$100,498Average Value$87Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Multi-generational families from the area’s industrial years
An area of industrial growth in the middle of the 20th century, Southeast Monroe was once a relocation destination for laborers and immigrants looking for work in Monroe's steel factories. "Historically, the area had different sections formed by different ethnic groups," explains Drew Presto, a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and lifelong Monroe resident. "There were pockets of homes and streets for each ethnicity. We're more of a melting pot now than we were back then, but the area is still very diverse." Train tracks intersect the neighborhood bordered to the north by the River Raisin and to the south by heavy woods and an inlet of Lake Erie. Mostly isolated from the rest of the city, the neighborhood is a "Very tight-knit community where almost everyone knows one another," says Kristie McCleary, a Realtor at Key Realty One who has sold many houses in the area. "It's a multi-generational neighborhood, and most of the people living there are from a line of three generations or more," she says. Houses in Southeast Monroe are the most affordable in the city. While some are boarded up or need major repairs, they offer opportunities for homebuyers with tighter budgets. The city has a plan for the neighborhood that aims to improve resources, add commerce and provide grants for home improvements.
Labor Park features a community herb garden for residents.
DTE Energy sits in the background on Lake Erie and provides many jobs for the people of Monroe.
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Cottages and bungalows that belonged to laborers
People who live in Southeast Monroe recall the neighborhood's history when homes were built for employees of the nearby steel factory, Newton Steel Corp. Bungalows, workers' cottages and ranch-style homes were constructed to accompany a growing number of employees from 1920 to 1950. Most houses sell between $75,000 and $150,000 regardless of style and size, although some in poor condition have sold for as low as $10,000. A few remodeled homes with new windows and roofs occasionally sell for around $200,000. "Housing is so much more affordable in the easternmost part of Monroe," McCleary says. "You can still pick up a nice house for around $100,000. That same house would cost at least $30,000 more in any other Monroe neighborhood." Republic Steel later bought out Newton Steel Corp., followed by Aluminum Corporation of America and Keyley-Hayes automotive wheel manufacturers. The plant was within walking distance of Southeast Monroe's homes and attracted many laborers and their families for over 50 years. "Residents living there at the time didn't bother having cars because they could walk to work," McCleary says. "That's why most of the homes don't have garages." Though no apartment complexes are in the area, many residents are renters. Because of their low cost – nearly $130,000 less than the Monroe Metro average – the single-family homes are attractive to investors who flip and keep them as rental properties.
The eastern morning sun shines on this home in Southeast Monroe.
This home features a nice front porch for family time in Southeast Monroe.
Southeast Monroe has many houses without garages.
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Employers, bus routes and a nearby interstate
Lake Erie Transit has eight bus routes operating in the city, and Route 3 does a loop in the Southeast Monroe neighborhood. Buses run Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., so those commuting home after 5:30 rely on another mode of transportation. While businesses aren't active in the neighborhood like they were in the 1900s, significant employers are nearby. DTE Energy is along Lake Erie, and ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital is 2 miles north across the River Raisin. No designated bike lanes are in the area, but the city's subarea plan for the neighborhood has projected routes that will accompany future repaving projects. Bordered by the River Raisin and Tamarack Creek, the neighborhood is the most prone to flooding in the city. Onramps to Interstate 75 are at the easternmost end of the neighborhood. The interstate leads 40 miles north to Detroit and 20 miles south to Toledo.
Welcome to Southeast Monroe along the River Raisin and Lake Erie.
Lake Erie Transit runs buses to the major commercial shopping areas along Monroe Street.
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Fishing from the banks on Sterling Island
Anglers can cast a line into the River Raisin from the banks and docks at Hellenberg Park. A small bridge connects the park to Sterling Island, a large island in the middle of the river with wooded walking trails, scenic lookouts and more designated spots for fishing. A brightly painted basketball court is also at the park where kids play on the playground and baseball players get some practice in on the diamond. On the other side of the train tracks is the Arthur Lesow Community Center, home to The Opportunity Center. Offering social, cultural and educational programs for the community free of charge, the center highlights the area's diversity and provides opportunities for neighbors to connect. Locals can cool off in the splash pad at the newly built Labor Park behind the facility when not taking nutrition classes in the kitchen or playing rec basketball on the indoor court.
Hellenberg Park welcomes you to walk the trail on Sterling Island.
Hellenberg Park features a beautifully painted basketball court along the River Raisin.
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The district’s alternative school is in the neighborhood
Monroe Public Schools serve the area, and students start school at Arborwood Elementary School, rated a C by Niche. "There aren't many kids in the area," McCleary says. "It's an older demographic, but there has been more turnover than usual lately and new families moving in. Some long-time residents are even leaving their homes in their wills to children or grandchildren." After Arborwood Elementary, students attend B-plus-rated Monroe Middle School. Monroe High School rounds out the bunch and is rated a C-minus. Students may attend Orchard Center High School, the district's alternative school, from sixth grade through graduation. The small campus with fewer than 300 students is in the neighborhood's eastern end and unrated by Niche.
Monroe High School prepares for Friday night on the practice field.
Monroe Middle School welcomes eager minds.
There are plenty of private religious schools serving the families of Monroe including Trinity.
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Crime in the area on par with national average
Train tracks divide the neighborhood into two sections: the west side and the east side. The west side is closer to the police station, businesses and the downtown area. With more traffic and visibility, there are fewer opportunities for trouble than on the east side. "The easternmost part of the city is the most disadvantaged, but the neighborhood is in the early stages of revitalization," says Mayor Bob Clark, the mayor of Monroe for the past 15 years. "We care about retaining historical aspects and growth without forgetting about the people currently living there." Southeast Monroe has an overall CAP Index crime score of 4 out of 10. While this score is right at the national average, the neighborhood has one of Monroe's highest scores, and the violent crime rate is above average.
This walker enjoys the autumn sun in Southeast Monroe.
Some neighbors are catching up next to the Arthur Lesow Community Center.
These girls walk through Labor Park on their way to Navarre Branch Library.
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Waterfront restaurants north and south of Southeast Monroe
No restaurants are in the small neighborhood, but being only 2 miles from the downtown area, locals can eat at one of the many restaurants and fast-food chains along South Monroe Street. The nearest major grocery store, Kroger, is also along South Monroe Street. A few small markets with alcohol and pantry staples are within walking distance from the houses of Southeast Monroe, including Towne Square, The Village Market and Highlander Market. Along the water of Lake Monroe, The Quarry has patio seating, swinging benches and docks to enjoy a meal outside. Classic American comfort food takes up most of the menu, with the occasional seafood special to accompany. Another establishment along the water is The Clamdigger. Next to Wind Rose Rack & Launch Marina on the River Raisin, the spot with live music is known for its pizzas, calzones and bloody marys.
The Quarry features delicious food and fun with friends for lunch and dinner.
There are many fast food options along South Monroe Street including McDonald's and Wendy's.
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
Drew Presto,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Hellenberg Park
Labor Park
Transit
Airport
Detroit Metro Wayne County
36 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Southeast Monroe
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southeast Monroe, Monroe sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Southeast Monroe, Monroe over the last 12 months is $95,083, up 14% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rare investment find in Monroe. Turnkey Duplex (one 3 bdr/1 bath, one 3bdr/2 bath) in Monroe. This place has been fully updated with new leases. Total $1950 rent roll. Has a property manager or manage yourself.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Drew Presto,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,582
Median Age
36
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$29,680
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$52,615
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
74.3%
College Graduates
17.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.6%
% Population in Labor Force
48.7%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
35/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
26/ 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.
