First post here. We have two kids and Rent is about $1,163/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a small town city with about 11,229 people. With a population of 11,229, Lansing is a small town. Homes are going for about $247,500 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What do you all think? Cheers. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Emmett Hall
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.
39 upvotes
Nova E.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in The Heights. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
bostonpapa2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 7 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are surprisingly good. 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Zoey James
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
34 upvotes
Sadie Clark
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 9 years. Moved from Denver for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are improving. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Justin B.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Luke Wilson
Came here for school and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The outdoor recreation is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Colton Nguyen
this is the way
16 upvotes
Hannah Evans
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Greenfield area are solid. Kids love it here.
12 upvotes
Scarlett Watson
Totally agree!
9 upvotes
Elijah King
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Pittsburgh it's solid.
3 upvotes
kennedy_rider
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in finance. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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