THIS IS OUACHITA PARISH
Welcome to Our Neighborhood. Ouachita Parish offers a great combination of southern charm with a small town feel, urban amenities and suburban comforts. Located on the banks of the Ouachita River in Northeast Louisiana at the crossroads of Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 165, the area has a mild climate, friendly neighbors and a host of recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy the unsurpassed beauty of the region, cultural diversity and a nurturing environment. The new Monroe Regional Airport is the gateway to the region with air service to Dallas, Houston and Atlanta. In addition, Ouachita Parish is home to the new Greater Ouachita Parish Port, an inland container port that connects Ouachita Parish industry with the world. The
Monroe
community
is
linked
with some of the biggest names in business. Delta Airlines and Coca Cola trace their beginnings to Monroe and CenturyLink, the nation’s third largest telecommunications provider, is headquartered in Monroe. In addition, national corporations like Graphic Packaging, Dow Chemical, JP Morgan Chase and Con Agra Lamb Weston have a presence in the region. Thanks to these industry giants and their many suppliers, the region provides abundant career opportunities for ULM graduates and area residents. Monroe is home to the University of Louisiana at Monroe, which offers exceptional undergraduate and graduate programs and has an enrollment of 8,560 students. The region is also home to Louisiana Delta Community College. For younger students, there are several outstanding public and private schools in the region. Monroe and West Monroe serve as the medical hub for Northeast Louisiana with three medical centers, three specialty hospitals, a cancer treatment center, and a wide array of medical specialists. Ouachita Parish is also the retail hub for the region boasting the largest shopping mall (Pecanland Mall) in Northeast Louisiana. Shoppers will also discover
unique shops, charming antique stores and the new RiverMarket in downtown Monroe. The region features superb local restaurants, like Warehouse #1, Cotton, Sage and The Waterfront, along with familiar favorites like The Olive Garden, Outback, Applebee’s, Red Lobster and Logan’s. The Ouachita Parish area provides a wealth of recreational opportunities. Whether leisurely boating down the Ouachita River, bicycling through