Living in Monroe
Things to do in Monroe, NC
Monroe is the Union County seat, and its draws are small-town ones: a historic downtown, a local arts scene and a long-running public golf course. Here’s what each one offers if you’re thinking about living here.
I’m Frank Coxx, a North Carolina broker with HomeSmart. Here’s what each one is, where it sits, and a tip for your first visit.
Things to do
Shops · restaurants · history
Downtown Monroe
Monroe, around the historic Union County courthouse square.
Downtown Monroe is a National Register historic district, built around the old courthouse square. The blocks around it hold local shops, restaurants and city events through the year.
It has the pace of a small-town main street, which is a big part of why buyers choose Monroe over places closer to Charlotte.
Tip: Check the city’s events calendar. Downtown festivals and evening events are the easiest way to get a feel for the town.
Official site: monroenc.org
Local arts · classes · exhibits
Union County Community Arts Council
Downtown Monroe, on Hayne Street.
Founded in 1980, the arts council runs gallery exhibits, art classes and workshops for adults and kids. Its roots go back to the first Blooming Arts Festival in downtown Monroe.
The council is moving into a new building on Hayne Street in 2026, staying downtown.
Tip: Classes fill up and are a good way to meet people when you’re new in town.
Official site: unionarts.org
Public 18-hole golf course
Monroe Country Club
Monroe, on Pageland Highway (US 601) south of downtown.
Despite the name, Monroe Country Club is a public course, open to anyone who books a tee time. The 18-hole layout dates to the 1930s and is commonly credited to Donald Ross.
A greenway trail runs past the course, so it’s also a spot to walk even if you don’t play.
Tip: Call ahead or book online for weekend tee times.
Parks & outdoors
Lake · camping · boating
Cane Creek Park
Southern Union County, near Waxhaw.
Cane Creek is Union County’s big lake park. It has a large fishing lake with canoe, kayak and jon boat rentals, a swimming beach, pedal boats, mini golf and picnic areas.
It’s also a popular campground, with RV sites, tent sites, group camping and rustic cabins.
Tip: Campsites fill up fast in warm months. Reserve early.
Official site: unioncountync.gov
City pools · gym
Monroe Aquatics & Fitness Center
Monroe, on Hanover Drive.
The city-run aquatics center has indoor pools, an outdoor water park in summer, a weight and cardio room, group fitness classes, a gym, racquetball courts and an indoor track.
For a lot of Monroe families, it stands in for a private gym and a summer pool membership.
Tip: Check the city site for hours. Pool hours change with the season.
Official site: monroenc.org
Getting around
General aviation
Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport
Monroe, on the west side of town.
This city-owned airport serves private and business aircraft and acts as a reliever airport for Charlotte Douglas. It doesn’t have commercial airline flights.
For pilots, or anyone who flies private for work, it’s a real perk of living in Monroe.
Tip: For airline flights, plan on driving to Charlotte Douglas International.
Official site: monroenc.org
Commuting
US-74 and US-601
US-74 runs west to Charlotte; US-601 runs north and south through town.
US-74 is the main route between Monroe and Charlotte. The Monroe Expressway, a toll road, runs parallel to it and skips the busiest stretch of stoplights through Indian Trail and Monroe.
US-601 runs north toward Concord and south toward South Carolina.
Tip: Drive your commute at rush hour before you buy. The toll road can save real time, so price it into your monthly budget.