[Sharks With Lasers]

Originally Posted by danielj72

Reading this post gives me the impression you intend to move here and go without an automobile. Im guessing you are moving from a coastal state where public transit systems are better and more reliable. Everyone here has a car, it is a big part of living in Michigan. (after all they are built here) Without a car you will be trapped in a small area serviced by the city bus system. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a car. As far as buying a house here I can say you will be pleased, prices are cheap and you will find land contract deals. Good luck and welcome to Michigan.

I will agree that life in Michigan is a lot easier with a car. To the OP, however, I will say that in the special case of dealing with transportation to MSU campus, that taking the bus might be a good alternative. This is because it will take her reasonably close to where she needs to go without dealing with the joys of parking permits.

[Sanveann]

Have you looked at the westside neighborhood? (Despite its name, it's not really on the westside; it's just west of downtown. Look around Genesee/Jenison and surrounding streets.) It's a very friendly, safe neighborhood with lots of really cute historical homes.

Though, to be honest, I would not send my child to Lansing schools, especially past elementary.

[accidentalhippie]

Originally Posted by danielj72

Reading this post gives me the impression you intend to move here and go without an automobile. Im guessing you are moving from a coastal state where public transit systems are better and more reliable. Everyone here has a car, it is a big part of living in Michigan. (after all they are built here) Without a car you will be trapped in a small area serviced by the city bus system. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a car. As far as buying a house here I can say you will be pleased, prices are cheap and you will find land contract deals. Good luck and welcome to Michigan.

I'm actually planning on a combination of public transit and using the ZipCar car-sharing service. Going back to school full-time as a single mom pretty much means I anticipate having very little "free" time, which doesn't bother me. Eventually, given my interests in real estate and urban ag, I will buy a vehicle; but my current car is approaching the end of its second life and I have no interest in paying what it's worth to repair it. Plus, it's a Subaru, which I her might screw me in GM country.

[accidentalhippie]

Originally Posted by Sanveann

Have you looked at the westside neighborhood? (Despite its name, it's not really on the westside; it's just west of downtown. Look around Genesee/Jenison and surrounding streets.) It's a very friendly, safe neighborhood with lots of really cute historical homes.

Though, to be honest, I would not send my child to Lansing schools, especially past elementary.

I did and when I cross-referenced with the National Sex Offender registry, I almost choked on my oatmeal. Are there a lot of half-way houses in that neighborhood or something? Granted, I know all too well that bad stuff can happen anywhere and more often with people we know than with strangers, BUT my desire to maximize my investment is tempered by my determination to protect my kiddo.

[mike-mi]

Originally Posted by accidentalhippie

I did and when I cross-referenced with the National Sex Offender registry, I almost choked on my oatmeal. Are there a lot of half-way houses in that neighborhood or something? Granted, I know all too well that bad stuff can happen anywhere and more often with people we know than with strangers, BUT my desire to maximize my investment is tempered by my determination to protect my kiddo.

I count ten out of 2,000 households. Or roughly a half-percent. Are you sure you're looking at the right area? The Westside Neighborhood's boundaries are Oakland to the north, the river to the south, MLK to the east, and the city limit to the west (basically the railroad track).

Here's the site I used to view them: National Sex Offender Registry - Family Watchdog and put in 48915, then navigated to the correct area.

[ckhthankgod]

What about the Spartan Village area of East Lansing? I believe that they closed the elmentary school that was in that area, but Red Cedar Elementary isn't too far away and is very close to campus as well. There are some nice residential areas off of South Harrison.

I also agree with the neighborhoods north of Saginaw, around Lake Lansing.

I kind of miss the area and there is enough there to keep the little one and yourself busy, if you have any free time.

[accidentalhippie]

Originally Posted by mike-mi

I count ten out of 2,000 households. Or roughly a half-percent. Are you sure you're looking at the right area? The Westside Neighborhood's boundaries are Oakland to the north, the river to the south, MLK to the east, and the city limit to the west (basically the railroad track).

Here's the site I used to view them: National Sex Offender Registry - Family Watchdog and put in 48915, then navigated to the correct area.

Thanks! I had been looking at the area west of the river, along Oakland Ave.

Hmm... I think we'll explore the Westside neighborhood as well! What do folks think of the Moore Park neighborhood (east of MLK)?

[caspper69]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

What about the Spartan Village area of East Lansing? I believe that they closed the elmentary school that was in that area, but Red Cedar Elementary isn't too far away and is very close to campus as well. There are some nice residential areas off of South Harrison.

I also agree with the neighborhoods north of Saginaw, around Lake Lansing.

I kind of miss the area and there is enough there to keep the little one and yourself busy, if you have any free time.

It should be noted that Red Cedar is slated to close after this year, but the exact plan depends on the results of the bond extension vote on Feb 28th, so we're all in a bit of flux here in the East Lansing school district.

But I still highly recommend the OP avoid Lansing schools.

[Sanveann]

I know there are some beautiful houses on Moores River Park Drive west of MLK, but I don't know the area east of it.

Here are some houses in the Westside neighborhood for sale: 48915 Real Estate - LANSING, MI 48915 Homes for Sale - Realtor.com® (LOVE the one on Memphis -- too cute!)

[mike-mi]

Originally Posted by accidentalhippie

Thanks! I had been looking at the area west of the river, along Oakland Ave.

Hmm... I think we'll explore the Westside neighborhood as well! What do folks think of the Moore Park neighborhood (east of MLK)?

Like the Westside neighborhood, Moores Park is a beautiful neighborhood with charming primarily 1920s-1950s housing stock. The lot sizes are smaller than those west of MLK. However, my friends who live in that neighborhood really enjoy being able to walk to Moores Park (swimming pool there, too) and easily get to the River Trail. If you're considering Moores Park neighborhood, you may want to check out the neighborhood's website: Moores Park Neighborhood Organization I think this area is going to continue to improve as the new BWL gas-fired power plant is built on Washington Street in REO Town (just south of downtown).