University Area
Neighborhood in Monroe, Louisiana
Ouachita Parish 71203
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.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 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.
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.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.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Harrison Lilly
Harrison Lilly
(318) 737-1775
821 Total Sales
4 in University Area
$50K - $197K Price Range
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Brian Bendily
Responds QuicklyJohn Rea Realty
(318) 772-1203
346 Total Sales
1 in University Area
$270,000 Price
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Brock Duncan
Keller Williams Parishwide Partners
(318) 599-6774
55 Total Sales
1 in University Area
$210,000 Price
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Paula Beasley
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Group One Realty
(318) 737-2589
137 Total Sales
3 in University Area
$83K - $235K Price Range
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Chip Norman
Responds QuicklyDB Real Estate
(318) 515-0567
30 Total Sales
1 in University Area
$140,000 Price
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Lisa Govan
Responds QuicklyLisa Govan Realty
(888) 625-3109
230 Total Sales
2 in University Area
$83K - $226K Price Range
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
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
University Area Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in University Area, Monroe sell after 84 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in University Area, Monroe over the last 12 months is $175,000, up 52% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
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.