theaters -- the Lake Shore Drive-in -- that still survive within the state of Indiana. In total, there are two movie screens, and during the spring and summer months, four movies are shown each night.
With its premier setting, the little city of Monticello, which has just over 5,000 inhabitants, and only 3.5 square miles of land, makes for an idyllic location to those who enjoy beautiful vistas and water-based activities. Yes, it's a tourist magnet, though the tourists tend to flock during the summer and winter months to take advantage of the boating, hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing opportunities the area offers. Otherwise however, once the tourists have fled, Monticello becomes a sleepy little hollow once more. So take the plunge, and start your search for a rental property in Monticello!
Moving to Monticello
A move to Monticello in White County, Indiana, is certainly a good move! Once you arrive, other than unpacking all your belongings and making your home your own, you'll be treated to no end of all the natural beauty that Monticello has to offer visitors and residents alike.
When to Look
The summer months in particular are without question the busiest months of the entire year in Monticello, as that is when the tourists come to town in their thousands to take advantage of the gamut of excellent water-based activities that can be found in this part of the country. As such, unless you enjoy making your way through crowds of excitable folks on vacation as you go about your search for a house rental, the summer months are probably best avoided altogether. The mid-winter months can be a little on the busy side too, as this is the time when the cross-country skiing and ice skating events begin with a frenzy.
What to Expect
A high-rise haven Monticello is not, so don't be expecting to find an apartment in a tower block with beautiful views over the surrounding area. Instead, you may very well come across a few cozy little rental condos and rental apts, as well as plenty of housing in various shapes and sizes and styles. Even though Monticello is in high demand with respect to rental accommodation, there's still a very healthy level of availability throughout the year. With this in mind, you should allow yourself around four weeks to find what it is that you've set your mind on. Whatever you do, don't be tempted to leave your search until the last minute, as this certainly would be tempting fate a little too much.
Monticello Neighborhoods
If you are looking for a rental with an outlook over the water, then do be prepared to pay for it. This type of accommodation tends to attract a premium price tag. On the other hand, if you're happy with a property that's a little more off the beaten track, then you may well be fortunate enough to find a real bargain which is perfect for your requirements.
North Beach Drive: Situated so as to offer beautiful views over the Tippecanoe River and with a variety of local amenities right at its doorstep, including four fast food restaurants -- Taco Bell, King Buffet, Pizza Hut, and Burger King, all on North Main St -- and a Kroger grocery store which is also located on North Main St, North Beach Drive should be on your list of must-sees!
North Reuben Ct: Offering lovely vistas over Main Lake Shafer, this may be all that you need to find your heaven on earth!
Maple St: With easy access to U.S. Route 421 and having five schools within a mile's radius, in addition to a couple of restaurants very close by (Harvest Time Family Restaurant and McDonald's, both on West Broadway St), Maple St would be an ideal location to begin a search for places to live in Monticello.
North Boxman Drive: North Boxman Drive provides a premium seat with views over Shafer Lake. It's time to get the boat out!
Living in Monticello
Getting Around
Monticello is served by U.S. Route 421, which journeys through Indiana from Kentucky, and then proceeds northwest to Indianapolis. U.S. Route 24 connects Monticello to the Illinois state line over in the west to Huntington in the east. The closest international airport to Monticello is Fort Wayne International Airport at Fort Wayne, which is 94 miles to the east. Otherwise, Indianapolis International Airport, at Indianapolis, is 96 miles to the south. Either way, it's a bit of a drive to catch a flight!
Things to Do
If you're something of a wine buff, then do be sure to pay a visit to the Whyte Horse Winery on South Airport Road which is a renovated farm house dating back to 1886. You can avail yourself of six free wine tastings at the winery, so it can't be bad! For those who have something of an adrenaline junkie outlook on life, the NASCAR Go Cart Track, which is located beside Indiana Beach Campground, will provide all the buzz that you could need, and a bit more besides. It's best to leave the wine tasting at Whyte Horse Winery until after the go carting fun is at an end. The Madam Carroll, which is located on North Upper Lakeshore Drive, is in fact an entertainment ship which offers cruises on Lake Freeman together with live music and food. The cruise ship also caters to private charters -- wedding receptions, proms, corporate events and such like. If you're looking for some good food in Monticello, then check out the Sportsman Inn Restaurant on North Upper Lakeshore Drive, which serves American cuisine in more than plentiful supply. Abe's Pizza is a little pizzeria on North Main St. It's really nothing fancy in terms of the decor, but does offer a pleasing hometown feeling, and the food is said to be excellent as is the service. Jake's Beach House Restaurant on North West Shafer Drive specializes in hamburgers, pizza, and general American-style fare. The food is great, and the views over Shafer Lake are also great, so this place is not to be missed on any account!