Accommodating for the city’s growing appeal
Outside the Monroe city limits but right on the border, South Monroe has the perks of the city but the less expensive taxes of the outlying county. "The city has a lot of historic charm, but it's becoming more modernized and popular," says Tom Wagner, a Realtor with Howard Hannah, who has lived in Monroe his whole life. "It has been growing steadily, and subdivisions on the outskirts have followed." South Monroe is home to many new subdivisions, with a few still actively expanding into the farmland around it. Houses and yards are larger than in the city, and new construction offers a turn-key experience that the historic homes downtown cannot. Good schools, shopping and major employers are nearby. South Monroe offers classic suburban living and a range of housing styles while remaining within 2 miles of the city center.
Suburban subdivisions close to downtown
According to Mark Cochran, the City of Monroe's economic and community development director, "It's our goal to increase residential opportunities despite the city being only 10 square miles and 95% developed." New houses within the city limits are rare, but South Monroe offers open land and available space to accommodate the city's growing need for housing. South Monroe has a few different housing sections. The northernmost part of the neighborhood has historic houses on gridded streets, much like Central Monroe, the area's historic downtown area. Ranch-style homes, bungalows and Cape Cods from the middle of the 1900s sell between $100,000 and $245,000. Yards and houses grow as the neighborhood moves south, with price points to match. The subdivisions of new traditional and modern Craftsman homes offer prices between $350,000 and $525,000. Brick, vinyl and stucco siding adorn the houses built in the past 20 years, and basketball hoops line driveways that lead to two- or three-car garages. A few condo developments are between the subdivisions, with units selling from $280,000 to $350,000. In addition to winding subdivisions, South Monroe has a large mobile home community, Oakridge Estates. Units are for rent and sale, ranging between $40,000 and $170,000. Living in the area grants residents access to the community's clubhouse, swimming pool, basketball court and playground.
Elementary students can walk to school at Custer
Most young students begin learning at Custer Elementary School at the neighborhood's southern end. The school is within walking distance of many subdivisions, including the newest, Sheffield Village. Rated a C by Niche, Custer Elementary is broken into two buildings on the same campus. Monroe Middle School is rated a B-plus, and Monroe High School receives a grade of B-minus. Home of the Trojans, the high school has a comprehensive afterschool athletics department with classic sports like basketball and volleyball. The school also offers less common high school sports like equestrian riding, golf and ice hockey. In addition to competitive athletics, Monroe High has a Middle College Program where students can complete five years of high school to earn their associate degree.
Recently renovated Father Cairns Park
Neighborhood kids play pick-up basketball or tennis games at the park on Edgewood Boulevard. The park, surrounded by homes, also offers a playground, swing set and open field for picnics or tossing a ball. Father Cairns Park is beyond the northernmost part of South Monroe and recently underwent some dramatic renovations. Paved walking trails and a play area surround the brand-new tennis and pickleball courts. Those looking to spike their adrenaline can check out Go Karts Plus. The adventure complex has two tracks, miniature golf, batting cages and an indoor arcade. It's a popular spot for out-of-town visitors staying at Harbortown RV Resort next-door.
Sports bars and entertainment on South Dixie
South Dixie Highway passes through the middle of the neighborhood and is home to car dealerships, chain restaurants, gas stations and small markets. Along the main road, which heads north to Downtown Monroe, is Mugsy's Sports Grille & Bar. Serving classic American food like burgers and onion rings, the sports has walls lined with televisions, racecar parts and sports memorabilia. Down the road a bit is Pin Seekers, an indoor sports complex with a one-of-a-kind game. Instead of rolling a bowling ball down the lane, guests take turns throwing a football to knock down their pins before their opponents are able in a hybrid game called "fowling." The complex also has axe throwing and virtual golf. Kroger, Dollar Tree, and beauty salons are in the commercial plaza in the northernmost part of the neighborhood.
Commuting to nearby employers
The city of Monroe is known for "Innovation, entrepreneurship and hard workers," Cochran says. Many large employers are nearby, including La-Z-Boy's headquarters, Tenneco Inc., Midway Products Group, and Stoneco. The manufacturers and industrial campuses are all within 3 miles of South Monroe. ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, another major employer, is also close, just north of the River Raisin. Onramps to Interstate 75 are 2 miles east of the neighborhood. The interstate leads 40 miles north to Detroit and 22 miles south to Toledo. Both major cities have international airports for long-distance travel.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
