I live maybe 50 miles North of Monroe now and y'all are so correct. It was a beautiful city in the 60s and 70s. Those times are long gone. I'm only 65 now. So sad to see this now!
Yeah what group are you referring to? It has always been prominently black. I've lived here 55 yrs. All the funds for upkeep go to the YT side of town. There's a YT mayor now so what's the problem with the city? Jamie Mayo (black man) was mayor from 2005 til 2021. There's only 46k and some change in people West Monroe is less than 20 K. Idk what metro area this guy is talking about with over 200k.
Your channel is my world tour. I’m in England but have a lifelong fascination for the US. Always dreamed I’d find my American true love and move across for a new life…but wasn’t to be. I’m too old for such flights of fancy now but I can travel through my phone thanks to your wonderful videos. Just fascinating, soothing too…and I just love the cats you meet on the way xx thank you
Man, we’ve always known that Monroe was bad, but it was always home. I’ve since moved after graduating from LaTech in the Summer of ‘23, but there’s always a part of me that wants to go back. Hopefully we’ll start to see real change at some point, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.
I've been a truck driver for more than 40 years. I have spent the night in Monroe many many times. I never imagined crime was that bad. I'll definitely look at it differently now.
I live 30 minutes from Monroe and had heard this about it being the most violent. Although, I have never been on any of the streets he went down- I pretty much do my business and get on down the road.
Imagine living here in Monroe and not know about the crime rate. He's not far from my house. I live downtown Monroe. I cross that bridge over into West Monroe. I grew up in New Orleans and shocked Monroe is higher on the list than New Orleans, Shreveport and Baton Rouge. Weird, I thought this was a semi quiet little town 🤣🤣. I guess it depends on the neighborhood you live in. I have visited USA towns looking for a small town and settled here. I been here since 2014 and no problems. The only gunfire I hear is on the 4th of July and New Year's which is drowned out by the fireworks on the Riverfront.
@@chrissyg55 Going through Monroe on I-20. Going east. If you look to the right , there is a building with a small pink house on the roof. That has always got my attention when I drive through there. Do you know the history of that ?
I really feel for those who are working hard to keep their homes nice when they have complete eyesores next door that they can't do anything about. You can easily see what a pretty town it once was.
I stay in elberton Georgia and if your house is abandoned for too long they make the owner either remodel or tear it down so I won't hurt the next person's property values.
@@kaseyburton2518 Going off what he said about violent crime and murder rate, you probably don't go knocking on neighbours doors to complain about state of the gardens there much. It is a real shame for those who are stuck around those Rat traps though.
@@ryansta they wouldn't have to knock because the city marshall going to flag the abandoned house find the owner and make them do it. If not the city takes over your house and tears it down.
Went to college there. It was a culture shock for me. Living in ‘gunroe’ will make you appreciate wherever you came from. One thing that stood out to me when living there was the amount of stray dogs and missing street signs that never got replaced.
So out of all the things to notice about why Monroe is an extremely dangerous place, you chose stray dogs and missing street signs? That's the best you could do? "You gotta watch those MISSING SIGNS, they'll murder you on sight!! 🤡" Nice detective work, champ. Sherlock Holmes over here..
@@JakeKoenigI am born and raised in Louisiana. Pretty much the most dangerous state. Went to public school. Poverty everywhere, I’ve seen it. Just not on this level. Just an observation. The takeaway is that the city cannot afford the services to impound strays or change street signs. If you knew anything about geography and socioeconomics, you would know that these are the signs that it is in decay….
Dude, love your video's! English is not my first language, but you talk clearly, slowly and it's soo easy to understand everything! This is great stuff and well organized! Continue your good work!
Those numbers are brutal. I grew up in a bad city, mugged 3 times, knocked out twice, all between the ages of 16 and 21, and the VC numbers for that town are 450/100K. 2737 is NUTS!
Memphis TN was the highest for the longest time. This is a total shocker to me. What i love about Joe's videos is that he always has the map inserts pointing to the area he talks about. That way it gives some reference to where he is current in his drive.
When I was a kid, (late sixties early seventies) my mother would get a AAA TripTik for road trips. I was the navigator, keeping track of the exit numbers, scenic stops, and tourist attractions. I loved those maps. 😊 I do love my Google maps too.😂😂
@klwthe3rd - the cities tend to trade places every year or so. Last year, it was East Saint Louis. The year before, it was Detroit. Oakland, Baltimore, and Kansas City often take the lead.
I was driving along I-20 and stopped at the mall in Monroe just to pick up a few things. I was so frightened inside that mall. I felt I was being followed or stalked and that people were going to mug me. I found a security guard in a shop who walked me to my car. Thank you SIR...I've never stopped again in Monroe. Truly felt safer in NOLA!
I felt that way in a mall in Indianapolis in the early 90's. It even seemed like if someone started something, the stores' employees would jump in. My husband and 2 little boys (3 & 5) were with me. We got out of there quickly. It may have been the last time I went in any mall in any town I have been to since!
You know a city is bad when someone feels safer in New Orleans. That's like escaping a Grizzly bear cage and getting in a tiger cage. It's technically a little safer because the bear is the larger carnivore, but you're still probably going to die.
I was just there 2 weeks ago and I didn't feel unsafe at all and I'm from the Detroit area. .. it's weird there tho, no one is outside walking around. In Detroit, ppl wander everywhere.. I stayed 2 weeks, went all over the place around there, never even saw kids on bikes or playing or ppl working outside or cutting grass. Just weird and desolate.
You're like Mr. Rogers of travelling to different neighborhoods. Looking through your lens and as our tour guide with historical facts gives your channel authenticity. This is like watching the History Channel in real time. Thanks for the travelling experiences and educational factor.
Really impressed with your presentation. So many other touring videos seem to throw in a bunch of local trivia just for the sake of filler, but the stuff you include is actually quite interesting. Also nice, clean, smooth camera work and clear narration.
Before the 1980’s and Reaganism, one could afford a modest but nice home with a modest income. Since then inflation has destroyed the Middle Class (with no help from corporations moving jobs overseas to exploit labor, there) and now you need two large incomes to buy a starter home. It’s disgusting. 😠
The thing about those houses those houses are not abandoned, the people who probably grew up in that house or lived in that house moved off the bigger and better things, it's not all gang related in drug-related. People move away and never return!
OK, so I live here in west Monroe, and the crime is bad in Monroe, in certain areas! That is one small part of monroe, we have lots of beautiful areas Monroe, not all of it is bad. We actually have beautiful neighborhoods here in Monroe, you were showing the old downtown part that was built in the 1920's or so. Also, our mall, Pecanland mall, is not bad at all! It's not full of crime and u don't have to worry you are going to be mugged!! I have lived here my whole life and actually worked at the mall for years and I have never had an issue. Our mall is beautiful and we have nice stores in it and all around it.
Home sweet home!!! Welcome to "Funroe"!!! I've lived here for the past 13 years... moved here from Houston, TX back in 2011. After 13 years, if I had to choose, I'd stay here. Not saying it isn't bad here, but its not as bad as this in all areas. If you'd spent more time on the north side of town... north of Forsyth, that would have been more evident. Glad to see you did end the video with a lunch Fontenot's! Just had dinner there Thursday night. Great place. Loveed the video and do enjoy your channel.
I have enjoyed living in Monroe in the last 10 years. I won't say it doesn't have its problems but I think a lot of them could be solved if the attitude was different.
