Been offered a position at Univ. of LA- Monroe. Should I take it? (Ruston: high crime, school)

[Freshgraduate09]

Consideration factors for me (mid 30s, female, no kids) to take up this job offer at Monroe are:
Will I be able to find high quality, cultured single men, aged between 33 to 50 in the area ( within an hour drive) for long term relationship/ marriage. I know there are few large universities within an hour drive, so hopefully that attracts some out of towners to live there.

I used to live in a small southern town briefly where most people married someone they know from high school and people tend to be close off to outsiders. I am trying to stay away from that kind of social vibe.
What about the high crime status that I have been reading about? I am sure this is one of those bad pockets of the city that exists in everywhere USA?

Thank You all who chip in. I'll need to make a decision in these few days.

[annie_himself]

Lmao you will never find a cultured man in Monroe. That town sucks. Do not move there unless its a big raise.

[Freshgraduate09]

What about living in Ruston? I have checked the data in the US Census bureau, 40% of the local population owns at least a bachelor degree or higher, compared to 20-25% elsewhere.

[Lizap]

Originally Posted by annie_himself

Lmao you will never find a cultured man in Monroe. That town sucks. Do not move there unless its a big raise.

Unfortunately, I agree with this assessment. Having lived in LA for 35+ years and having visited Monroe on several occasions, I can honestly say this is one of the last places in the U.S. I would want to live or work.

[sacreole]

Originally Posted by Lizap

Unfortunately, I agree with this assessment. Having lived in LA for 35+ years and having visited Monroe on several occasions, I can honestly say this is one of the last places in the U.S. I would want to live or work.

Perhaps the best thing about Monroe is that I-20 runs through it. My aunt and cousin evacuated to Monroe and Ruston during Hurricane Ida last summer.

[Westbound and Down]

Given where you will be working, at a university, and the likelihood that some of your co-workers will become social friends, I would say you are more likely than most newcomers to find someone to date, socialize with, and so on in that community.

Good luck, keep us posted on your decision.

[Freshgraduate09]

Originally Posted by Westbound and Down

Given where you will be working, at a university, and the likelihood that some of your co-workers will become social friends, I would say you are more likely than most newcomers to find someone to date, socialize with, and so on in that community.

Good luck, keep us posted on your decision.

I ended up taking the offer due to the huge learning curve from the job and plus the benefits working at an university fits me the most right now in my career projection. I'd love to work in academia and a job, and only ULM gives me an offer.
I am still not sure on the workaround for the social aspect of living in Monroe. I finally moved into the town and the reality of most of the people I met running around errands with heavy country accent finally kicked in.

[Lizap]

Originally Posted by Freshgraduate09

I ended up taking the offer due to the huge learning curve from the job and plus the benefits working at an university fits me the most right now in my career projection. I'd love to work in academia and a job, and only ULM gives me an offer.
I am still not sure on the workaround for the social aspect of living in Monroe. I finally moved into the town and the reality of most of the people I met running around errands with heavy country accent finally kicked in.

I doubt there will be a workaround. My guess is you’ll get some experience and move on. Best of luck!

[Threestep2]

Originally Posted by Freshgraduate09

I ended up taking the offer due to the huge learning curve from the job and plus the benefits working at an university fits me the most right now in my career projection. I'd love to work in academia and a job, and only ULM gives me an offer.
I am still not sure on the workaround for the social aspect of living in Monroe. I finally moved into the town and the reality of most of the people I met running around errands with heavy country accent finally kicked in.

They may sound country to you. Guess how you sound to them? You might be surprised on how many of them are educated and cultured.

[annie_himself]

Originally Posted by Threestep2

They may sound country to you. Guess how you sound to them? You might be surprised on how many of them are educated and cultured.

Yeah, surprisingly low lol