Commuter accessibility in southwest Ohio
Named after President James Monroe, this small city is a haven for commuters who want a relaxed, suburban lifestyle in southwest Ohio. Monroe is popular for its B-rated school system and plentiful parks. "Local employers like Proctor & Gamble [also] bring tons of people to the area,” says Michelle Grooms, Realtor with Southwest Ohio Realty. “They settle down in Monroe because the prices are more reasonable.” Monroe got its start in the early 1800s as an agricultural hub and rest stop between Cincinnati and Dayton, but it wasn't until the completion of U.S. Interstate 75 in the mid-1990s that the city expanded. Today, Monroe is home to more than 15,000 people, and major employers include Kohl's E-Commerce, a shipment fulfillment center, and Deceuninck North America LLC, a window and door PVC specialist. Throughout the year, locals come together for seasonal events, high school football games, golf get-togethers and much more. “It’s a very nice, new community,” says Chhabi Neopaney, Realtor with Key Realty. “It’s really quiet and clean. There’s a lot of job opportunities around, and it has easy access to I-75.” With a small-town feel and commuter accessibility, Monroe continues to grow into a desirable suburb just 30 miles between Cincinnati and Dayton.
Ranch-styles, traditionals and ongoing new construction
Homebuyers are attracted to Monroe for its mid-sized lots and new construction options. “The market in Monroe is doing well,” says Neopaney, who has over a decade of real estate experience in the area. “The inventory is low, and properties sell really fast.” Most of the homes were constructed in the early 2000s and ranch-styles and new traditional designs are the most common. With a median sales price of $340,000, homes cost around $60,000 less than the national median. Prices vary and can range from as low as $180,000 for a two-bedroom condo to $360,000 for a three-bedroom ranch-style to upwards of $800,000 for a five-bedroom newly constructed two-story traditional. Multi-family condos and townhouses are also available in Monroe in subdivisions like Heritage Green. For newly constructed options, buyers will have to look to subdivisions like the Estates of Monroe Crossings and the Eclipse Community, where prices start in the low $400,000s.
City parks and sports facilities at Monroe Community Park
The city maintains five parks for time outdoors, regardless of summer highs of 84 degrees and winter lows of 21 degrees. Monroe Community Park is centrally located and has a mulched playground, two basketball courts and six baseball fields. Nearby, Monroe Bicentennial Commons Park is another option with a playground and access to the Great Miami River Trail, a 93-mile paved walking path. Dudley Woods Metro Park to the south, offers a picnic pavilion and wildlife viewing opportunities along Gregory Creek. Pleasant Hill Golf Course is a public 18-hole course located off Hankins Road that includes a driving range for players of all skill levels.
Seasonal events in Downtown Monroe
The city hosts various events throughout the year, ranging from movies in the park during summer to December's annual Christmas on the Plaza event. Held downtown, visitors can take their picture with Santa or stop by to watch the tree lighting ceremony.
Local grocers and the Cincinnati Premium Outlets
Most residents shop along Highway 63 for their everyday needs. Here they'll find chains like Kroger as well as locally owned spots like the Garver Family Farm Market for fresh produce and baked goods. Name-brand retailers like Nike, Coach and Kate Spade are available at the Cincinnati Premium Outlets along U.S. Interstate 75. When dining in the area, locals have their choice between fast-food chains and family-owned eateries along Main Street. Notable restaurants include the family-owned Clubhouse Sports Grille, which serves bar food, American favorites and various beers on tap. Downtown Monroe is still in its early stages; however, the city implemented a Downtown Master Plan in June 2024, with efforts to improve public mobility, accessibility and infrastructure over the next 15 years.
High marks at Monroe Local Schools
Families in Monroe are zoned for the Monroe Local School District, which earns a B-plus rating from Niche. It serves over 2,800 students and is also ranked by Niche as the third-best district out of 11 in Butler County. There’s one primary school, one elementary school, and a high school that serves Grades 7 through 12. Most students attend Monroe Senior High School, which earns a B rating from Niche and is also known for its school spirit — many community members attend the Hornets games on Friday nights in the fall. Private options like Middletown Christian Schools and Summit Academy Schools are also available. For those interested in pursuing higher education, Miami University Middletown or Sinclair Community College are also located here.
Traversing Monroe and daily commutes on U.S. I-75
Highway 63 runs horizontally through the city, connecting residents to U.S. I-75 for commutes into Cincinnati or Dayton within a 30-mile drive. The Butler County Regional Transit Authority, or the BCRTA, provides public bus rides throughout the east side of the city and links residents to the nearby areas of Hamilton and Middletown via bus routes along Highway 4. When traveling farther, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is 42 miles away. For healthcare, the Atrium Medical Center is 6 miles north of the community.
Crime
According to FBI data, the Monroe Police Department’s violent and property crime rates remain well below national figures. Violent crime increased by 26% in 2023, while property crime fell by 2%.
Written By
Christian Slater
Photography Contributed By
Aislyn Sharp
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
