[abstrakkt]

I searched around the forum, but couldn't find a thread that addresses my sitch specifically. I'll be moving to Lansing in a few weeks for a job at MSU and I'm hoping to find a house or apartment to rent in a fun and cute area. I'm a single 33-yr. old and prefer not to live in family-centric areas, but _also_ not among MSU undergrads. I'd like to find a place with restaurants, pubs, etc. and maybe a farmers' market or something like that. I jog so it would be great to live near parks, the river trail, or other similar areas.

Any suggested neighborhoods, streets, or areas for me? Thanks in advance for any help!

[fakkelsey]

I do not live in Lansing but know the town to some degree. From what I know the main districts are downtown (Washington/Michigan st/ave) which I do not believe have much for housing in the direct blockage except apartments on Michigan ave. Old town is my favorite pick. A thriving old area with lots of eats and shops and housing with bike trails and a river right there as well and the bike trails extent for miles. East Lansing, though vibrant, would not be idea for you based on your request. Old town can be found just north of downtown but no direct connections. S. Washington is an old district but mostly all empty buildings now. East Michigan has some options as well but again, caters at least a little more to the collage kids than any one else. Best of luck to you. Hopefully the locals can help you out a little bit more than me,

[ckhthankgod]

Maybe Downtown East Lansing or Old Town Lansing.

[teachbeach]

I'd suggest Old Town Lansing area. Some cute apartments and townhouses, nice neighborhood from Old Town heading towards the capitol on Washington. Also, the stadium district might be what you're looking for. You might want to also check out Okemos and parts of East Lansing that are not "collegeville" areas. Lake Lansing Road has tons of apartment options. A little off the beaten path for MSU students.

[dragon_fly_12]

Old Town is the first thought I have.

[abstrakkt]

Thanks for all the comments so far! I'll focus on Old Town & non-collegeville parts of E. Lansing (& Okemos) when I start my search!

[JoulesMSU]

It sounds like you should look into this area:




I highlighted the two main areas, Downtown and Old Town.

I lived in the neighborhood circled in green and found it enjoyable (and cheap). I was able to walk to all of the bars downtown and never felt "unsafe". There are obviously river trails along the Grand River, lots of parks (Reutter Park was actually nice to walk through on my way home, especially at night; the fountain lights up and changes different colors. It's pretty cool) and the City Market (kinda like a farmers market) is right in the downtown area too.

I would generalize and say that anywhere east of MLK, south of Oakland St., west of the Grand River, and north of the highway (496) would be a great place to live.

It's probably fine up around Old Town too, but I don't have much experience with that area.

[Spartan1510]

Not much in the Lansing metro area unfortunately. My wife and I have been considering a move closer to Lansing to lessen my commute, but we remain in Metro Detroit as we haven't found any place that meets our desires. Many of our staff commute in from Grand Rapids or live in Dewitt (north of Lansing). Other popular places are Okemos or Howell. I'd personally say East Lansing but you'll be near the undergraduate crowd.

Maybe Old Town? We have a coworker that moved there but she has expressed concerns about safety. Dunno if that's real or not?

Lansing is good people so I hope you find a place suitable for you.

[abstrakkt]

The replies have all been so helpful -- thank you!! (And I love the map.) Now I have a much better idea of neighborhoods to check out once I arrive.

I have a quick follow-up question (if people are still following this thread): is craigslist the main resource for finding housing?

[teachbeach]

Craig's List is good~I'll PM you with some other suggestions, for fear of moderator cuts.