$171,100Average Value$332Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A city that is raising expectations
Central Monroe is full of juxtapositions. Despite being a busy downtown area with City Hall, fire departments and the Sherrif's Office in old brick buildings, the neighborhood brims with greenery. Pristine landscaping and potted flowers line the main streets, with mature trees creating a canopy over residential roads. Although within walking distance of restaurants and shops, the neighborhood manages to have a quiet suburban feel, accompanied only by the faint whistle and chugging of trains along the eastern border. Car, train and pedestrian bridges cross the River Raisin, connecting the northern and southern parts of the city. Preserving the past without hindering growth is central to current city planning. "People here know what the city has done for them in the past and know the city will continue to provide for them in the future," says Mayor Bob Clark, who has been in his role for 15 years. With the tagline "Raisin' Expectations," a nod to the river that flows through it, the City of Monroe welcomes innovations, ideas and people. Clark says, "There's a space for all in Monroe.”
The Monroe County Courthouse stands high above with St. Michael the Archangel Church steeple.
The Monroe Street Bridge connects Central and Northeast Monroe.
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Celebrating life over a cup of coffee
Misty, owner of Misty’s Plant Based Foods, greets patrons with a warm smile as they come into the light-flooded shop at the corner of historic West 1st Street. The restaurant is fittingly filled with ceramic pots overflowing with native and tropical plants, herbs and flowers. Another new restaurant in a historic building is Michigan Wine and Beer Portal. Opened in 2023, with the addition of a coffee shop in early 2024, the spot serves pastries, beer and pub food along the Raisin River. "Getting to know the customers is my favorite part of the job," says Meghan Hammill, a manager of the coffee shop. "I love seeing them meet regularly and celebrate milestones here." The business has the only patio along the River Raisin and a gift shop selling 100% locally made and sourced items. "It's not just a place to go but an experience," Hammill says. Locals can complete grocery shopping and errands at Kroger, CVS and Dollar General along South Monroe Street.
These ladies appreciate the good life at Michigan Wine and Beer Portal along the River Raisin.
This couple enjoys a healthy lunch at Misty's Plant Based Food in Central Monroe.
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Fishing on the revamped and cleaned river
Running through the city's center, the River Raisin slowly flows into Lake Erie. Lined with informational plaques detailing the river's history, the riverbanks are dotted with magenta and yellow wildflowers. "Many wild grapes grew in the area, contributing to the naming of the river," Mayor Clark says. Thanks to a $25 million project removing dams and blockages, water flow has increased, as has the fish population. The long and skinny Soldiers and Sailors Park has plenty of space for anglers to cast a line with hopes of hooking muskellunge, walleye, northern pike and sturgeon. The park also has horseshoe pits, a playground, swings and tennis courts. On the other side of the river, St. Mary's Park hosts a concert in the park series throughout the summer. Over 17,000 residents and guests were in attendance for a Beatles tribute band on the small stage that is getting a revamp in the next two years.
The Monroe Street Bridge connects Central and Northeast Monroe.
These ducks enjoy swimming the waters of the River Raisin in Central Monroe.
Come feed duck and geese from the bridges and shores of the River Raisin in Central Monroe.
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The pros and cons of a historic home
Houses from the mid-1800s line the streets of Central Monroe, with large porches, detached garages and plenty of historic texture and charm. However, due to age, some historic homes require costly upkeep and renovations. "The city also regulates what can and can't be done to the homes to preserve their history," says Mark Cochran, the economic and community development director of Monroe. "It's both a blessing and a curse." The 200-year-old Victorian houses sell for between $100,000 and $350,000. Colonial Revivals from the early 1900s and Bungalows, Cape Cods and American Foursquares from the 1920s to '70s sell anywhere from $30,000 to $250,000. House size varies greatly, but prices often depend on condition rather than size. The City of Monroe has a FIX Program that offers income-qualified home renovation assistance up to $10,000 per home. This program, along with other grants and services, is part of a push to increase homeownership for primary residency in Central Monroe, as the area has the highest number of rentals in the city. One condo development from the early 2000s has units ranging between $190,000 and $210,000. The few residents living along Lake Monroe have access to the man-made lake that was once a quarry. Local kids often trespass in the area, and some unhoused people set up tents in the under-patrolled spots.
Victorian mansions are found in and around historic Central Monroe.
Colorful homes fill the neighborhood of Central Monroe.
