All Countries
Joseph Collins
housing
Cheapest neighborhoods in Lansing?
Thanks in advance! The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
21 upvotes
12 Replies
Eva Clark
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Chicago about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a writer who relocated here from Chicago about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Christian R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Baltimore about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Baltimore about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Brooklyn Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 47, moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in North and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a project manager, 47, moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in North and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
30 upvotes
Allison Brooks
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Isabella Turner
following this thread
24 upvotes
Parker
Used to live on the East side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
18 upvotes
Eli Stewart
I work in real estate here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is better than expected. Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Wyatt Long
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
14 upvotes
Dominic Bailey
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
10 upvotes
Madelyn Stewart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Brielle Sanchez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Tampa about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Tampa about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Cooper Reyes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Raleigh it's better than expected.
2 upvotes