Monroe, NC

Monroe, North Carolina, is located in Union County, which in 2008 ranked seventh among the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Located about 20 miles southeast of Charlotte, Monroe has a population of more than 26,000. The city was incorporated in 1843 and is the county seat of Union County. Monroe was named for James Monroe, the country's fifth president

In 1958, one of the town's most famous residents, local NAACP Chapter President Robert F. Williams, defended a nine-year-old African-American boy who had been kissed by a white girl. The incident, known as "the Kissing Case," thrust Monroe into the spotlight of the Civil Rights Movement.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Monroe is a respite of sorts from nearby Charlotte, with upscale shops and spas lining the historic Main Street. The gem of Central Square is a Victorian Courthouse built in 1886, and it can be seen from any direction. County and City government buildings are located to the north, and more quaint shops, businesses and restaurants are situated to the south. Downtown is pretty, with several fountains and small park areas giving it a rural feel. Downtown is also bustling with activity, such as a farmers market and outdoor music and movies.

Many neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets and restored historic homes. With an eye toward economic growth, the Monroe Regional Airport has a nearby industrial and distribution center. There are more than 9,600 houses in Monroe, out of which about 9,000 are occupied. Of these, just more than half are owner-occupied.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Even though the economy may be having a difficult time keeping up with residential growth in Monroe, the economy is, nevertheless, growing. There are more than 100 industries in Union County, and the unemployment rate in Monroe is the lowest in the region.

The Economic Development staff of Monroe received recognition from Expansion Solutions Magazine for its recruiting and retention of workers in the aerospace industry. The magazine named Monroe one of the top five communities in the country as far as aerospace was concerned. Since the city's aerospace expansion initiatives in 2002, Monroe has nearly doubled the number of firms related to aerospace.

Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport, formerly Monroe Regional Airport, has begun a $22 million expansion, and the name change is designed to increase the marketability of the airport to corporate flights.

The Carolinas Medical Center received the Hospital of Choice Award from the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers (AAHCP), recognizing the medical center for providing excellent client care. Among the other recipients of this award are such prestigious facilities as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins University Hospital. The Carolinas Medical Center has undergone a more-than-$22 million expansion and renovation of its Emergency Department and treats approximately 60,000 patients every year.

BEST BETS

Monroe offers chic spas, salons and shops on its quaint, historic Main Street, in addition to plenty of places to pick one's own produce and fish for a trophy bass. Hiking and horseback riding are common throughout the county. Union County has the largest population of horses in the state.

Atop the central square is the Victorian Courthouse, which was built in 1886 and has been featured in motion pictures. This is the first place to go to begin researching the area's history. City and county government buildings lie to the north, and various businesses, restaurants and shops are located to the south. The downtown landscape features several small parks and fountains, and historic homes and streets lined with trees make their way out of the city.

The Highway 74 Corridor is home to many of the area's hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. As the residential growth continues, so does the number of businesses that seeks to serve visitors to Monroe.

LOCAL MEDIA

The local newspaper in Monroe, The Enquirer-Journal, is owned by Paxton Media Group, LLC. Local radio stations include WXNC 1060, owned by Norsan Consulting and Management, Inc., WIXE 1190, owned by Monroe Broadcasting Company, Inc., and 1430 WDEX, operated by New Life Community Temple Of Faith, Inc.

EVENTS

Nearby, Union County's town of Mineral Springs is the home of the Queens Cup Steeplechase, a major annual event in steeplechase horse racing. It is held on the last Saturday of April and is attended by more than 10,000 people every year.

EDUCATION

According to a recent survey by The Washington Monthly, South Piedmont Community College of Monroe is one of the top 15 community colleges in the nation. It has earned a reputation for having excellent teaching techniques and high student satisfaction.

Wingate University, a liberal arts university, offers more than 40 undergraduate majors, including business management, communication, marketing, pre-pharmacy and sport management. The university also presents recitals, concerts, theatrical performances and art exhibits by visiting artists, faculty and students.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Extreme Ice Center is an 87,000-square-foot facility that includes two NHL-sized ice rinks and another smaller-sized rink. The facility houses an arcade, a pro-shop, a fitness center and a snack bar. League play, lessons, hockey team Charlotte Checkers practice sessions and public skating are all available for public view.