Same here, I bailed out at 18 also, I lived in Natchitoches parish, but not the town, just very rural, way in the country, loved it, but nothing to do, what’s so sad to me is most of my friends still live there, just doing nothing, living day to day, no inspiration to do anything with their lives, I live in Houston, great life
Louisiana has alot of ungodly problems, i dont blame you. State has so much culture and potential but has been mismanaged into the ground to the point its usually top 3 in political corruption.
I’ve lived in West Monroe all my life and worked all around Monroe for 22years. The crime is definitely isolated to certain areas. A lot of Monroe is pretty solid. Luckily Monroe switched mayors and regimes a few years back. Mayor Ellis is an energetic, optimistic guy that’s fixing years of neglect. I’m hoping we’ll see Monroe’s numbers improve in the next few years.
Sad to see this. My job took me from my suburban Chicago home to Monroe for two days back in the late 90's. Outside of working hours, I made a point of getting out and around. I found the people far more friendly than people in and around Chicago ever were. Not everyone was outgoing, but everybody I met seemed to be at least respectful towards strangers -- and usually kind. (No, I didn't just go to the "nicer" places, either.) I will always fondly remember Monroe for the people in my experience there. I hope that the crime problems get under control. Most people there deserve so much better.
The south is generally more friendly - overall. I was born in New Orleans. There seems to be less friction between "factions" than in other parts of the country. Maybe it is superficial - I don't know.
The South gets stereotyped to no end. The people down there are generally very friendly. I’m from Mpls, and I feel the same way. The military took me to the south for a year, and the people seemed a lot more down to earth than people from my home city.
i’m born and raised in a Monroe family who’s been here for 3 generations and i can tell u that we love it over here! it is bad in some parts if town, but most of the gun related crimes are usually teens which is sadly true. i feel confident saying that i feel safe in my city anywhere at anytime about 85% of the time. i’ve only felt unsafe here a few times in my entire life. we have some great history and some great people!
My family would visit my aunt there every once in a while in the 1960s. Her husband was a rice broker who lived there for some reason. They were very well off. It was an entirely different vibe back then, that's for sure.
That sounds like when I had to live in NOLA and they told me that it was "relatively" safe. Whatever that means. If I lived somewhere and 15% of the time I did not know if I would come back safe, I would be gone.
My family is from Louisiana and this is VERY accurate! Whenever my mom was angry with me growing up, she would always threaten to send me back to Louisiana...great to visit, but horrible to live.
I have several cousin's and an aunt from Louisiana. One lives in Vegas now, and my aunt and her two daughters live in the San Francisco bay area. I don't think any of them have ever been back to Louisiana. Can't say I blame them.
I grew up in the hood in Monroe. I’m in Monroe at this very moment. We just had a shooting ending in fatalities. I pray everyone here turn to GOD. It’s ALOT of civilized, hardworking, loving ppl and families here as well..
Monroe is my hometown. It used to be much safer in the 90's. Some things to add: most of the gun violence is unfortunately young people in their teens and early 20's. Lack of resources (limited public transportation and jobs) adds to the crime rate. Another thing to note is that while it is a high poverty area, our tax rate is 10.999% with city, state and federal tax. We also had a surplus in city funds, but I'm not sure what projects it went into. As for all of the trash, there is no city recycling center, and it is why Monroe lost the bid for a Toyota plant years ago. I love my hometown, and I hope it will improve someday.
Two different gang members ran into each other and started shooting. Both had stolen guns. MSM didn’t give a description so I know they. Weren’t White. If they were white you’d know for sure. If you don’t believe this start paying close attention. They’ll get labeled too !
Members of two gangs ran into each other. Both had stolen guns. Started shooting. No description so I know they weren’t White. MSM always tells you if they’re White. Start paying attention, you’ll see .
You are my favorite youtube channel for this type of content. You don't try to degrade the towns you visit you just state the facts. You narration is also informative ane relaxing. Keep up the good work. I also love it when you point out the cats.
Don't travel any more, but I've always preferred the road less traveled, the mom and pop cafes, and coming into cities on the old roads. It's always interesting to look at old buildings and recall or imagine what they were like in their heyday...Your videos have carried that on into my later years and I greatly enjoy them... My dad as a teen made two trips to California from Indiana, with his large family in their Packard, on the brand new Route 66 in the 1920s. I think of the things he saw that are gone or in ruins today, and the places he saw before the ruins we see today were even built...
It's taking me 2 days just to load my SUV but road trips are great, but less frequent. Found the Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Tx. Small town, excellent food. Bought their cookbook for the pie secrets. Then a year later they got a National award for the Best in USA cafes. Never know what the backroads will show you. America is so awesome.
Years ago there was a mall cantina, in Pie Town New Mexico,great food,and the lady that ran the place could of been a movie star,this was thirty years ago,we were elk hunting!
We travel RTE 5 from CT to New Hampshire. The places we've found to eat and shop we would never have found on the highway. We even came across a Drive-In movie theater in Vermont.
Not surprised to see Springfield, MO on any crime list. I was there 10 years ago, doing a construction job, and I learned real fast that after work I did whatever shopping I needed to do and be back in my hotel room with the door locked by sundown.
I have watched a great number of your videos.They are clear, clean and unbiase. Only the facts, as they are presented. It has uncovered a lot of questions regaring the run of many of these cities and towns. My husband and I wish we could do something like this. You are showing America to the world. The nitty gritty! This is award winning work! Thank you both for your hardwork. Thank you!
I had a run in with the KKK in Monroe in 1967 at a nite club I was playing at. We had a black singer in the band which was taboo at the time. We were on stage in the middle of a song and 5 members of the clan came in, in full KKK attire, they walked right up to the stage and told us to get that you know what outta here. If he's not gone in one hour, you guys will never see him again. Needless to say we packed up our eqiprment and left.
Houston, Tx 1974. A black man came into a club with a white woman. They were dancing and the police came onto the dance floor, picked up the black man and carried him out of the place. Must have been 50 witnesses to totally silent cops remove a human being. Bartender said he called the cops because he ain't having any of "them" in his place. It shocked me. I didn't live there. Blatant racism. Then a Sheriff told me access to the river is why crime is low.... "Bad folk can't swim." America still has much healing to do....and education. God created us all.
It pretty much goes hand in hand with a President who addresses the Nation only to forget what he was talking about. Congress is so out of touch with the true grit of reality for the people in this Country ,spending far more time focussing on themselves as being celebrities!
That's crazy.. I hopped freight for over 10 years, and Monroe is one of my favorite spots to stop and chill. I've never had a problem. The folks have always been good to me, and I've never worried about a damn thing. Louisiana is a beautiful state and 1 of my favorite places to be.
Hard to believe that one area of the city is so dilapidated and the other side is so beautiful. What I like most are all the birds. Reminds me of the sounds of birds I used to hear in VA.
I have relatives in West Monroe, who moved there from Monroe in the late 70's. My Aunt Rose Marie used to work in an office in the high rise building at 5:10. State Farm had a regional office there, and she was employed by them until about thirty years ago. Her family left early during the flight to West Monroe. When I was in high school it wasn't a bad place. Urban decay.
It's been a few years, but I remember there was a time that when you drove on I-20 just west on Monroe there was a notorious speed trap. Patrol cars would park and talk to each covering both east and west bound traffic. Every time I passed that area they always had someone pulled over. Texans always complained that they were hunting cars with Texas plates.
also this video is very a helpful for anyone who wants to go on a road trip / Vacation and who just happens to go through one of these cities to take extra precautions. Very informative. Thanks for sharing brother. stay safe out there man 👍
The reporting of violent crimes has changed so much in the last10 to 15 years, I believe it's hard to get a good accounting especially of the more major cities such as Chicago and New York. General encome for an area is going to give you a more ac curative number.
