Reviews & Comments
Monroe, CT
Monroe, CT -
6/26/2010Monroe is an old Fairfield County village, considered the "boonies" as late as 1978, that has grown into a medium size town. The influx of transients- mostly corporate transfers- and locals looking to upgrade from Bridgeport or Stratford have accounted for most of its growth.
It is a young town with a strong orientation to recreation and programs for school-aged children. The proximity to Stamford and New York (and more recently the explosion of corporate offices in Shelton) are major advantages. While it may lack some of the charm of lower Fairfield County towns, it also lacks most of the expense and pretense. You do not have to drive a BMW or Lexus to live here, though many residents do.
A favorite pasttime in town is the annual budget vote. Here residents get to vote on the budget, often as many as five times a year. A few years ago it seemed Monroe stood alone in Connecticut for its budget-rejecting habits, but it now has become the norm statewide, even among towns known for their greater affluence and propensity to vote for budget increases.
Taxes have increased significantly in the past twenty years. There is virtually no industry and a seeming lack of interest in economic development. Then again, it is part of Connecticut, the most anti-business state in America.
One more point...twenty five years ago there were about three "restaurants" in Monroe. Since then we have become a mecca for Chinese and pizza restaurants as well as nail salons.
Wolfe Park and Great Hollow are gems...the envy of many more exclusive towns in Fairfield County.