Moving to Jackson/Battle Creek

[GAisGreat]

Originally Posted by janet32

I have a job offer in Albion and need to move to Michigan in the next week or two. I have looked into apartments in Jackson, Marshall and Battle Creek.

Any recommendations on which area is the best? I am not looking for a big social life, just a quiet, safe place to get off to a decent start.

Cheap would also be good - I have become worried after the primaries and hearing about the unemployment rate and high taxes. Should I even bother making the move?

Jackson is very rough...Battle Creek isn't much better...would definately avoid both. Marshall is a great little town.

Based on your last paragraph....'worried'...Everything you hear is true. The current job/economic situation in MI, and for the forseeable future is horrendous, to put it mildly. There is no hope for MI, it will not turn around. Just look at the primary...McCain tells the people what they need to hear THE AUTO INDUSTRY IS GONE MOVE ON, and his poll numbers drop and they vote for Romney who blows more smoke up MI's rear.

This is a vicious cycle the state has been stuck in for 30+years. They refuse to accept that manufacturing is gone and the state is never going to prosper until they move on. So the people reelect the same regurgetated politicians, who pander and get the votes. They continue to drive business away, raise taxes, decimate the infrastructure, and lose jobs. From 2006-2007 only TWO states LOST population...Rhode Island who lost around 3,000 people, and Michigan who lost 30,000 people...THAT IS THIRTY-THOUSAND...10 times the next closest state!
Unless you have some bizarre infatuation with the state, or some family/personal reason that trumps all common sense and desire to have a happy productive life...AVOID MI LIKE THE PLAGUE IT IS!

[Softballfan]

Originally Posted by B-bear

The answer to the original question is easy. Move to Marshall. Deciding whether to love in either Jackson or BC is like asking yourself what would you rather get shot in the head with, a 12 guage or .44 mag. Either way you're toast.

Thats way over the top. Its not like innocent people are getting shot in BC or Jax.
When there are shootings, its gang-related. So my advice to her is to stay out of the gangs. People who mind their own business and live a quiet life, don't get shot.

[nic073]

It cracks me up to hear people write "Jackson is rough" HAHA! I've lived here since I was 5 and I've never once had a problem with any sort of crime or violence (other than typical high school drama). I am a photographer and I frequently do "urban" sessions with families and children in downtown Jackson and have never ever felt threatened or scared to tote children throughout the alleys and streets of downtown for sessions. Its interesting to hear all these opinions... makes me wonder if these posters have ever lived IN Jackson, and if they did I'm assuming they lived in the "ghetto" off Francis. There's a specific area of Jackson that is known for being "rough" but for the most part, there are very few places in this town I'd be scared to walk through.

[janet32]

After just an initial drive around the Battle Creek, Marshall and Jackson - I decided to move to Jackson. The other places looked run-down and sketchy to someone who knows nothing about the area.

Its been about 2 weeks and I think I am going to love it here. There is plenty to do, but not much of a night life from what I know of it so far.

Thanks for all the input - I know not to go exploring too much in Jackson until I know where the bad areas are.

[deslok]

So your moving to Jackson based on apperance of a drive by, why not take into consideration a bit more some of the comments on Jackson? Do what you do, but I know I would if I didn't know the area. Marshall is by far the safest of the 3 areas. Battle Creek has the most to do. GA is correct on a lot of things, although having lived in Battle Creek I don't have the fear of it most folks do.

[jpoole52]

you really don't have to worry about not exploring the bad areas. you'll be fine. i moved to jackson not knowing a soul 3 years ago and lived there for to, and i was ok.

try crazy cowboy for nightlife, they might have more now, but that's what i always tried.

good luck!

i went to albion college, hopefully you'll be able to meet some friends there as well!

[knocturnal]

Well, good luck with your move to Jackson. I am new to the area, having lived in Battle Creek for just the past two years (former northeastern MI resident), and haven't had one encounter with any type of crime. Of course, there are the sketchier areas of the town, around northside/downtown BC, but I reside in Emmett Township (Pine Knoll to be exact, which you had mentioned in a previous post), and I haven't had any problems. I go jogging/biking around the area quite frequently, without any concern other than motor vehicles. The Linear Path/Bailey Park are great, and downtown entertainment, although somewhat limited, is fun. The city itself seems to be very spread out, but it is very driveable (traveling across town can be accomplished in less than 15 min). I have friends who reside just south of Jackson, and they don't seem to speak too highly of the area. But that is just their opinion. Everyone is their own person. Keep us posted on how things are working out for you.

[Sociologist]

Originally Posted by janet32

After just an initial drive around the Battle Creek, Marshall and Jackson - I decided to move to Jackson. The other places looked run-down and sketchy to someone who knows nothing about the area.

Its been about 2 weeks and I think I am going to love it here. There is plenty to do, but not much of a night life from what I know of it so far.

Thanks for all the input - I know not to go exploring too much in Jackson until I know where the bad areas are.

After reading the previous posts leading up to your decision I can say that a lot of people haven't been in the Jackson area since it lost a great deal of manufacturing work. I lived in Jackson (no longer) and moved away to finish my graduate degree. It has a great deal of outdoor opportunities, but as you stated the night life is fairly dead. The positive thing, is that it is close to Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Lansing which offer more to do if your looking to get out of the house. One more note, you could probably qualify for a house for the price you pay for an apartment in Jackson, housing is quite cheap, but don't expect a return on your investment. If you have any more questions let me know

Cheers