Monroe is an old manufacturing and port city along the western shore of Lake Erie between Detroit and Toledo, Ohio. This typically Midwestern town contains numerous early-20th-century homes on shaded streets and some historic attractions related to the residence of General George A. Custer. It is quiet, with plenty of water recreation.

The economy is diverse, with the headquarters of furniture giant La-Z-Boy and plants of the Monroe Auto Equipment Company (maker of Monroe shocks and struts, now a division of Tenneco) being among the mainstays. The cost of living profile is a bit high for the type of town and region, and educational attainment is low. Detroit is 40 miles north and Toledo is 25 miles south, offering amenities missing locally.

The area is mainly level with areas of deciduous woods mixed with farmland. The climate is continental with some lake influence, although its west shore location diminishes winter snows compared to other lake locations. Summers are warm and humid but are cooled by lake breezes. The lake location brings considerable cloudiness in all seasons and especially in winter. First freeze is mid-October, last is late April.