City proximity without city taxes
One of the last developed areas before Monroe Charter Township transitions into farmlands and fields, West Monroe has the affordability and calmness of a township but the convenience of a city. The streets are quiet and free from traffic, leaving space for residents to go on evening walks despite the lack of sidewalks. "People like living there because it's close to the city without actually being within the city limits," says Tom Wagner, a Realtor at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services who has lived in Monroe his whole life. "The neighborhood gets all the same benefits Monroe has to offer without Monroe's city tax." Some of those benefits include a diverse mix of housing, proximity to major employers and a choice of well-rated schools. Nearby parks and comprehensive shopping centers only add to the desirability of the neighborhood that sits along the southern bank of the River Raisin.
Manufactured homes and houses from the ‘60s
About half of the homes in the neighborhood are manufactured homes. Willow Green Mobile Home Community has units for rent and rentable lots for those who wish to transport in their own units. In Meadowbrook Estates, single and double-wide manufactured houses are for sale. The homes sell between $30,000 and $100,000 and provide access to the community's clubhouse, playground, basketball court, activities and events. "There's a bigger mix of housing in West Monroe from neighborhood to neighborhood," says Lynda Nickelson, a Realtor and manager at Coldwell Banker Haynes Real Estate who has been selling in the area for nearly a decade. "Some blocks are well maintained while others are not, and there's a wide range of styles." Outside the mobile home communities, bungalows, ranch-style homes, bi-levels and Colonial Revivals line the gridded streets perpendicular to South Custer Road. Ranging in price from $130,000 to $240,000, the homes are perched on small lots with tall pine and maple trees. A few grand and expensive houses available are along East Dunbar Road, selling between $200,000 and $400,000.
A short drive or bus ride from work
Though West Monroe is not a part of the city, it has the same conveniences, like public transportation and a short drive to some of the area's main employers. Lake Erie Transit has eight fixed routes that run through Monroe and the surrounding county. The buses run regular schedules Monday through Friday but don't run on Sundays or Holidays. Saturday rides are through reservations only. La-Z-Boy Corporate Headquarters and ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital are each less than 4 miles away. Toledo is 22 miles south, and Detroit is 42 miles north. Both cities can be reached in 50 minutes or less by car. Long-distance travelers can choose from many airlines and flight times at either Eugene F. Krants Toledo Express Airport in Toledo or Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Detroit.
Community gathers at the high school
Depending on where they live in the neighborhood, young students are zoned for Custer Elementary Campus or Waterloo Elementary School, rated a C and C-plus by Niche, respectively. Families may also opt into the district's school of choice program by applying to a school outside the regular zones. Monroe Middle School is rated a B-plus by Niche, while Monroe High School is rated a B-minus. The high school is a short walk or drive away and is inside the West Monroe neighborhood. The large parking lot accommodates the city's students as they attend classes or one of the Trojans' football games on a new turf field. To further their education, graduates can attend Monroe County Community College. Four miles west of the neighborhood, the two-year university allows all in-district students to qualify for free tuition.
Weekly karaoke at the local bar
By driving north on North Telegraph Road, residents will reach the main shopping drag of Monroe. Fast-food chains, national retailers, big box stores and grocery stores are 2 miles away along the main road that continues to Detroit. Because the state of Michigan legalized the recreational use of marijuana before Ohio did, many Toledo city folk would cross the state line and head to Monroe to buy cannabis. There are nearly 20 dispensaries in Monroe, a few of which are in West Monroe's boundaries. To grab a drink or a burger towering with toppings, locals head to Monroe Grill & Bar. Color-changing LED lights create a club-like atmosphere for karaoke night on Tuesdays. The nearest supermarket, Hi-Lite Fresh Market, is at the southeast corner of the neighborhood.
Fishing on the River Raisin
In the northern end of the neighborhood, along the River Raisin, is Waterloo Park. Dog-friendly walking trails encompass the park's half-basketball court, playground and pavilion. Wooden benches and tall trees are along the river, where anglers set up on the fishing dock. The river and the surrounding areas are more prone to flooding than areas with higher elevations. A few creeks also run through West Monroe, increasing the chance of flooding close to home. Stoneco Park is where Custer Baseball and Softball Leagues play from May to July each summer. Sponsored by Monroe Charter Township since 1957, their version of Little League is named Custer after a school, street and area of Monroe.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