Another great video. You’re still my favorite travel channel on this web thing. LoL you show what other people don’t. I love it they way you show the good the bad the ugly. And as usual it’s all the stats, facts and trivia that does it for me. No one else does this. Though my personal favorites are the ones out west and especially my beloved west Texas. And the southwest. Please don’t change your format. Yours is unique and I like it. Safe travels my friend. Keep videoing I’ll keep watching
Thanx Nicole and Joe 4 another informative road trip. Never ceases 2 amaze me what happens in the cities across this country. Very sad on some occasions. The food did look good . B safe on ur travels.
My grandparents lived in Monroe in the 1950s. It was a very clean and peaceful town. I really looked forward to going there on vacation and Christmas mostly. It musta took a complete turnaround.
I truly enjoy your videos, your narrating is very soothing and polite even in the most despicable places! I like the rundown of numbers at the beginning as you enter a town as well, ti gives a perspective and I appreciate that.
As someone from the U.K. this is fascinating. The difference in towns, cities, population density, even the difference in how dense the poverty is. Fascinating. Similar cultures but also completely different.
America is rapidly decaying. There is not much work that pays a wage or has benefits. Its not unique to the deep south but its more common. You can find cities and towns like this all over the USA.
The FBI violent crime rate for cities is deceptive because of the way PD's record crimes (and some don't report to the FBI at all, as is the case with Jackson, MS). The only reliable way to judge how violent a city is is by its homicide rate, which can't be covered up. Springfield and Tacoma, for instance, are nowhere near the top for homicides per capita. Jackson, which does not even appear on your lists, has one of the worst murder rates in the United States.
There's no obligation for cities to report crime statistics to the FBI. The Biden administration complicated the reporting so many cities just don't submit crime statistics to the FBI. It's also crimes that are reported. When citizens lose faith in their police, they are less likely to report a crime.
I'm new to your channel. And just had to say, I have enjoyed thr videos I have seen so far, informative, and my whole life I've enjoyed learning about all the states and city's we have here in the US. I'm 50 and been to 43 states, and lived in 22, some very briefly. Your video quality is outstanding, I don't know what camera you use, but I would buy one just on how great of quality I see in your videos. Good job. Off to watch more videos while I work grooming dogs lol
Thanks again Joe and Nic for your brilliant filming and stats of Monroe etc....always an informative and easy watch, an historical index also. I cannot help but feel great sadness for the way America is going down into the abyss .
It's not just 'politics', its happening all over the western world, even Europe.... more development and economic opportunities are concentrating around urban areas, while the rural parts are dying on the vine. 100 years ago, 40% of the population lived on farms, and nowadays it's less than 2%.
As you start the film, you pass by locomotive that was painted in Kansas City Southern colors to honor fallen flag railroads. It is really quite beautiful.
I had to look into this after reading your comment. The Kansas City Southern still passes a few miles from here, with the name on the locomotives. I guess they will paint them soon. I saw a couple a few days ago. They've done with the trains what they've done with every type of business... everything is blah now.
I lived just outside of Monroe on a little country road called Ticheli Road from the time I was born in 1951 until I went into the Air Force in 1973. When I was a kid, that area was a quiet rural area. My house was surrounded by woods and fields, it was safe to be out at any time of night, a lot of my friends lived nearby, and there was a Mom 'n' Pop grocery store where Ticheli Road joined Highway 15. We would walk down to that store and get candy, cold drinks, milk, BB's, shotgun shells, whatever. In about 1969 or 70, a local developer bought up all the land behind my home and put in Section 8 housing. He did the same with other lots in the area. Today, that area that used to be such a tranquil, peaceful and safe setting is not much more than a 'hood, with boarded up homes and crime/drug/gang problems (so I am told). Sadly, this is not the only area in Monroe that has deteriorated. Virtually the entire south side, which used to be middle class homes and businesses, has gone to seed. I was in that area recently, and it looked like some third world locality. It breaks my heart to see how Monroe has deteriorated.
In the summer, the heat and humidity drive everyone inside and I guess they are so out of the habit of walking that they don't do it in February either. I grew up in Louisiana and I was the only person in town who walked voluntarily.
About 23 years ago I stayed the night in Monroe at a hotel. It was off the hook then with hookers, druggies and thieves. Someone tried getting into our room and some punk ass kid wanted to buy my pit bull from me. That’s one circus I will never stop at again.
The country’s young people are following the money. Once the young people leave that’s it. I was shocked to see the south East part of Georgia is unpopulated .
I was born in Monroe in 1971, lived on South 7th. Was a great place. I have been back several times over the years, it' appalling what it has become. You can't help those who refuse to help themselves.
A great video ! Some beautiful and unique looking buildings and homes ! The history of these cities and towns is always so fascinating ! Thanks so much, Joe and Nic, very much appreciated !😊❤
What amazes me about this video is that while you were driving around there was only one pedestrian, the lady in the Garden District with the 3 dogs. Another thing I noticed is that there are several buildings in the downtown area that look just like Long Beach, California. The post office, that building with the water tower on top, and the art loft building. Total Long Beach. What a strange town. Thank's Joe!
Driving through the south last Spring, I ended up spending the night in Monroe. People were friendly, and the part of downtown I was in was a bit upscale and quite nice.
Grew up in Monroe, around Jackson St. so it was South Side, and live in West Monroe now. It's not that bad. Be polite, mind ya business, and don't go wandering around places at night starting mess. Outside of a few grade school fights I have *never* had an issue living here. Looks like you came through right after a big storm. Especially considering the tree that was down. If there was a big storm then people were cleaning out their houses of all the things that got flooded and the city hasn't come to pick it up yet. A lot of the damage, windows blown out, trees down, roofs missing shingles, trees down, that's all wind damage. South Side is the poor area so the trash and clean up gets there last. They also tend to get the most damage because poverty doesn't lend itself to extra money for maintenance.
Thank you for spotlighting these stats. I live in Chicago. I am proud of my home and know there are far more dangerous places. They just don’t have politicians constantly calling them out. I’m not sure why tbh. I appreciate you setting the record straight.
Shreveport has really gone downhill, hasn't it. Back in the 60s, when I lived in a small town between Shreveport and Monroe, Shreveport was the classy one and Monroe was the dump.
You can’t trust these numbers anymore. New policies and lack of enforcement. They artificially lower the real numbers. There’s no guarantee you will even get a cop to respond to carjackings in my city.
Stop it with the food!!! Just kidding - you are making me homesick for southern sea food of all kinds. I was born in New Orleans and liven in Covington, La. My wife and I live in Wisconsin and there is no good southern anything here. Miss my red beans and rice, too!
You do what I’ve always wanted to do and just drive all over the country to see all the beautiful and not so beautiful sites. When I had money to do it I didn’t have the time , now I have the time I can’t afford it. So I ride along with you and Nicole. The worst two cities I’ve been to is Memphis and East St Louis. Both very scary. Your statistics and basic information helps all of us understand more about all these places. Keep up the good work.
there are quite a few of those drive by you tubers but this guy is the best.....facts , figures, maps a bit of history. Non judgemantal and a pleasant voice
I grew up 30 miles east of Monroe. Living in Monroe and other towns in this area is like you are living in the 1960s. At one time, the south side of Monroe used to be predominantly white. Once black families started to move in, white families moved out. There are three segregation academies in Monroe. There is a lot about the city that you wouldn't know from the outside looking in, but there are a lot of good people of all races that live there. However, racism is a major issue in the city and that area. One of the best decisions I ever made was to move away. I only go back to visit my parents and my close friends.
