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West Monroe, LA

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West Monroe, LA

West Monroe is a city in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is situated on the Ouachita River, across from the neighboring city of Monroe. The two cities are often referred to as the Twin Cities of northeast Louisiana. Its population was 13,065 at the 2010 census and it is part of the Monroe Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Originally laid out in 1837 as Byron by John Campbell at the foot of the ferry landing to Monroe, the town floundered and Campbell went bankrupt. The area was bought by Christopher Dabbs, a doctor from Virginia who submitted the plans for Cotton Port in 1854; it was officially recognized in 1859. It too languished until the arrival of the Vicksburg, Shreveport, and Pacific Railway and the construction of the bridge over the Ouachita River. Cotton Port boomed as a river port and rail depot.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.0 square miles (20.6 km²), of which 7.7 square miles (20.0 km²) is land and 0.2 square mile (0.6 km²) (3.14%) is water. West Monroe is a separate municipality from Monroe.

A 2013 "Community Impressions" report complimented the green spaces, including the Kiroli and Restoration parks, and Antique Alley as important assets to the West Monroe community. According to long-term Mayor Dave Norris, the study confirms "the value of many of the projects we've focused on to enhance quality of life." The report identifies situations in need of improvement, many of which have already been addressed, including insufficient or inaccurate signage to area attractions, brown water and the need to renovate certain wells, limited shopping opportunities for clothing, traffic problems on Thomas Road, and the failure to promote the popular phenomenon created from the West Monroe-based A&E reality television series, Duck Dynasty. The consultants declared West Monroe and the general area west of the Ouachita River overall as "a clean, vibrant, growing friendly area ... [with] a small town atmosphere and yet ... many of the amenities and features of a [larger] city."

West Monroe places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. St. Francis Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Snap Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For fitness enthusiasts, CrossFit provides high-intensity workout programs designed to improve strength and conditioning. For those seeking specialized fitness classes, West Monroe Sports & Fitness offers a variety of group classes including yoga, pilates, and Zumba. The West Ouachita Senior Center provides seniors with a range of activities from chair exercises to dance classes, promoting both physical and mental well-being. The Spa Bella offers luxurious spa treatments, perfect for relaxation and stress relief. For family-friendly activities, the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo features walking trails and interactive exhibits that make fitness fun for all ages. NOLA Vibe Yoga provides a tranquil environment for practicing yoga, with classes suitable for all skill levels.

Top sites in West Monroe, LA are Kiroli Park, Surge Entertainment by Drew Brees, Restoration Park West Monroe, and Lazarre Park.

Population: 12,476 (2024). ZIP code: 71291. Area code: 318. Elevation: 79 feet (24 m). Area: 8.86 square miles (22.94 km²).

FAQs

Is West Monroe, LA a good place to live?

Located along the banks of the scenic Ouachita River in Northeast Louisiana, the City of West Monroe is a family-friendly community that places significance on providing a top-notch quality of life for its residents and visitors. Throughout the West Monroe community, you can find beautiful bayous and lakes and hills that dot the landscape.  West Monroe offers a sunny, mild climate with temperatures topping out at an average ranging from 93 degrees in the summer to 34 degrees in the winter. The spring and fall seasons are very mild and pleasant.  Outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.

Is West Monroe, LA expensive to live in?

West Monroe, Louisiana's cost of living is 13% lower than the national average. West Monroe's housing expenses are 27% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 17% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 15% lower than the national average. West Monroe has grocery prices that are 9% lower than the national average. Healthcare in West Monroe is 10% higher than the national average.

What is the crime rate in West Monroe, LA?

With a crime rate of 82 per one thousand residents, West Monroe has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 12. Within Louisiana, more than 99% of the communities have a lower crime rate than West Monroe.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of West Monroe

Explore Louisiana

Payscale

Neighborhood Scout

World Population Review

Kiroli Park

Surge Entertainment by Drew Brees

Restoration Park West Monroe

Lazarre Park

St. Francis Medical Center

Snap Fitness

CrossFit 

West Monroe Sports & Fitness

West Ouachita Senior Center

Spa Bella

Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

NOLA Vibe Yoga 

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