Meet Your Neighbor: Rachel Sparling

Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Meet Rachel Sparling. Growing up in a military family, Sparling lived in many places throughout her life before settling in Jefferson County. She's lived in Gainesville, South Florida, Texas, Arizona, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nevada and even Turkey!
“But North Florida is definitely home,” says Sparling, who now resides with her son, Kai, west of town, down the Capps Highway.
Living here gives Sparling many opportunities to enjoy new places outdoors.
“One of my favorite things to do it wake up my son and tell him, 'We're going on an adventure!' then pick a new beach, park or trail in the Flatwoods and then just go explore.”
A couple of special activities they love to do with family are visiting the lemurs and kangaroos at the North Florida Wildlife Center (in Lamont) and seeing what the goats and llamas are up to at Milk & Honey Acres (just down the road on the way to Tallahassee). Some of Sparling's outings involve hunting for bones, shark teeth, arrowheads and minerals. She has a huge collection of minerals and crystals from all over the world.
“Most people think it's a weird hobby,” says Sparling, “but I am fascinated by the way the Earth can produce such amazing little treasures.”
Living in Monticello means that Sparling sees familiar faces everywhere, and she loves that!
“A wave driving by each other, or bumping into friends at Tupelo's or The Rev, that is hands down my favorite thing about small town life.”
Sparling also is excited to see new businesses and shops popping up downtown. She loves to shop and eat out, and she promises to be an eager patron for any new restaurants that open.
For work, Sparling is a realtor with the Monticello office of All Realty Services. She is teamed up with fellow realtor Catherine Hope, and together they help homebuyers, land investors and businesses with their real estate needs.
“We love being a part of the process,” says Sparling. “There is nothing more satisfying than seeing people in our community thrive.”
About a year ago, Sparling bought a fixer-upper house that brings together her personal and professional interests.
“It's one thing to sell houses,” she comments, “but a whole new experience rebuilding one from the ground up!”
Sparling appreciates feeling safe in our community and comforted by knowing that if she ever needs anything, people will drop what they are doing to help out.
“I am just so thankful to be a part of the Monticello community,” she says, “and to feel so welcomed as someone who hasn't been here as long as most.”