Curious what people think. My partner and I are Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $168,500 on average. The unemployment rate is 6.4%, which is concerning. Crime rate is something to consider -Lansing sits at 377.2 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Thanks for reading. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
lafan2021
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much affordable but now it's better than expected.
30 upvotes
Joshua Collins
Saving this thread
29 upvotes
Katherine Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 5 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Aurora S.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Peyton A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 6 years. Moved from Dallas for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