A couple of things about your videos. 1. You always show awesome food 2. Even though the houses don't look very nice, they always have a nice car in the driveway. Thanks for the videos.
Having a nice car doesn't mean anything. I see people renting crappy apartments with a Ford 150 Raptors outside of them. They can't afford a deposit for a house, but can afford to pay over $1000 a month for a vehicle. Just shows you people's priorities.
Wow what area is this happening at ? My brother lives in the minneapolis ,Mn area and pays $1,500 for a small one bedroom apartment. I believe its in lake elmo area of the twin cities .
Interesting video! I’m surprised Gary, Indiana wasn’t on any of your lists because for a long time that was declared the worst place to live in America and they have a high crime rate
Thanks Joe! BTW, in Louisiana, Fontenots is 'Fontenoes'. I really enjoy your channel and I'm always ready for the next one. Stay safe, stay happy and keep on trucking!
He mentioned that the town was 61 percent Black. In 1980-1982, Monroe Louisiana was around 65 percent White, about 30 percent Black. In 2009 it was 60 percent Black. Show me an area in America that was predominantly White. Had a demographic shift where it became predominantly Black, and 30 years after the demographic shift the neighborhood remained as good as it was before the demographic shift. It's cultural.
Sad and surprised..went to college in Monroe and lived in area for ten years in late 1970s and 1980s ...never had any incidents and thought nice place to live. In fact I almost moved back to West Monroe in 1990s. I did drive through years later and saw a lot of businesses closed .
I’ve lived in Saginaw Mi all my life, can be tough here at times. I’ve had two uncles and a nephew murdered…lots of good hardworking folk here still. Gang activity is big issue. Sad
A lot of people who live in South Arkansas drive down to Monroe to go to the mall there. Why, I never figured out. I went there once or twice back in the late 80's, and that was more than enough for me, but some people are mall-crazy, too. I bought my first Harley there, but really never went back more than a few times. I hope you carry on these trips. I know I would, but then I carry everywhere and have since the early 2000's. Never had to even draw it though, thank God. I'm disappointed to find Springfield MO in the top 20, but I've never had a problem there, even though we only go 1-2 times a year.
Well, in Sweden, we have much more re-cycling of material. This means that most garbage is, in every city, transported to a place where all material is sorted out and re-processed to new material. This is a big business worth a huge amount of money. We have power plants burning on whatever is combustible at extreme high temperatures creating cheap energy (compared to uran, coal and oil). We have metal recycling, much cheaper than new mining. We re-use plastics several times. When you buy a soda bottle, you pay a fee at the purchase, which is returned when returning the bottle at recycling station. One day, when oil prices goes up over a certain point, someone will find out how much trash there is in these towns and make a fortune worth of re-cycling......😅
The definition of a violent crime is different from state to state. Some of Violent crimes committed in Louisiana would not be considered violent in California. It's probably the same for Illinois.
You are doing a good service to show parts of the country that are being forgotton. Thank you so much. It takes alot of effort and many skills to accomplish this.
I live maybe 50 miles North of Monroe now and y'all are so correct. It was a beautiful city in the 60s and 70s. Those times are long gone. I'm only 65 now. So sad to see this now!
Really easy to know why, it's just like Detroit once a certain group takes over or becomes the majority of a city or town.
And why do all of these cities go to ruins😢
@@up0820what kind of group so I know to keep an eye out?..!
Yeah what group are you referring to? It has always been prominently black. I've lived here 55 yrs. All the funds for upkeep go to the YT side of town. There's a YT mayor now so what's the problem with the city? Jamie Mayo (black man) was mayor from 2005 til 2021. There's only 46k and some change in people West Monroe is less than 20 K. Idk what metro area this guy is talking about with over 200k.
@@jodiross1902 Because there are no jobs . There is no future.
Your channel is my world tour. I’m in England but have a lifelong fascination for the US. Always dreamed I’d find my American true love and move across for a new life…but wasn’t to be. I’m too old for such flights of fancy now but I can travel through my phone thanks to your wonderful videos. Just fascinating, soothing too…and I just love the cats you meet on the way xx thank you
PLEASE do NOT go to the last five cities. The authorities are misleading the world on those numbers. I appreciate this work, however.
As someone who lives in the United States, I think it is just as well that you didn't move here.
I’m in the US and always dreamed of moving to the UK.
@@susanpage8315 Yep, I would love to live in the UK right about now.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
Man, we’ve always known that Monroe was bad, but it was always home. I’ve since moved after graduating from LaTech in the Summer of ‘23, but there’s always a part of me that wants to go back. Hopefully we’ll start to see real change at some point, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.
Southern Classic chicken tho 😂 he did not mention that
I've been a truck driver for more than 40 years. I have spent the night in Monroe many many times. I never imagined crime was that bad. I'll definitely look at it differently now.
I live 30 minutes from Monroe and had heard this about it being the most violent. Although, I have never been on any of the streets he went down- I pretty much do my business and get on down the road.
A lot of places are like that where most of the crime and blight are in very small pockets done by a few gangs.
Why tho???
Imagine living here in Monroe and not know about the crime rate. He's not far from my house. I live downtown Monroe. I cross that bridge over into West Monroe. I grew up in New Orleans and shocked Monroe is higher on the list than New Orleans, Shreveport and Baton Rouge. Weird, I thought this was a semi quiet little town 🤣🤣. I guess it depends on the neighborhood you live in. I have visited USA towns looking for a small town and settled here. I been here since 2014 and no problems. The only gunfire I hear is on the 4th of July and New Year's which is drowned out by the fireworks on the Riverfront.
@@chrissyg55 Going through Monroe on I-20. Going east. If you look to the right , there is a building with a small pink house on the roof. That has always got my attention when I drive through there. Do you know the history of that ?
I really feel for those who are working hard to keep their homes nice when they have complete eyesores next door that they can't do anything about. You can easily see what a pretty town it once was.
I stay in elberton Georgia and if your house is abandoned for too long they make the owner either remodel or tear it down so I won't hurt the next person's property values.
@@kaseyburton2518 Going off what he said about violent crime and murder rate, you probably don't go knocking on neighbours doors to complain about state of the gardens there much. It is a real shame for those who are stuck around those Rat traps though.
@@ryansta they wouldn't have to knock because the city marshall going to flag the abandoned house find the owner and make them do it. If not the city takes over your house and tears it down.
So hard to see so much crushing poverty in an American town
@@kaseyburton2518 Seems like what I wrote has been deleted ?
thanks for you answer though.
The melodic sounds of the local birds was so beautiful to the ear. I just loved the bird sounds so much
He was probably there pretty early in the morning. Maybe the reason you don't see hardly anyone around.
Went to college there. It was a culture shock for me. Living in ‘gunroe’ will make you appreciate wherever you came from. One thing that stood out to me when living there was the amount of stray dogs and missing street signs that never got replaced.
So out of all the things to notice about why Monroe is an extremely dangerous place, you chose stray dogs and missing street signs? That's the best you could do? "You gotta watch those MISSING SIGNS, they'll murder you on sight!! 🤡"
Nice detective work, champ. Sherlock Holmes over here..
Headass
@@JakeKoenigI am born and raised in Louisiana. Pretty much the most dangerous state. Went to public school. Poverty everywhere, I’ve seen it. Just not on this level. Just an observation. The takeaway is that the city cannot afford the services to impound strays or change street signs. If you knew anything about geography and socioeconomics, you would know that these are the signs that it is in decay….
