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University Area

University Area

Neighborhood in Monroe, Louisiana

Ouachita Parish 71203

$172,231 Average Value
$73 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale

A walkable locale just off the ULM campus

More than 8,000 students enroll at the University of Louisiana Monroe each year, and many of them call the University Area home. Restaurants and small-town shops are easily within walking distance, making the neighborhood attractive to students. “It’s sort of an ideal living situation for college students,” says Mark Sisk, a Realtor with 18 years of experience and owner of RE/MAX Premier Realty in Monroe. Twenty years ago, the neighborhood was primarily occupied by homeowners; however, low listing prices and the allure of high rental income soon attracted investors. To maximize rental income, some of the 100-year-old homes don't get much attention when it comes to repairs and refurbishments. But Scott Leo, a Realtor with Cypress State Realty and investor with property in the area, says homeowners are gradually returning to the area, especially employees at the university and anyone looking for waterfront living along Bayou Desiard.

Students can enjoy a walk at any point at the safe neighborhood of University Area.
Students can enjoy a walk at any point at the safe neighborhood of University Area.
It is easy to navigate your way around the university campus when you get there.
It is easy to navigate your way around the university campus when you get there.
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Fast-casual restaurants within walking distance

Homeowners and students alike are spoiled for choice when it comes to shops and restaurants. “You can walk just about anywhere you need,” says Scott Leo, a Realtor with Cypress State Realty and an investor with 17 properties in the neighborhood. “You’re closer to restaurants and grocery stores than anywhere else in Monroe.” Walmart has groceries covered just outside the neighborhood on Desiard Street. Desiard Street has waterfront restaurants like Catahoula’s, a casual college hang-out spot serving up American fare with Louisiana flair. Waterfront Grill is a community staple known for steak nights and Cajun-style seafood. Sterlington Road is lined with chains like Popeyes, Starbucks and Taco Bell, but there are some local eateries on the same strip. Authentic Greek and Lebanese cuisine are Athena’s specialty, including savory shawarma and kabobs. For dessert, diners can pair fresh baklava with floral Lebanese tea to end their meal on a high note.

Locals can choose between several known brands when it comes to fast food options.
Locals can choose between several known brands when it comes to fast food options.
KFC is also just around the corner for the students to grab a quick bite.
KFC is also just around the corner for the students to grab a quick bite.
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Boating and fishing on Bayou Desiard

Bayou Park is a relaxing space located on the ULM campus and the site of concerts and special events. The meandering Bayou Desiard winds through the area. Tall cypress trees draped with Spanish moss line the 28-mile bayou, and canoers and kayakers who paddle on the water can often spot egrets and the occasional bald eagle. The water is full of bass, and anglers can cast a line or rig up a yo-yo, also known as an automatic fishing reel. The bayou is especially popular with water skiers and boaters — the university’s 29-time champion water ski team regularly practices on the bayou. During football season, students, families and alumni go to The Grove on campus for tailgating and camaraderie. Golfers can take to the fairways at Bayou Desiard Country Club, a private, members-only country club with an 18-hole course, a pool, and tennis and pickleball courts.

The Bayou River runs right by the neighborhood in University Area.
The Bayou River runs right by the neighborhood in University Area.
Locals can do fishing from any side of the Bayou River in University Area.
Locals can do fishing from any side of the Bayou River in University Area.
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Neville High School earns an overall Niche grade of B+.
Neville High School earns an overall Niche grade of B+.

The most beautiful public high school in Louisiana

Kids can attend schools in the Monroe City School District. Pre-kindergarten through grade 6 students can attend Cypress Point Elementary School, which receives a C-plus from Niche. Seventh and eighth graders can attend Neville Junior High School, which receives a B-plus. Neville High School also receives a B-plus and was named the most beautiful public high school in Louisiana by Architectural Digest in 2017. A new $6 million multipurpose center at the high school is expected to open in fall 2024. The high school football team has won 12 state championships, most recently in 2015, and has not missed playoffs since 1999. The university is known for its strong health sciences program, including its school of pharmacy and its atmospheric sciences program — the only such program in the state.

Fixer-uppers and waterfront homes

Modest single-story homes, most of which were built in the 1940s and 1950s, populate the neighborhood. Investors have flocked to the neighborhood in the past 15 years, snapping up many of its low-cost older homes and renting them out to ULM students. A two-bedroom home in need of repairs can range from $45,000 to $100,000, while a livable three-bedroom home can range from $70,000 to $200,000. “You’re probably looking at $125,000 for a typical house,” says Mark Sisk, Realtor and owner of RE/MAX Premier Realty in Monroe. Prices increase closer to the bayou, where a four-bedroom brick ranch with a pier on the water can range from $200,000 to $325,000.

There is a good amount of investment properties available thorough the neighborhood,
There is a good amount of investment properties available thorough the neighborhood,
Cozy homes overlooking the river are on the pricier side of the market in University Area.
Cozy homes overlooking the river are on the pricier side of the market in University Area.
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There is good bus public transportation in University Area.
There is good bus public transportation in University Area.

Walk or hop on a Monroe Transit System bus

Residents can walk to several nearby shops and restaurants, but the Monroe Transit System also has several bus stops on University Avenue, Cole Avenue, Desiard Street and Webster Street. St. Francis Medical Center is less than 4 miles southwest of the neighborhood, and Monroe Regional Airport is less than 3 miles away.

Leslie Klosterman
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Gabor Kovacs
Photography Contributed By
Gabor Kovacs
Jacob Cardwell
Video By
Jacob Cardwell

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brian Bendily, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Monroe Regional

9 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime University Area US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$165,000
Median Single Family Price
$165,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$73
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
14
Months of Supply
5.10
Median List Price
$175,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
38%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
157
Median Year Built
2007
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,689
Significantly above the national average
1,936
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,180
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,325

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brian Bendily, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
4,952
Median Age
27
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.5%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$31,149
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$50,616

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.5%
College Graduates
42.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.2%
% Population in Labor Force
44.5%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
55''
Average Winter Low Temperature
37°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

29 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

9 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
University Area