General George Armstrong Custer lived in Monroe for a time and met his wife, Elizabeth, here. The folks in these parts have claimed Custer as their native son, and you'll see his name everywhere (Custer Airport, Custer Road, Custer Monument, etc.) One interesting tidbit to begin your Custer history lesson is that this "Custer's Last Stand" namesake graduated dead last in his class at West Point.
South Monroe is a census designated place (unincorporated community) of just under 6,500 residents as of the 2010 census count. This 2.4-square-mile community is located in Monroe County, which is in the southeastern corner of Michigan. South Monroe is about 2 miles south of Monroe, and essentially is a suburb of this larger (population 23,000) city. The last census also revealed that South Monroe experienced a healthy growth rate of 7 percent since the previous census. It's obviously a popular place, so what are you waiting for?
Moving to South Monroe
Before heading to South Monroe to find your new home, make sure you are equipped with all of the necessary documentation. Most apartment complexes require first and last month's rent, security deposit, and a pet deposit (if applicable). Some will also ask for references, proof of employment (recent paycheck stubs), and possibly even a credit history. If you are in the market for a house rental the same guidelines apply. If you have a pet, some landlords will want to meet it before allowing you to move in, probably just because your furry friend is so cute.
Another thing to keep in mind when house hunting is that the winters in southeastern Michigan can get dicey. If you will be traveling any considerable distance to look for a house or apartment, make sure to check the weather forecast before you head out. In severe weather, leasing agencies may close early, and you don't want to be stuck out in the cold, literally and figuratively.
If you don't have a car or won't have one during your house hunt, you're in luck. Monroe has an extensive and reliable bus system that will get you where you need to go. Just look for the Lake Erie Transit (LET) signs to find bus stops.
South Monroe Neighborhoods
This is a small community, but you'll find no shortage of rental apartments and rental homes in South Monroe. Monroe County is the world headquarters of La-Z Boy Inc. (and its hundreds of employees). All of those workers have to park their recliners somewhere, and many of them choose South Monroe for its more laid back atmosphere.
Monroe County also is world headquarters of Monroe Auto Equipment (maker of Monroe shocks.) These are just two of the many businesses whose employees contribute to the reason there's a healthy supply of housing for rent here.
Frenchman's Bend: This housing development, located at Ave. de Lafayette at N. Custer Road, features newer, upscale, detached single-family homes. It's located near the City of Monroe's Frenchman's Bend Park, which has playground equipment and picnic shelters.
Mason Run: A shining example of neighborhood redevelopment, Mason Run was built on the site of an abandoned paper mill. The site was cleaned up and the homes were built to mirror surrounding traditional architecture. The development features tidy, newer homes with garages, paved alleys, street bump-outs to curb speeding, and underground utilities. Mason Run is located near the River Raisin. The neighborhood is bordered by the Central Park to the north and Crescent Park to the east.
Bolles Harbor. This is a community of upscale, waterfront homes. Residents fortunate to live in this picturesque community can stroll over to Bolles Harbor Cafe for brunch, or boat to Harbor Inn & Ale, tie up, and head inside for dinner and drinks.
Apartment Complexes
River Raisin Apartments: If you want to look at rental apts in communities that are safe, pretty, and family friendly, River Raisin Apartments should be on your list. This is a community of luxury apartments where neighbors get to know each other at events like Halloween and Christmas parties. River views and well-manicured grounds make this an enticing place to live.
Charring Square Apartments and Townhomes: Whether you are looking for a studio apartment for rent or a townhouse, Charring Square fits the bill. These well-kept, clean apartments are centrally located east of Dixie Hwy. and South of E. Dunbar Rd., so when you live here you are close to the Save-A-Lot grocery store, Denny's, Applebee's, Happy's Pizza, and scores of other restaurants.
Living in South Monroe
The cost of living in South Monroe is approximately 13 percent lower than the rest of the country, so that's good news if you're looking to keep a bit of extra pocket cash. More money in your pocket means more opportunity to enjoy the restaurants and entertainment options in South Monroe, Monroe, and nearby hubs including Toledo (15 miles to the south) and Detroit (40 miles to the north). Dundee, about 20 minutes away, is a popular destination for some. It has a Cabela's outdoor store and an indoor water park.
Monroe County Community College (MCCC) is located nearby, and offers programs for full-time students and people who simply want to take a class or two. The community college also hosts occasional special events, lectures, book signings, and movie screenings that are open to the public.
Outdoor Fun
Located a stone's throw from the western shore of Lake Erie (yes, that's one of the Great Lakes), living in South Monroe puts you in close proximity to boating, swimming, fishing, nature watching, and amazing water views. The River Raisin also runs through town, providing additional kayaking, canoeing, and angling opportunities.
As you may have guessed from the General Custer connection, South Monroe is steeped in history. The War of 1812 River Raisin Battlefield is a few minutes away. This National Register of Historic Places site is where hobbyists regularly stage Civil War and fur-trader days reenactments.
There are plenty of parks and hiking and biking trails in and around South Monroe. Sterling State Park is the only Michigan State Park located on Lake Erie. It's got beaches, campsites, fishing lagoons, a public boat launch, and six miles of trails suitable for hiking and cross-country skiing. The Elm Avenue Bike Path is a popular 8-mile-long paved path that begins in downtown Monroe and winds along the banks of the River Raisin.
If you enjoy golfing, you'll probably spend plenty of time at the Carrington Golf Club in Monroe, a walker-friendly public 6,873-yard golf course and 12,000-square-foot putting green. After playing the course, you can head into the club's full-service restaurant, River's Edge. If you enjoy music, you'll love the annual summer concerts in the park at Monroe's St. Mary's Park Band shell. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy free music with friends under the open skies.
Of course, one of the most anticipated events each summer in South Monroe is the Monroe County Fair. Fair week is always jam packed with events to appeal to folks of all ages. Tractor pulls, hypnotist appearances, circuses, parades, big-name concerts, demolition derby, cotton candy, snow cones, turkey legs -- you get the picture. In the off-season, the fairgrounds host swap meets, roller derby, scouting events, car shows, dog shows, trade shows, etc. Just keep an eye on the calendar and you'll be sure to find special events that appeal to your interests.
Restaurants Galore
On those days that you don't want to cook, you'll find plenty of dining options ranging from inexpensive fast food to high-end fine cuisine. Here's a sampling of local bars and restaurants: Sam's Corner Bar, Pete's Garage, Benny's Home Cooking, Mary Sacco's pizza, Bobby's Kitchen, Dena's Family Restaurant, etc. Do you notice a trend here? The food is so good that the owners name their establishments after themselves!
South Monroe is a charming, friendly, pretty place to live with a diverse array of leisure activities and housing options. Once you find your perfect house or apartment rental, you're sure to settle into your new community quickly and easily.