And that’s exactly our city nickname 😂😂😂😂Gunroeiykyk
That's the most waterless gumbo I've ever seen looks more like vegetable soup
Dude, love your video's! English is not my first language, but you talk clearly, slowly and it's soo easy to understand everything! This is great stuff and well organized! Continue your good work!
Those numbers are brutal. I grew up in a bad city, mugged 3 times, knocked out twice, all between the ages of 16 and 21, and the VC numbers for that town are 450/100K. 2737 is NUTS!
Damn, where are you from?
Memphis TN was the highest for the longest time. This is a total shocker to me. What i love about Joe's videos is that he always has the map inserts pointing to the area he talks about. That way it gives some reference to where he is current in his drive.
When I was a kid, (late sixties early seventies) my mother would get a AAA TripTik for road trips. I was the navigator, keeping track of the exit numbers, scenic stops, and tourist attractions. I loved those maps. 😊
I do love my Google maps too.😂😂
@@egregious3666TripTiks didn't spy on you like Google maps. Ask me how i know that since i work as an IT Security Specialist. Triple A for the win.🤣🤣🤣
In movie and television parlance, this is called the "establishing shot"
@klwthe3rd - the cities tend to trade places every year or so. Last year, it was East Saint Louis. The year before, it was Detroit. Oakland, Baltimore, and Kansas City often take the lead.
U can have biden
I was driving along I-20 and stopped at the mall in Monroe just to pick up a few things. I was so frightened inside that mall. I felt I was being followed or stalked and that people were going to mug me. I found a security guard in a shop who walked me to my car. Thank you SIR...I've never stopped again in Monroe. Truly felt safer in NOLA!
I felt that way in a mall in Indianapolis in the early 90's. It even seemed like if someone started something, the stores' employees would jump in. My husband and 2 little boys (3 & 5) were with me. We got out of there quickly. It may have been the last time I went in any mall in any town I have been to since!
@@mamalor13 wow early 1990's ? That seems like a paradise in retrospect to today.
@@maitreyas.4902 It felt other-worldly and almost like a movie set at that time.
You know a city is bad when someone feels safer in New Orleans. That's like escaping a Grizzly bear cage and getting in a tiger cage. It's technically a little safer because the bear is the larger carnivore, but you're still probably going to die.
I was just there 2 weeks ago and I didn't feel unsafe at all and I'm from the Detroit area. .. it's weird there tho, no one is outside walking around. In Detroit, ppl wander everywhere.. I stayed 2 weeks, went all over the place around there, never even saw kids on bikes or playing or ppl working outside or cutting grass. Just weird and desolate.
You're like Mr. Rogers of travelling to different neighborhoods. Looking through your lens and as our tour guide with historical facts gives your channel authenticity. This is like watching the History Channel in real time. Thanks for the travelling experiences and educational factor.
Id like to hear him do the stats in the counts voice one time.
I like that the houses are a ways from the road and have large properties.
Really impressed with your presentation. So many other touring videos seem to throw in a bunch of local trivia just for the sake of filler, but the stuff you include is actually quite interesting. Also nice, clean, smooth camera work and clear narration.
All those abandoned houses were someone's dream home at one point.
i suspect some of them have people living in them
Uh, maybe not. They probably wanted something nicer but could not afford it.
Before the 1980’s and Reaganism, one could afford a modest but nice home with a modest income.
Since then inflation has destroyed the Middle Class (with no help from corporations moving jobs overseas to exploit labor, there) and now you need two large incomes to buy a starter home. It’s disgusting. 😠
@@perry92964Penniless squatters no doubt. Better than sleeping In the streets.
The thing about those houses those houses are not abandoned, the people who probably grew up in that house or lived in that house moved off the bigger and better things, it's not all gang related in drug-related. People move away and never return!
OK, so I live here in west Monroe, and the crime is bad in Monroe, in certain areas! That is one small part of monroe, we have lots of beautiful areas Monroe, not all of it is bad. We actually have beautiful neighborhoods here in Monroe, you were showing the old downtown part that was built in the 1920's or so. Also, our mall, Pecanland mall, is not bad at all! It's not full of crime and u don't have to worry you are going to be mugged!! I have lived here my whole life and actually worked at the mall for years and I have never had an issue. Our mall is beautiful and we have nice stores in it and all around it.
I shipped in the mall.. had no issues there or anywhere in Monroe.
Home sweet home!!! Welcome to "Funroe"!!! I've lived here for the past 13 years... moved here from Houston, TX back in 2011. After 13 years, if I had to choose, I'd stay here. Not saying it isn't bad here, but its not as bad as this in all areas. If you'd spent more time on the north side of town... north of Forsyth, that would have been more evident.
Glad to see you did end the video with a lunch Fontenot's! Just had dinner there Thursday night. Great place.
Loveed the video and do enjoy your channel.
I have enjoyed living in Monroe in the last 10 years. I won't say it doesn't have its problems but I think a lot of them could be solved if the attitude was different.
I grew up in Louisiana and this doesn't surprise me at all.I left that state at age 18 and have never looked back.
Same here, I bailed out at 18 also, I lived in Natchitoches parish, but not the town, just very rural, way in the country, loved it, but nothing to do, what’s so sad to me is most of my friends still live there, just doing nothing, living day to day, no inspiration to do anything with their lives, I live in Houston, great life
On the contrary I moved to Baton Rouge since 1984 from Orange County California until now. Perhaps because I am addicted to Tony’s Crawfish 😄
plenty of room in NY and Illinois.
Louisiana has alot of ungodly problems, i dont blame you. State has so much culture and potential but has been mismanaged into the ground to the point its usually top 3 in political corruption.
@@myfreejoe I hope you’re being sarcastic
I’ve lived in West Monroe all my life and worked all around Monroe for 22years. The crime is definitely isolated to certain areas. A lot of Monroe is pretty solid. Luckily Monroe switched mayors and regimes a few years back. Mayor Ellis is an energetic, optimistic guy that’s fixing years of neglect. I’m hoping we’ll see Monroe’s numbers improve in the next few years.
Claytonhnelson that is very good news to hear, that the town has good areas too, and plans to get better.
Sad to see this. My job took me from my suburban Chicago home to Monroe for two days back in the late 90's. Outside of working hours, I made a point of getting out and around. I found the people far more friendly than people in and around Chicago ever were. Not everyone was outgoing, but everybody I met seemed to be at least respectful towards strangers -- and usually kind. (No, I didn't just go to the "nicer" places, either.) I will always fondly remember Monroe for the people in my experience there. I hope that the crime problems get under control. Most people there deserve so much better.
The south is generally more friendly - overall. I was born in New Orleans. There seems to be less friction between "factions" than in other parts of the country. Maybe it is superficial - I don't know.
Look up their City government and you might find some answers there !
Wonder why
The South gets stereotyped to no end. The people down there are generally very friendly. I’m from Mpls, and I feel the same way. The military took me to the south for a year, and the people seemed a lot more down to earth than people from my home city.
Keep in mind that those are only "reported" violent crimes, there's a lot more than that.
Ain't that the truth. I expect that is especially true for the list shown at 6:10. I mean ... El Paso? Chicago? Those numbers seem crazy low.
Very true. And the most violent neighborhoods don't report crimes because they know snitches get taken care of.
i’m born and raised in a Monroe family who’s been here for 3 generations and i can tell u that we love it over here! it is bad in some parts if town, but most of the gun related crimes are usually teens which is sadly true. i feel confident saying that i feel safe in my city anywhere at anytime about 85% of the time. i’ve only felt unsafe here a few times in my entire life. we have some great history and some great people!
