Jackson area (Detroit, Flint, Lansing: real estate, housing, rent)

[mike jones]

Originally Posted by yju

My husband is being relocated to Jackson. We are looking for small towns in/around the Jackson area. We are particularly interested in the areas a little south and west of Jackson. He doesn't want to drive much more than 30-45 minutes one way. We are moving from Chicago and are looking for pretty much the opposite of where we are coming from. Small, quaint, old historical towns, somewhat conservative, where we might be able to get a little land ( a few acres). We are looking to stay under $200,000. We are not terribly concerned with schools at this point. We know nothing about this area, so any information you could offer would be great. Thank-you!

Check out Grass Lake.
Friendly country folk
Plently of homes for sale within your price. Land usually averages $5,000 per acre.
Some nice new homes others are bonified "sugar shacks"
Be advised that Jackson is an economically depressed community.
Not a bad place as far as crime and stuff just kinda sad.....neglected.
You may want to consider a private school in the area

[I_Brennus]

There is a big difference between the City of Jackson and Jackson County. I wouldn't live in the city if you can avoid it. Grass Lake, Vandercook Lake and Brooklyn are nice small communities. Brooklyn has Michigan International Speedway and the traffic is a nightmare all summer long because there are several races a year and not just NASCAR. Vandercook Lake is in Summit township and it is a good township but the taxes are high. In Liberty Township, the taxes are lower, it's more rural and the Township beaurocrats are not as beaurocratic. Blackman Township is very beaurocratic, with high taxes and numerous apartment complexes that burden the school district without paying their burden of the taxes. We don't have any fantastic restaurants but "Darrel's" downtown is a decent steak house. The Bone Island Grill in Vandercook Lake is pretty good by small town standards and so is "Steaks Eatery" just down the street but nothing to comapare to Chicago. We are a School of Choice county so you can send your kids to any school in the county that you want to. I live in Vandercook Lake School District but I send my daughter to Jackson Public (Dibble Elementary) because they have more to offer. Jackson Counties population has grown dramatically in my 39 years. It doesn't feel like a small town to me anymore but it will to you. The Prison is a non-factor unless you work there and then you make pretty good money (just don't pick up hitch-hikers). There hasn't been a riot since 81 and then it was contained quickly. The prison is out in the country and is surrounded by farms and woods and everybody within several miles of the place is a deer hunter so the prisoners know they are safer inside the fence then they would be outside. Jackson's crime rate is mis-leading, it may seem high but the statistics include all of the crime that takes place in the prison between prisoners. We do have the lowest wages in the state and an outrageous unemployment rate but if your husband is coming here with a job already that isn't a problem.

[Sociologist]

It is a sad story for Michigan, and particular in Jackson. Having lived in the area for most of my life, I went away for college and returned to see the city worsening by the day. It loses more than 5% of its population every year and has the highest number of residents on welfare and income assistance next to Detroit. Unless your retired, have saved income, or commute to Ann Arbor, you are likely to expect a retail service position at minimum wage, and you will be working with middle aged people who cannot find work. Jackson has the highest percentage of children living in poverty conditions, among many other sad highlights. Once a great place to raise a family, many people are leaving the state before its impossible to relocate. My family included are looking for places to move outside of Michigan. With a economy that is not expected to turn around for the next 15 years, all of Michigan will be hard to get by in.

[debbys_trip]

I now live in Blackman township in Jackson. The northwest district is still very rural can find lots of land or just a couple of acres. Housing is decently priced and taxes are moderate. I wouldn't reccomend south side of Jackson its the biggest city side. Public schools are struggling with money as all public schools seem to be, but still have a great cirriculum with sports etc. We unfortunetly have to move as husbands job has relocated also. Easy access to major highways 94 and 127 for commute. Have lived here 9 years and hate to leave! As far as the Jackson Prison goes, it is 5 miles from where I live now and we have never had or heard of one problem from it. It is located in rural area and not a big deal and actually promotes good jobs for the area.

[Sociologist]

Originally Posted by debbys_trip

I now live in Blackman township in Jackson. The northwest district is still very rural can find lots of land or just a couple of acres. Housing is decently priced and taxes are moderate. I wouldn't reccomend south side of Jackson its the biggest city side. Public schools are struggling with money as all public schools seem to be, but still have a great cirriculum with sports etc. We unfortunetly have to move as husbands job has relocated also. Easy access to major highways 94 and 127 for commute. Have lived here 9 years and hate to leave! As far as the Jackson Prison goes, it is 5 miles from where I live now and we have never had or heard of one problem from it. It is located in rural area and not a big deal and actually promotes good jobs for the area.

Hate to leave? People in the Jackson Area cant afford housing, hence the 50% of the population that rents their housing. Its sad the mayor of Jackson disregards the desparity of the situation and continues to listen to the businesses of the county who do not want change. Take Lansing for example, he i(the mayor)s truly trying to re-innovate the area with initiatives and incentives for the local businesses. Why can't the rest of Michigan's leaders want change?

[Torup]

Mcdoerr

Oh wow guy like you have lost to talk about living in the Lansing area. To me Lansing area is just a bigger, uglier version of Jackson. Nice try guy.

[yju]

Thank-you to everyone who has taken the time to reply. Your information has helped us narrow down our search, so that is great! Can I ask for any information you might have about Munith? I found a property I really like there, and from what I have been able to read online the town sounds rural, not run down, and safe. Could anyone add anything to that? Thanks again everyone.

[crappinatbernies]

Mason, potterville stockbridge

[jpoole52]

I moved to the Jackson area two years ago and disliked it at first, but am learning to really enjoy certain aspects. As someone who is not from here, I feel I can give you an outside perspective about some nice places to live.

1. Chelsea. Chelsea is a beautiful little town between Ann Arbor and Jackson. There is a little culture and a small town atmosphere with some things to do, good schools, and location. Plus, it's right off 94 (the main highway)

2. Grass Lake. Grass Lake is a quaint village with lots of beautiful rural real estate or newer subdivisions. Between Chelsea and Jackson and right off 94.

3. Parma. (Someone already wrote you about Parma, it's near Spring Arbor).

Please feel free to ask for more details! Good luck!

[Mi_Mom]

Originally Posted by jpoole52

I moved to the Jackson area two years ago and disliked it at first, but am learning to really enjoy certain aspects. As someone who is not from here, I feel I can give you an outside perspective about some nice places to live.

1. Chelsea. Chelsea is a beautiful little town between Ann Arbor and Jackson. There is a little culture and a small town atmosphere with some things to do, good schools, and location. Plus, it's right off 94 (the main highway)

2. Grass Lake. Grass Lake is a quaint village with lots of beautiful rural real estate or newer subdivisions. Between Chelsea and Jackson and right off 94.

3. Parma. (Someone already wrote you about Parma, it's near Spring Arbor).

Please feel free to ask for more details! Good luck!

I will plug Chelsea as well. Great schools, great community and you can even find some Jackson County/Chelsea schools properties with some acreage with it.