Monroe-haters (West Monroe, Swartz: rent, home, neighborhoods)

[Ldunn1001]

So many people who haved posted here seem to hate the Monroe-West Monroe area. I grew up here all my life until I was a young adult. It was a lot different back then granted but it was a nice place to grow up. Yes, you can sometimes smell the paper mill but usually it is if you are at a certain area in West Monroe, not over the entire city. In the past several years I have lived in several locations throughout this country and traveled to even more and here I am back in Funroe (LOL) because to some of us, it is simply HOME !! I will say Monroe is not that great a place to live anymore, unless you are out in the Swartz area, but West Monroe and Calhoun are pretty nice, even has some gently rolling hills. It seems now that I have been away for a while, living three years in Las Vegas even - in the middle of the desert - I certainly appreciate the beauty of this area much more. Unfortunately, the economy is not too good and I keep hoping some investors come along and bring some new businesses and/or entertainment to the area 1) to help the economy and provide more jobs and 2) simply for more things to do so kids especially don't get into trouble just out of shear boredom. Oh well, until that happens, Dallas is a short drive away. And who can resist Johnny's Pizza or Ray's PeGe? So, quit hating on Monroe...it's not THAT bad, is it?

[Ldunn1001]

Ok, a few people have looked at this post but no one has responded. All you Monroe-haters out there, speak up. If you have something good to say about the area, would love to hear that too.

[Louisiana'sLegend2]

I have so mush good to say anout Monroe. It order to know this u have to know the area very well. I lived on the southside most of my life, but have traveled around since I hit 18. I am now 22 and i finally learn to apprieciate Monroe so much. From the Garden district, to the bayous, and along the ouachita river, monroe has so much natural beauty. The delicious restaurants(Enoch, Gabbaneux on the river, Warehouse No. 1 on the river, all the coney islands, Cypress Inn on the Bayou, WaterFront Grill on the Bayou, Ray Pege) The neighborhoods outside of swartz in Monroe(Cypress Point, Town & Country, Lakeshore, Frenchman Bend, Forsythe). The south side of Monroe is black of course but if u been across the nation and saw there black areas u would say we have the most decent project housing here. The Mall is very nice, the airport is decent. The guide planting reopening, State farm is being replace with 600's more jobs. Clubs are everywhere now iin Monroe, for all people, i can count about 40!!! You have to explore you city to to know u hate it like that. Go rent a speed boat i found out u can go dam near everywhere in the twin cities with all this water. There are pecan parks, black bayou is very adventurous, with over 8 high schools here u can enjoy so much rival football here!!! U have to explore to see all these things.

[mrkool]

Come on now... "hate" is such an ugly, negative term.
I don't "hate" Monroe... I just really, really don't like it.
Don't like the demographics, the crime, or the humidity.

And to say that Dallas is a "short drive away" is simply not reality.

There now. You wanted a reply... you got one.

[Louisiana'sLegend2]

ok u are kidding, those are everywhere. u like us

[buildings_and_bridges]

I understand it's a nightmare for gay people. Not sure why one would choose to live there.

[SBCmetroguy]

Originally Posted by buildings_and_bridges

I understand it's a nightmare for gay people. Not sure why one would choose to live there.

Not that I care one way or another about whether someone is gay or straight, but perhaps it would be a place people would choose to live if they don't like gays. And yes there are still lots of homophobes out there, especially here in the south. I'm afraid of snakes and spiders, gay people don't bother me.

[buildings_and_bridges]

Originally Posted by SBCmetroguy

Not that I care one way or another about whether someone is gay or straight, but perhaps it would be a place people would choose to live if they don't like gays.

lol, well, true. But when I said I wasn't sure "why one would choose to live there," I meant a gay person.

And yes there are still lots of homophobes out there, especially here in the south. I'm afraid of snakes and spiders, gay people don't bother me.

I'd put mosquitoes before snakes and spiders. Sucks when they descend upon you for stepping outside for a few minutes. And is it just me or does this state have some scary stick insects? I had one squirt me in the eye once. Really.

But anyway...about Monroe. I guess the mall isn't bad. But a rule, I can't stand homophobic places, though I have made exceptions to that rule.

[SBCmetroguy]

Originally Posted by buildings_and_bridges

lol, well, true. But when I said I wasn't sure "why one would choose to live there," I meant a gay person.

OH!!! Sorry, I was confused by the way that was worded. My mistake!

[ILUVMAINE]

Why in the world DOES the gay/straight issue have to enter the picture on EVERY topic! Give it a rest!