My family would visit my aunt there every once in a while in the 1960s. Her husband was a rice broker who lived there for some reason. They were very well off. It was an entirely different vibe back then, that's for sure.
That sounds like when I had to live in NOLA and they told me that it was "relatively" safe. Whatever that means. If I lived somewhere and 15% of the time I did not know if I would come back safe, I would be gone.
My family is from Louisiana and this is VERY accurate! Whenever my mom was angry with me growing up, she would always threaten to send me back to Louisiana...great to visit, but horrible to live.
I have several cousin's and an aunt from Louisiana. One lives in Vegas now, and my aunt and her two daughters live in the San Francisco bay area. I don't think any of them have ever been back to Louisiana. Can't say I blame them.
Monroe is me@most of my family home born the therm most of us moved early 70's
I like that tidbit about Delta Airlines that I didn't know. Your videos are also a history lesson. Thanks again.
I grew up in the hood in Monroe. I’m in Monroe at this very moment. We just had a shooting ending in fatalities. I pray everyone here turn to GOD. It’s ALOT of civilized, hardworking, loving ppl and families here as well..
A lot of pcp smokers there?
Huh? Most everyone there IS a believer but that doesn't help anything .
I'll join you in prayer 🙏
👍👍
Monroe is my hometown. It used to be much safer in the 90's. Some things to add: most of the gun violence is unfortunately young people in their teens and early 20's. Lack of resources (limited public transportation and jobs) adds to the crime rate. Another thing to note is that while it is a high poverty area, our tax rate is 10.999% with city, state and federal tax. We also had a surplus in city funds, but I'm not sure what projects it went into. As for all of the trash, there is no city recycling center, and it is why Monroe lost the bid for a Toyota plant years ago. I love my hometown, and I hope it will improve someday.
Live outside Monroe / W. Monroe. You're spot on.
No basic trash pick up?
@@ankhpom9296 We do have trash pickup. No public recycling centers though
The duck dynasty people are from there my mom as well I never been but come on it's not that dangerous try OAKLAND California 😂 🌉
I live here too. It’s nothing like was described. I like it here but have had a difficult time making friends
After our latest debacle, the Super Bowl Victory Celebration shooting, I'm not surprised at KC's ranking. What a sad, senseless state of affairs.
Agreed.They don't play in KC.
Two different gang members ran into each other and started shooting. Both had stolen guns. MSM didn’t give a description so I know they. Weren’t White. If they were white you’d know for sure. If you don’t believe this start paying close attention. They’ll get labeled too !
Downtown KC East is full of thugs. Poor leadership. Reduced and defunded police. Leftwing media.
You would think that with over 800 police on duty and Missouri being a gun sanctuary constitutional carry State it would be safe at a parade 🤔
Members of two gangs ran into each other. Both had stolen guns. Started shooting. No description so I know they weren’t White. MSM always tells you if they’re White. Start paying attention, you’ll see .
I found your channel, Joe and Nic's road trip, very interesting and informative. Thank you. Please keep it up and be safe traveling.
Thank you, and we will!
You are my favorite youtube channel for this type of content. You don't try to degrade the towns you visit you just state the facts. You narration is also informative ane relaxing. Keep up the good work. I also love it when you point out the cats.
Don't travel any more, but I've always preferred the road less traveled, the mom and pop cafes, and coming into cities on the old roads. It's always interesting to look at old buildings and recall or imagine what they were like in their heyday...Your videos have carried that on into my later years and I greatly enjoy them... My dad as a teen made two trips to California from Indiana, with his large family in their Packard, on the brand new Route 66 in the 1920s. I think of the things he saw that are gone or in ruins today, and the places he saw before the ruins we see today were even built...
It's taking me 2 days just to load my SUV but road trips are great, but less frequent. Found the Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Tx. Small town, excellent food. Bought their cookbook for the pie secrets. Then a year later they got a National award for the Best in USA cafes. Never know what the backroads will show you. America is so awesome.
Or some of those weird, neat areas along Route 66. Would have been interesting to see some of that.
Years ago there was a mall cantina, in Pie Town New Mexico,great food,and the lady that ran the place could of been a movie star,this was thirty years ago,we were elk hunting!
😢😢 The America, I once knew is gone.
We travel RTE 5 from CT to New Hampshire. The places we've found to eat and shop we would never have found on the highway. We even came across a Drive-In movie theater in Vermont.
Not surprised to see Springfield, MO on any crime list. I was there 10 years ago, doing a construction job, and I learned real fast that after work I did whatever shopping I needed to do and be back in my hotel room with the door locked by sundown.
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your video. Now I have to binge watch everything. Great job, guys
I have watched a great number of your videos.They are clear, clean and unbiase. Only the facts, as they are presented. It has uncovered a lot of questions regaring the run of many of these cities and towns. My husband and I wish we could do something like this. You are showing America to the world. The nitty gritty! This is award winning work! Thank you both for your hardwork. Thank you!
Hard work?
Award winning.......I agree. ! !
Why are you worshipping someone on the internet?
Wow, thank you!
And the world is watching🇦🇺🦘🪃🇦🇺🦘🪃
Looks like a great neighborhood. Size of homes. Size of lawns. Very well kept roads.
I had a run in with the KKK in Monroe in 1967 at a nite club I was playing at. We had a black singer in the band which was taboo at the time. We were on stage in the middle of a song and 5 members of the clan came in, in full KKK attire, they walked right up to the stage and told us to get that you know what outta here. If he's not gone in one hour, you guys will never see him again. Needless to say we packed up our eqiprment and left.
It s not them
U should know
Bet it was safe then..... currently 61.1% black there. Ignore the elephant in the room.
Houston, Tx 1974. A black man came into a club with a white woman. They were dancing and the police came onto the dance floor, picked up the black man and carried him out of the place. Must have been 50 witnesses to totally silent cops remove a human being. Bartender said he called the cops because he ain't having any of "them" in his place. It shocked me. I didn't live there. Blatant racism. Then a Sheriff told me access to the river is why crime is low.... "Bad folk can't swim."
America still has much healing to do....and education. God created us all.
its not like that now. the mayors demoncrat and all that comes with that.
The poverty, decay & abandonment in the wealthiest country in the world never ceases to amaze me
Great video as always
It’s not wealthy. It’s all a lie.
Exactly. It's unnecessarily horrendous.
I'm not surprised at all.
Give them a brand new place to live and it’s tore up in a short time. I’ve seen this right there in Monroe , Louisiana in the 1970’s !
It pretty much goes hand in hand with a President who addresses the Nation only to forget what he was talking about. Congress is so out of touch with the true grit of reality for the people in this Country ,spending far more time focussing on themselves as being celebrities!
That's crazy.. I hopped freight for over 10 years, and Monroe is one of my favorite spots to stop and chill. I've never had a problem. The folks have always been good to me, and I've never worried about a damn thing. Louisiana is a beautiful state and 1 of my favorite places to be.
Hard to believe that one area of the city is so dilapidated and the other side is so beautiful. What I like most are all the birds. Reminds me of the sounds of birds I used to hear in VA.
Easy enough to identify Black neighborhoods.
I have relatives in West Monroe, who moved there from Monroe in the late 70's. My Aunt Rose Marie used to work in an office in the high rise building at 5:10. State Farm had a regional office there, and she was employed by them until about thirty years ago. Her family left early during the flight to West Monroe. When I was in high school it wasn't a bad place. Urban decay.
Monroe is quiet during the day but at night the devil comes out to play.
