📍 About MLU & Monroe
Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) is located in the heart of northeastern Louisiana, serving the city of Monroe and surrounding parishes. Known for its southern hospitality, affordable living, and small-city charm, Monroe provides a low-traffic lifestyle with easy access to outdoor recreation, historic sites, and a tight-knit aviation community.
🏡 Where to Live
Singles & Couples
- Downtown Monroe – Riverfront apartments, growing nightlife, and breweries
- University Area – Near ULM, with cafes and young professionals
- West Monroe – Convenient access, suburban feel
Families
- Sterlington – Quiet neighborhoods, top-rated schools
- West Monroe – Safe and family-friendly with amenities
- Swartz – Rural-suburban mix, more space, affordable
🚗 Commute Times to MLU
- 5–10 min: Downtown Monroe, University Area
- 10–20 min: West Monroe, Swartz
- 20–25 min: Sterlington, Calhoun
🎓 Top School Districts
- Ouachita Parish Schools: Strong district with a wide range of programs
- Sterlington Schools: Highly rated elementary and high school options
- West Monroe High School: Competitive academics and athletics
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
- Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Fishing, kayaking, trails
- Biedenharn Museum & Gardens: History of Coca-Cola and lush gardens
- Downtown River Market: Food, festivals, live music
- Chennault Aviation Museum: Local military aviation history
- Day Trips: Ruston, Vicksburg, and Kisatchie National Forest
✈️ Nearby Airports
- MLU: Monroe Regional Airport (commercial and GA)
- SHV: Shreveport Regional Airport (~1.5 hrs west)
- JAN: Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (~2.5 hrs east)
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Safest areas: Sterlington, Swartz, North West Monroe
- Watch zones: Parts of central Monroe
- Local crime map
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price: ~$165,000
- 1-bedroom rent: ~$750–$950
- Utilities: ~$140–$180/month
- State Taxes: Louisiana state income tax applies
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Sterlington: Family-oriented, great schools, safe
- West Monroe: Popular mix of affordability and convenience
- Downtown Monroe: Artsy and developing, walkable
- Swartz: Quiet, rural, and affordable housing
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Mild (40s–60s°F), little to no snow
- Spring: Warm, occasional storms (60s–80s°F)
- Summer: Hot and humid (90s°F+)
- Fall: Pleasant and warm (70s°F)
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Public transit: Limited; car strongly recommended
- Traffic: Minimal congestion, 10–20 minute city-wide travel
- Parking: Free or low cost nearly everywhere
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- St. Francis Medical Center: Major hospital in Monroe
- Glenwood Regional Medical Center: Located in West Monroe
- Multiple urgent care clinics throughout city limits
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Farmers markets: Downtown Monroe & West Monroe
- Local events: Downtown art crawls, Christmas on the River
- Fitness: Hiking trails, yoga studios, and outdoor gyms
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Warehouse No. 1: Upscale southern dining on the river
- Trapp’s: Cajun food in West Monroe
- Enoch’s Pub & Grill: Irish pub with live music
- Delta Biscuit Company: Local brunch favorite
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Runways: Three intersecting runways, easy layout
- Traffic: Low to moderate – mix of regional jets and general aviation
- Weather: Visibility issues during fog season; some summer storms
- Team: Friendly, small-facility environment
📦 Moving Tips
- Best months to move: October to April (avoid summer heat)
- Utilities: Set up through City of Monroe or Entergy for power
- Storage: Plenty of storage units and truck rental options
❓ FAQs
- Is Monroe good for raising a family?
Yes, particularly areas like Sterlington and West Monroe - What kind of weather should I expect?
Warm, humid climate with mild winters - How's the pace of life?
Slower pace, laid back lifestyle, friendly community