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Large employers within a short drive
Area employers DTE Energy, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, and La-Z-Boy Headquarters are less than 4 miles away. Some residents commute to Detroit or Toledo for work, both about 40 miles away. The nearest major airports are also there. Central Monroe is the most walkable part of the city despite some sidewalks being overgrown and cracked. Markets and shops are within walking distance, and buses run along the residential streets for farther trips. The buses, painted with the statement "Call for your ride," run Monday through Friday and by reservation on Saturday. Gravel alleyways intersect the gridded streets, leading to detached garages and back-entry driveways. However, roads are still crowded with parked cars.
DTE Energy is one of the major employers in Monroe, Michigan.
Residents appreciate how easily accessible Interstate 75 is from Central Monroe.
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A district full of potential
When first transitioning to Monroe County, Superintendent Andrew Shaw fell in love with the school district. "I don't think people know just how good our district is and how much potential it has," he says. Free breakfast and lunch are available for every student, and the discipline rates have plummeted over the past few years. The district releases a "Week In Review" email letter each week featuring the progress and highlights of the schools, teachers and students. Elementary age children living north of East 4th Street and closest to the river are zoned for Arborwood Campus, while those south of East 4th Street attend Custer Campus. Both schools are rated a C by Niche and feed into B-plus-rated Monroe Middle School. The middle school is in Central Monroe while Monroe High School, rated a B-minus, is 3 miles west in West Monroe. While school of choice is offered, less than one percent of the students utilize it to attend a different district. "Once families are in our system, they see and love our work," Shaw says.
Downtown Monroe rests comfortably in Central Monroe along the River Raisin.
Misty's Plant Based Food serves delectable meals for the health conscious in Central Monroe.
Residents appreciate how easily accessible Interstate 75 is from Central Monroe.
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Crime
Central Monroe has the highest level of crime in the city, but according to Tom Wagner, a Realtor with Howard Hanna who has been working in real estate for over 20 years, "The homes on the east side of Monroe Street get a bad rap simply because the streets have an 'E' in front of them." The houses are older, and not always well-kept, but Habitat for Humanity is active in repairing with the community. Central Monroe has a CAP Index crime score of 5 out of 10, while the national average is a 4. "Every city has its crime," says Drew Presto, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway who has lived in Monroe his whole life. "But the worst part of Monroe is still safer than the best part of Detroit."
Volunteerism and community engagement are strong
Church steeples rise above the office buildings and retail corners of Central Monroe. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Trinity Lutheran Church and Oaks of Righteousness Christian Ministries are just a few religious entities in the neighborhood. Catholic schools attached to the churches are standard, as are daycares and charity shops. "The area is fairly Catholic," Presto says. "Residents look out for one another, and there is a strong sense of community here." Habitat For Humanity Restore and Salvation Army Family Manor, a food distribution center, operate out of the neighborhood where community service and volunteerism are strong. The annual river clean-up is one event that the community loves to gather for. To keep the water clear for fishing and kayaking, "A lot of families show up, even from outside of the county, wearing tee shirts from previous years," Mayor Clark says. The event takes place on the second Saturday of August each year.
The Salvation Army helps many families in Monroe, Michigan.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
looks over Central Monroe in the afternoon sun.
GreatSchools:
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Rare investment opportunity! This fully occupied 10-unit apartment property spans four distinct buildings on a single lot, ideally located at the corner of E Front St and Kentucky Ave. Just steps from a park and tennis courts. Built in 1883 and thoughtfully updated, the property offers a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units, all with 1 bathroom, plus a shared coin-operated laundry. Recent renovations
River View Investment Property!!! This 11 unit is situated directly accross from a long river front park with pavilions, grills and tables, fishing & picniking. Units rent from $775 to $925. Seperate Electric and Gas, Common Water. Land Contract with 25% down possible.
Welcome to this cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath home featuring beautiful hardwood floors and a full Michigan basement perfect for storage. Enjoy quiet mornings on the enclosed front porch and entertain guests in the large, fully fenced backyard. Great home or investment opportunity on dead end street!
Experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at our community, offering both 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units, ideal for individuals, couples, or small families. Each apartment features air conditioning, on-site laundry facilities, and dedicated parking. We are a pet-friendly community, welcoming cats for $20 per month each (maximum of 2) and dogs for $50 per month each (maximum of 2).
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jacob Levicki,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,524
Median Age
38
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$44,021
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,074
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
85.2%
College Graduates
11%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.3%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
45/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
60/ 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.
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.