Like in Europe.
Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, France etc.
easier to spot them in the day?? Just sayin......
It's been a few years, but I remember there was a time that when you drove on I-20 just west on Monroe there was a notorious speed trap. Patrol cars would park and talk to each covering both east and west bound traffic. Every time I passed that area they always had someone pulled over. Texans always complained that they were hunting cars with Texas plates.
also this video is very a helpful for anyone who wants to go on a road trip / Vacation and who just happens to go through one of these cities to take extra precautions. Very informative. Thanks for sharing brother. stay safe out there man 👍
The reporting of violent crimes has changed so much in the last10 to 15 years, I believe it's hard to get a good accounting especially of the more major cities such as Chicago and New York. General encome for an area is going to give you a more ac curative number.
Another great video. You’re still my favorite travel channel on this web thing. LoL you show what other people don’t. I love it they way you show the good the bad the ugly. And as usual it’s all the stats, facts and trivia that does it for me. No one else does this. Though my personal favorites are the ones out west and especially my beloved west Texas. And the southwest. Please don’t change your format. Yours is unique and I like it. Safe travels my friend. Keep videoing I’ll keep watching
Wow, thank you! We're glad you're here. :)
Thanx Nicole and Joe 4 another informative road trip. Never ceases 2 amaze me what happens in the cities across this country. Very sad on some occasions. The food did look good . B safe on ur travels.
My grandparents lived in Monroe in the 1950s. It was a very clean and peaceful town. I really looked forward to going there on vacation and Christmas mostly. It musta took a complete turnaround.
I truly enjoy your videos, your narrating is very soothing and polite even in the most despicable places! I like the rundown of numbers at the beginning as you enter a town as well, ti gives a perspective and I appreciate that.
Wow, thank you!
I second that endorsement,what a great job you do sir,you take us back in time,God Bless you!
As someone from the U.K. this is fascinating. The difference in towns, cities, population density, even the difference in how dense the poverty is. Fascinating. Similar cultures but also completely different.
The Patchwork That Is America
America is rapidly decaying. There is not much work that pays a wage or has benefits. Its not unique to the deep south but its more common. You can find cities and towns like this all over the USA.
This is a greast series of videos showing us where we don't ever want to live. A great public service!
I can't help but feel the country is in a death spiral.
I can u should know why
You notice the very minimal amount of people everywhere he goes? Where is the population??
U think I think the same way mississippi ant bad yet we have republican governor tge past 70 years got one now
@@Rook98766Biden is your problem
@@forbiddenknowledgeseeker- they sleep during the day, and come out at night.
The FBI violent crime rate for cities is deceptive because of the way PD's record crimes (and some don't report to the FBI at all, as is the case with Jackson, MS). The only reliable way to judge how violent a city is is by its homicide rate, which can't be covered up. Springfield and Tacoma, for instance, are nowhere near the top for homicides per capita. Jackson, which does not even appear on your lists, has one of the worst murder rates in the United States.
@DonnellOkafor-pd7yn Don't forget Alaska cities. They have the most serial killers but they keep it on a hush.
Exactly! Well stated.
There's no obligation for cities to report crime statistics to the FBI. The Biden administration complicated the reporting so many cities just don't submit crime statistics to the FBI.
It's also crimes that are reported. When citizens lose faith in their police, they are less likely to report a crime.
I'm new to your channel. And just had to say, I have enjoyed thr videos I have seen so far, informative, and my whole life I've enjoyed learning about all the states and city's we have here in the US. I'm 50 and been to 43 states, and lived in 22, some very briefly.
Your video quality is outstanding, I don't know what camera you use, but I would buy one just on how great of quality I see in your videos. Good job. Off to watch more videos while I work grooming dogs lol
Awesome! Thank you!
Another awesome video Joe, and Nichole, love watching your adventures! Please be safe out there, and God bless you guys!!
Thanks again Joe and Nic for your brilliant filming and stats of Monroe etc....always an informative and easy watch, an historical index also.
I cannot help but feel great sadness for the way America is going down into the abyss .
It's not just 'politics', its happening all over the western world, even Europe.... more development and economic opportunities are concentrating around urban areas, while the rural parts are dying on the vine. 100 years ago, 40% of the population lived on farms, and nowadays it's less than 2%.
I live in the Garden District. Those are majority Plantation homes.
I live an hour from Monroe. We don’t go there unless we all carry.
As you start the film, you pass by locomotive that was painted in Kansas City Southern colors to honor fallen flag railroads. It is really quite beautiful.
I had to look into this after reading your comment. The Kansas City Southern still passes a few miles from here, with the name on the locomotives. I guess they will paint them soon. I saw a couple a few days ago. They've done with the trains what they've done with every type of business... everything is blah now.
I lived just outside of Monroe on a little country road called Ticheli Road from the time I was born in 1951 until I went into the Air Force in 1973. When I was a kid, that area was a quiet rural area. My house was surrounded by woods and fields, it was safe to be out at any time of night, a lot of my friends lived nearby, and there was a Mom 'n' Pop grocery store where Ticheli Road joined Highway 15. We would walk down to that store and get candy, cold drinks, milk, BB's, shotgun shells, whatever.
In about 1969 or 70, a local developer bought up all the land behind my home and put in Section 8 housing. He did the same with other lots in the area. Today, that area that used to be such a tranquil, peaceful and safe setting is not much more than a 'hood, with boarded up homes and crime/drug/gang problems (so I am told).
Sadly, this is not the only area in Monroe that has deteriorated. Virtually the entire south side, which used to be middle class homes and businesses, has gone to seed. I was in that area recently, and it looked like some third world locality.
It breaks my heart to see how Monroe has deteriorated.
These videos are so interesting but I'm always astonished at there being so few people out and about. Sometimes none at all.
In the summer, the heat and humidity drive everyone inside and I guess they are so out of the habit of walking that they don't do it in February either. I grew up in Louisiana and I was the only person in town who walked voluntarily.
@@kerrynight3271 This. Also, people may have been at work.
Wait 'till dark!
About 23 years ago I stayed the night in Monroe at a hotel. It was off the hook then with hookers, druggies and thieves. Someone tried getting into our room and some punk ass kid wanted to buy my pit bull from me. That’s one circus I will never stop at again.
The country’s young people are following the money. Once the young people leave that’s it. I was shocked to see the south East part of Georgia is unpopulated .
I was born in Monroe in 1971, lived on South 7th. Was a great place. I have been back several times over the years, it' appalling what it has become. You can't help those who refuse to help themselves.
wow same
Thanks for including a nice local meal at the end. I hope that continues!
Awesome work Joe and Nic!
Thank you!
Such a blessing to travel the country and just be free. Live it up guys, enjoy the ride.
A great video ! Some beautiful and unique looking buildings and homes ! The history of these cities and towns is always so fascinating ! Thanks so much, Joe and Nic, very much appreciated !😊❤
Thank you, CL!! :)
The crime statistics floored me! I would have never imagined them. Your food looked scrumptious! Always love riding along with ya'll. Thanks.
What amazes me about this video is that while you were driving around there was only one pedestrian, the lady in the Garden District with the 3 dogs. Another thing I noticed is that there are several buildings in the downtown area that look just like Long Beach, California. The post office, that building with the water tower on top, and the art loft building. Total Long Beach. What a strange town. Thank's Joe!
the contrast between the two areas you showed was mind blowing. The haves and the have nots.
Haiti conditions and non Haiti conditions.
Driving through the south last Spring, I ended up spending the night in Monroe. People were friendly, and the part of downtown I was in was a bit upscale and quite nice.
