[phineas722]

Hi all,

I recently had an interview for a job in Michigan and it went really well. If I am selected, I will be moving from NY to Michigan for the job and since this is my first potential move out of state, I need help with figuring out living arrangements. Any help is appreciated and I apologize if you've seen a similar thread.

I am a male in my mid-20s, do not have a license (I'm working on it but there's always a chance I won't get one before leaving NY), no pets/children, will moving to MI alone and would highly prefer to live alone. I'll also have student loans I need to pay back so an affordable apartment close to work is what I'm looking for. The job is in Lansing but I'll be employed by an organization in Okemos, so I'd need to live somewhere accessible to both areas.

Again, any help is appreciated and if you need more information, let me know.

Thanks.

[teachbeach]

What part of Lansing? I'm assuming you're meaning downtown Lansing. The CATA bus system is very reliable and many people utilize it on a daily basis. Check on their website for the Route #1 bus~it runs from the Capitol to Meridian mall all day (and part of the night) long, with stops everywhere in between. You can pretty much get a bus to anywhere in this area of Lansing. First I would suggest places along Michigan Avenue, which turns into Grand River near MSU campus and then continues as Grand River as you travel east towards Okemos. That would be your easiest and most direct back and forth to Okemos (although you didn't specifically say which part of Okemos you needed to be accessible to). If it's the Jolly Road area, or Okemos Road area~you might want to check out the CATA routes to see which area would be better to live for the commutes you have to make. You could also check some of the apartments on Saginaw; Jolly Road and Lake Lansing Road.There are several large property management firms; one in particular seems to be the largest apartment rental/management company, but I'm sure Craigslist and the State News websites would also provide you with some affordable options. If you use google earth or another search engine, some of the complexes should show up and you could start with calling some of them. There are way too many apartment complexes to make suggestions here.

If you do manage do get your license before moving, you can live most anywhere and get from Lansing to Okemos quickly by car. There are several straight routes, and/or all of the back roads that help avoid the campus traffic can get you there in 1/2 hour or less. If you need more information, PM me.

[magellan]

Not having a drivers license in most Michigan cities is a foreign concept and you'll find relying just on transit will be very limiting for you. Pretty difficult to live car-free in Michigan.

[mjlo]

Does the Lansing area have Uber yet? My friend in Grand Rapids is driving for Uber, and says it is doing particularly well and gaining momentum. It's not impossible to get around without a car, but when you come from a transit centric place like New York it'll be culture shock in the least. But with cabs and Uber it's easier than relying on the bus system alone.

[teachbeach]

Yes, Lansing just started Uber around Labor Day.

[MI2NY2HI2]

Something I feel I should bring up. If money will be tight (student loans), be careful about purchasing a vehicle. I'm not sure why you don't have a license. If it has to do with citations, Michigan has some of the highest car premiums in the country. It's atrocious. My insurance dropped about $75/mth when I moved from MI to NY. Just a heads up to think about that before putting full coverage on a vehicle. Shop around first. Consider a cheapo car with basic coverage. Good luck with your move.

[phineas722]

Thank you all so much for your responses. I truly, truly appreciate it. I apologize for not responding earlier but I'm now fully devoted to moving to MI as I have accepted the position.

I'll be working at the Department of Community Health in Lansing and would like to live close-by (possibly walking distance) or near a bus line. I've looked into CATA and the 1 route definitely seems to be one of my best options, so thank you @teachbeach for pointing that out for me. As it turns out, I'll only have to travel to Okemos once or twice so I only have to worry about finding an apartment near downtown(?) Lansing. I have a couple of apartment complexes I'm going to call but if any of you have more advice/tips (about apartments or anything else), please do share.

I'm planning on doing my road test after moving to MI and then buying a car when it's financially feasible. I didn't really care about getting a license until I finished graduate school (which is why I don't have one) but I've been practicing with a permit for months and am comfortable driving on the road, so it's just a matter of taking/passing a road test. I'll have to look into Uber more but thanks for the suggestion @mjlo.

Thanks for the advice @MI2NY2HI2. I'll keep it in mind when I'm thinking about purchasing a vehicle.

You're all really helpful so I really do appreciate your help. I just wish I wasn't so clueless about this.

[sparty]

Welcome to Michigan. There are plenty of 20 something's in East Lansing and around downtown Lansing. I was looking at apartments for my daughter the other day and I was really impressed with a new complex called The Marketplace. It's managed by Gillespie. I don't know what your budget is but you may want to check it out. Good luck in your new position.