A changing character thanks to incoming tech industry
In the early 1800s, a steamboat made its way up the Ouachita River, stopping at the settlement of Fort Miro. The arrival of the steamboat — and, with it, more trade and transportation — changed life in the inland outpost. Recognizing what the steamboat represented, locals went so far as to rename the town in honor of the steamboat: the James Monroe. Today, with a population of about 50,000, the city of Monroe is the ninth-largest city in Louisiana and a primary hub in the northern part of the state. More change is on the horizon, as tech companies take advantage of the city’s location near a major fiber optic line, plus its abundant water resources — used to cool down massive data centers — and its low cost of living. “Meta just announced that they’re building the world’s largest data center about 10 miles east of Monroe, and there’s already two more that might be coming,” says Mike Downhour, director of community engagement for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. “The areas around here don’t have a ton of infrastructure, so everyone that comes in is going to be moving to Monroe.”
Beautiful sunset over the Ouachita River that runs by the west side of the neighborhood.
The second oldest building in Monroe City is home for the best restaurant in town called Cotton.
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Increased demand for homes in Monroe
Monroe, along with its small sister city of West Monroe across the river, forms one of the urban centers of North Louisiana. Housing demand and home prices in the area are on the upswing thanks to several tech companies moving into the region. The median housing price in Monroe is $225,000, lower than the state and national median. Most of the housing stock consists of single-family homes, although the city is working to increase housing density downtown by adding more condos and apartments. Cottages, bungalows and ranch-style houses make up many of the neighborhoods around downtown, while new traditional homes populate the North Monroe area. Fixer-uppers are more common south of downtown.
If you want your home to be surrounded by trees and nature you will enjoy living in Ingleside.
Affordable fixer uppers can be found throughout the Southside Riverfront neighborhood.
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Education at Monroe City Public Schools
Monroe City Public Schools receive an overall B-minus grade from Niche while being ranked Louisiana's fourth-best district for athletes. Students in Monroe can also choose from highly rated private schools, including A-graded St. Frederick High School. The University of Louisiana Monroe, home to nearly 9,000 students, sits on Bayou DeSiard in the city. Their NCAA Division I sports teams compete in the Sun Belt Conference, with football games at 30,000-seat Malone Stadium.
ULM students enjoy wakeboarding on Bayou DeSiard before classes.
ULM Warhawks Stadium is the largest in education centers in the state of Luisiana.
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Downtown Monroe's commercial comeback
Like many downtowns, downtown Monroe faced a downturn in the back half of the 20th century. Now, after years of investment, the area is making a comeback, as restaurants and shops pop up around Desiard Street. Midtown Monroe is the city’s fastest-growing commercial corridor, with shopping centers and local eateries between Louisville Avenue and Tower Drive. Locals say the Monroe menu is incomplete without a mention of Johnny’s Pizza House, a local chain famous for its “Sweep the Kitchen” pizza. “Johnny’s is a must,” Downhour says. “You have to do that when you come here.”
Johnny's Pizza House in Swartz serves up pizzas, muffalettas, wings, beer and more.
Southside locals can go shopping to the Pecanland Mall where all major brands are available.
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Checking out animals at the Louisiana Purchas Gardens and Zoo
Most Monroe parks are located on the city's edge, but residents in town can head to waterfront Forsythe Park for outdoor recreation. The city is currently working on improving bike infrastructure, including paths to Forsythe Park, which offers baseball fields, a nine-hole golf course and paths by the river. Southside Monroe is home to trails, playgrounds and a basketball court at Charles Johnson Park, as well as the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo.
Golf is available for all ages at Forsythe Park.
You will see all sort of animals and different spices at the Luisiana Zoo in Southside.
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The Downtown Gallery Crawl and other events
The arts have seen an increased presence in the city, especially in the Art Alley district, a strip of galleries, markets and vintage stores that hosts the Downtown Gallery Crawl six times a year. The Monroe Civic Center puts on events throughout the year, including music and minor league hockey. Although not as lively as its South Louisiana neighbors, Monroe celebrates Carnival season and its main event, Mardi Gras, including a parade through Monroe and its sister city of West Monroe.
Locals of Southside Riverfront explore the historical, natural and artistic beauty of downtown.
The Monroe Civic Center is a 7,600-seat, full-service, multi-purpose arena located in Monroe.
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The oldest publicly owned transit system in America
The city of Monroe operates Monroe Transit, which it calls the nation's oldest publicly owned transportation system. Originally a fleet of streetcars, the system now consists of bus lines, and residents are mostly car-dependent. On the eastern side of town, Monroe Regional Airport offers daily flights to Dallas and Atlanta.
Along with tech newcomers like Meta and Amazon, the energy sector has traditionally been a prominent employer in the area, including fossil fuels and alternative energy sources. “Entergy, the local electric company here, is putting up solar farms,” Downhour says. “A Canadian company is putting up wind turbines.”
Higher crime than average
Monroe has long, hot, muggy summers and cool winters, and the city can experience severe thunderstorms. The Ouachita River and Bayou DeSiard border several residential areas, and parts of the city are within FEMA-designated high-risk flood zones. Much of the city is protected by levees and drainage systems, but residents within flood zones may need to purchase flood insurance.
The crime rate in Monroe is notably higher than the state and national averages. According to recent FBI data, the property crime rate in Monroe is 516.9 per 100,000 people, compared to 219.6 in Louisiana and a national average of 179.6. Monroe’s violent crime rate was 452.3 versus 137.1 in the state and 119.3 across the country.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
