What I like about Monroe...

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Carolina_native

Hate to be a naysayer, but seems like there is some spin going on here. I drove through Monroe a few weeks back. I didnt particulary take a liking to it. And as far as the hispanics bringing "diversity" or what have you to Monroe, well Monore is not the only town with a hispanic population - and I am still waiting to see the positive impacts in atleast one city or town in NC on this issue.

I've been driving though on the way to the beach, I only saw what was on the 74 it didn't appeal to me either, I'll take Birkdale I have a hispanic living in my house for over 25 years it's no picnic.......LOL Different strokes for different folks.

[neoflex]

You have to wander off 74 into Monroe to get a better idea of what the city is like. The view from 74 is not the prettiest but the only area that I think that looks decent from 74 is the Matthews and Indian Trail area, I'm assuming it's because those areas are newer.
The other day a buddy of mine and myself were trying to take a short cut coming from downtown Monroe and our short cut became a long cut. Needless to say we saw some beautiful country and a whole bunch of horses in that 10 minutes that we were lost. I love how Monroe is still very rural.

[saralee]

Originally Posted by neoflex

You have to wander off 74 into Monroe to get a better idea of what the city is like. The view from 74 is not the prettiest but the only area that I think that looks decent from 74 is the Matthews and Indian Trail area, I'm assuming it's because those areas are newer.
The other day a biddy of mine and myself were trying to take a short cut coming from downtown Monroe and our short cut became a long cut. Needless to say we saw some beautiful country and a whole bunch of horses in that 10 minutes that we were lost. I love how Monroe is still very rural.

And that's all any of us who love Monroe are trying to say ...

I simply don't understand how people can make such blanket statements about an entire city because they drove through a small section along the highway.

Monroe has a lot to offer. I am truly happy to be here.

Sara

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by sheena

I've been driving though on the way to the beach, I only saw what was on the 74 it didn't appeal to me either, I'll take Birkdale I have a hispanic living in my house for over 25 years it's no picnic.......LOL Different strokes for different folks.

Funny But it is a shame you only see that little section of Monroe when you pass thru - the rest of the city is very nice and quaint. Unfortunately this is the problem, MOST people only see that ugly section along Hwy 74 by 601 and they think that's Monroe.

[GRACERN]

Originally Posted by marvinnative

And, it is true that illegals are living in Monroe. The Charlotte Observer did a heartbreaking story of a family with children in school in Monroe. The parents wanted a better life for their family, and their children were thriving in school, but the parents knew they were here illegally, and eventually they were caught in a traffic stop and the mother (who was driving) was deported. The kids had to decide whether to go with mom or stay here with legal family members. They went with mom, back to a village with no running water and pitiful educational opportunities for the children.

I have empathy for both sides of this situation. As a parent, I can't fault a mother for fighting for a better way of life for her child. As a U.S. citizen, I can't afford to pay taxes to cover free health care, etc. I see why citizens get exasperated. I know that I don't know the answer to this question, so I won't begin to debate it.

Still, I feel like Monroe has taken a pro-active stance in trying to help those flocking there from South America. I think it was reported in the Charlotte Observer that there was actually a sign at the Mexico border directing folks to Monroe, NC, for affordable housing and plentiful jobs. In the beginning, communication was a problem (and probably still is in some cases), but I am aware that Union County government has offered conversational spanish to its employees, and ESL tutoring is available at the public libraries.

Today, I came from a Girl Scout function - Scouting for a Cure (Breast cancer awareness). United Way of Monroe has made an effort to begin a troop for the ESL girls in Monroe. Their very large troop was at the function this afternoon at Marvin Elementary. What was so heartwarming, for me, was that another troop "adopted" them as buddies and helped them participate fully. For me, this is making our communities stronger. Building understanding and teaching our children to appreciate each other's strength's and weakness. I love that!

For those of you who are coming to Union County, and are fluent in Spanish, no matter where you finally settle, I hope you will consider volunteering and using your talents to reach out and help us make lemonade from this situation. If I can plant that little seed in your mind today, maybe tomorrow something beautiful can grow from it.

Wait...what's that?
I have to go now...the fife is playing...
And liberty and justice for all!

ILL TELL YOU AS A NURSE- THEY TAKE BETTER CARE OF THIER CHILDREN AND USE MUCH LESS OF THE MEDICAL SYSTEM THAN THE 80-100 YEAR OLD PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN NURSING HOMES THAT WE GIVE 3 WAY BYPASSES TO SO THEY CAN GO BACK TO THE NURSING HOME AND LIVE OUT THEIR YEARS IN A COMA- SO I HAVE TO SAY- BS ON YOUR MEDICAL EXPENSE STORY-IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT TAXES-COMPLAIN ABOUT THE PRISONERS!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by GRACERN

ILL TELL YOU AS A NURSE- THEY TAKE BETTER CARE OF THIER CHILDREN AND USE MUCH LESS OF THE MEDICAL SYSTEM THAN THE 80-100 YEAR OLD PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN NURSING HOMES THAT WE GIVE 3 WAY BYPASSES TO SO THEY CAN GO BACK TO THE NURSING HOME AND LIVE OUT THEIR YEARS IN A COMA- SO I HAVE TO SAY- BS ON YOUR MEDICAL EXPENSE STORY-IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT TAXES-COMPLAIN ABOUT THE PRISONERS!

WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING??? There was NOTHING (AND YES I AM SHOUTING AT YOU) wrong with Marvinnative's post. She gave her opinion, which she is entitled to, while remaining full of compassion and empathy for all the illegals in her area. What she stated is a fact, illegal immigrants are taxing our medical systems in this country, and yes, this is a very difficult problem that she did not for one second pretend to know the answer to. If you are truly a nurse God help the elderly who happen to fall under your care since you apparently don't believe they deserve the care they receive in your hospital.

[a2zmom]

Thank you to all the Monroevians for your opinions on Monroe...our family will find out this week if we will join your ranks. Sounds like Monroe is what we're looking for...a quaint, rural town, perfect for raising a young family. I, too, heard from a friend to stay away from Monroe because of the Hispanic population...sounds like they were mistaken. For those who are afraid of the "lower income" families, fear not...there are a few of us who are genuinely good people. Our family is not rich, but we choose to be that way because it is very important for our children to be raised by us, and not a daycare center.

Anyone know any good resources to find a decent rental home, for a decent price?

[saralee]

Whether or not you decide on Monroe, welcome! You may have seen my posts about how much we enjoy living here.

I don't know that rentals are widely available but I've seen a few families on unioncountymommies.com offering homes in the are for rent.

I don't think you'd be disappointed in the area.

Good luck!

Sara

[marvinnative]

Someone posted these recently and I found them helpful:

REALTOR.com - Real Estate Listings & Homes For Sale
Klutts Property Management --- Charlotte rental houses, condos, townhouses and duplexes in Charlotte* NC
Home Rentals, Homes for Rent, Apartments, Houses for Rent, and Rental Homes
Home Rentals, Homes for Rent, Apartments, Houses for Rent, and Rental Homes
Rental Houses Home Rentals, Homes for Rent, Houses for Rent, Rental Homes

[a2zmom]

Thank you Sara...we're still waiting......should know by tomorrow afternoon. If we end up heading your way, I'm sure I'll be in touch!