Monroe

I have lived in Monroe since December of 2002. This city has a lot of good qualities, and quite a few bad ones as well. The general atmosphere is good, depending on which part of the city you are in. The area around the college looks nice, but some of the streets between University and 165 can be prone to crime occurring. I have lived in several neighborhoods, all with less expensive housing, because of my position as a college student. At various points I felt uncomfortable in every place I lived, generally when I was living alone.

Despite some of its lower income areas, Monroe has quite a bit to offer. The arts are alive and well, both through the local community theaters and the shows brought to town at the civic center. Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, and the Masur Museum offer local history and culture, while the Children’s Museum is great for the kids.

I don’t have any children, so I cannot comment on the state of the local schools.