Grew up in Monroe, around Jackson St. so it was South Side, and live in West Monroe now. It's not that bad. Be polite, mind ya business, and don't go wandering around places at night starting mess. Outside of a few grade school fights I have *never* had an issue living here.
Looks like you came through right after a big storm. Especially considering the tree that was down. If there was a big storm then people were cleaning out their houses of all the things that got flooded and the city hasn't come to pick it up yet. A lot of the damage, windows blown out, trees down, roofs missing shingles, trees down, that's all wind damage. South Side is the poor area so the trash and clean up gets there last. They also tend to get the most damage because poverty doesn't lend itself to extra money for maintenance.
Wow. Monroe used to be a very nice place many years ago. So sad.
Thank you for spotlighting these stats. I live in Chicago. I am proud of my home and know there are far more dangerous places. They just don’t have politicians constantly calling them out. I’m not sure why tbh. I appreciate you setting the record straight.
Seattle is giving its best shot to get on that list.
Am surprised Baton Rouge and Shreveport weren’t there. That would have made a quintet of LA cities.
Shreveport has really gone downhill, hasn't it. Back in the 60s, when I lived in a small town between Shreveport and Monroe, Shreveport was the classy one and Monroe was the dump.
Don't forget New Orleans on your list.
@chrissyg55 if you look up just murder, I think it's top 3.
You can’t trust these numbers anymore. New policies and lack of enforcement. They artificially lower the real numbers. There’s no guarantee you will even get a cop to respond to carjackings in my city.
Stop it with the food!!! Just kidding - you are making me homesick for southern sea food of all kinds. I was born in New Orleans and liven in Covington, La. My wife and I live in Wisconsin and there is no good southern anything here. Miss my red beans and rice, too!
Johnny Rivers sang his big country/Rock hit 'Po side of town' about 1964, being from the south he could relate. Robert at 69 in Arizona.
One thing to be said southern cooking is undeniably the best !👍😜🇺🇸
Absolutely.
Extremely interesting.Thanks from London,England
You do what I’ve always wanted to do and just drive all over the country to see all the beautiful and not so beautiful sites. When I had money to do it I didn’t have the time , now I have the time I can’t afford it. So I ride along with you and Nicole. The worst two cities I’ve been to is Memphis and East St Louis. Both very scary. Your statistics and basic information helps all of us understand more about all these places. Keep up the good work.
It’s actually quite clean even though the structures are old. Until you made it to South Monroe.
there are quite a few of those drive by you tubers but this guy is the best.....facts , figures, maps a bit of history. Non judgemantal and a pleasant voice
Due to comments, especially yours, im subbed. ty
And a little humor mixed in 😅
This is where I grew up. It made me a strong person and I Thank Monroe for that 😊
Education is the way out of poverty. Just a good basic education & trade school. You don't need college. Get these kids educated!!!
The parents have to care, they dont. They have so many children and they don't make them go to school.
I grew up 30 miles east of Monroe. Living in Monroe and other towns in this area is like you are living in the 1960s. At one time, the south side of Monroe used to be predominantly white. Once black families started to move in, white families moved out. There are three segregation academies in Monroe. There is a lot about the city that you wouldn't know from the outside looking in, but there are a lot of good people of all races that live there. However, racism is a major issue in the city and that area. One of the best decisions I ever made was to move away. I only go back to visit my parents and my close friends.
I'm glad for you that you were able to get away. I grew up 50 miles to the west. You make good points.
The crime statistics don’t surprise me at all .
Thanks for uploading these videos. Showing a different perspective on what different towns and cities.
A couple of things about your videos.
1. You always show awesome food
2. Even though the houses don't look very nice, they always have a nice car in the driveway.
Thanks for the videos.
It’s a statement from the people that live there.
Having a nice car doesn't mean anything. I see people renting crappy apartments with a Ford 150 Raptors outside of them. They can't afford a deposit for a house, but can afford to pay over $1000 a month for a vehicle.
Just shows you people's priorities.
The welfare Cadillac definitely lives on.
@@bubba842houses can cost a lot of money and people break even. Just saying. Apartments in my area are several thousand for 600 sq ft junk.
Wow what area is this happening at ? My brother lives in the minneapolis ,Mn area and pays $1,500 for a small one bedroom apartment. I believe its in lake elmo area of the twin cities .
You dont see crime like that in Montana or Vermont..
I wonder why.
Interesting video! I’m surprised Gary, Indiana wasn’t on any of your lists because for a long time that was declared the worst place to live in America and they have a high crime rate
Thanks Joe! BTW, in Louisiana, Fontenots is 'Fontenoes'. I really enjoy your channel and I'm always ready for the next one. Stay safe, stay happy and keep on trucking!
I grew up in Louisiana and was shocked when he pronounced it the way he did. Thank you for the correction.
That gave me a good giggle when he said Fon tuh knots. 😂
He mentioned that the town was 61 percent Black. In 1980-1982, Monroe Louisiana was around 65 percent White, about 30 percent Black. In 2009 it was 60 percent Black. Show me an area in America that was predominantly White. Had a demographic shift where it became predominantly Black, and 30 years after the demographic shift the neighborhood remained as good as it was before the demographic shift. It's cultural.
Avoid those cities
I agree.
Sad and surprised..went to college in Monroe and lived in area for ten years in late 1970s and 1980s ...never had any incidents and thought nice place to live. In fact I almost moved back to West Monroe in 1990s. I did drive through years later and saw a lot of businesses closed .
I’ve lived in Saginaw Mi all my life, can be tough here at times. I’ve had two uncles and a nephew murdered…lots of good hardworking folk here still. Gang activity is big issue. Sad
There's something special about your videos. Greetings from Australia.
Wow, thank you!
Silent T on Fontenot’s. It’s a Cajun last name
I'm surprised to see that in Monroe. Majority of the Cajuns are located in south Louisiana
@@SteveNas530 Hey take a hike to Monroe.
So surprised that when you were driving around didn't see any residents until the end of the video it seemed like a ghost town
A lot of people who live in South Arkansas drive down to Monroe to go to the mall there. Why, I never figured out. I went there once or twice back in the late 80's, and that was more than enough for me, but some people are mall-crazy, too. I bought my first Harley there, but really never went back more than a few times.
I hope you carry on these trips. I know I would, but then I carry everywhere and have since the early 2000's. Never had to even draw it though, thank God.
I'm disappointed to find Springfield MO in the top 20, but I've never had a problem there, even though we only go 1-2 times a year.
Well, in Sweden, we have much more re-cycling of material. This means that most garbage is, in every city, transported to a place where all material is sorted out and re-processed to new material. This is a big business worth a huge amount of money. We have power plants burning on whatever is combustible at extreme high temperatures creating cheap energy (compared to uran, coal and oil). We have metal recycling, much cheaper than new mining. We re-use plastics several times. When you buy a soda bottle, you pay a fee at the purchase, which is returned when returning the bottle at recycling station. One day, when oil prices goes up over a certain point, someone will find out how much trash there is in these towns and make a fortune worth of re-cycling......😅
The definition of a violent crime is different from state to state. Some of Violent crimes committed in Louisiana would not be considered violent in California. It's probably the same for Illinois.
You are doing a good service to show parts of the country that are being forgotton. Thank you so much. It takes alot of effort and many skills to accomplish this.
This was so very interesting to see how one side of Monroe was so very different to the other.
Thank you for showing us Joey 😊
We call Louisville Ave the Mason Dixon line here in Monroe.
“Monroe”
@@Valmontst 👍🏻