[gwood]

So I'm going to be in Flint for the next year (let's not debate whether I should or not, because it's already set) and I was looking for some help since I'm not very familiar with the area. I have the choice of commuting from Saginaw, but I don't really want to deal with the 40-45 minute drive every day. I also don't really want to live in one of the outlying areas (Grand Blanc, Davison, etc.) since rent and time of commute makes the trip from Saginaw seem bearable.

I've been on craigslist and have seen a few postings for areas in the "cultural" area which I'm not familiar with either. The price is attractive. Here's one example: $390 All Bills Paid/Laundry Room/INTERNET/Are you ready for this??????
There are also some places off Corunna on the west side, which I assume means west of 75? I'll probably be living alone, with a very slight possibility of another roommate. Something like a 2 bedroom would be alright for this reason, as I could probably split rent.

I was just seeing what ideas people might have about these areas, as cost is a big factor in my decision. Again, I'll most likely only be living here for 9 months to a year. Thanks a lot.

[jaynarie]

What is the reason for not living in a suburb? Cost and commute time? I lived in Davison while going to UMF and paid $350 for my apartment- heat included and could make it to campus in under 15 minutes. This was less than 2 years ago.
Things in Flint can literally change by the block. It is hard to give a general 'safe' area. Crime comparisons are ridiculously funny when comparing to the suburbs. A couple of years ago, the Davison Police sent 2 officers to go get a snapping turtle out of the street in my subdivision. While working retail in Flint, we had a shoplifter and it took the Flint police 25 minutes to respond. Due to lower crime, car insurance will be cheaper in the suburbs.
I can't think of a single apartment complex in the entire city of Flint I would go near. If you are dead set on living in the city, you will likely have to rent a house or a room. The college cultural area is OK. Maybe off of Center Rd between Davison Rd and where it ends- as far west as Averill. And, possibly between Dort and Saginaw, Atherton and Hemphill.
Most of Corunna Rd is Flint township. Flint Township and Burton have nicer sections than Flint itself, although you still have to be careful.
Maybe this is more useful: avoid anything off of Franklin- near Leith and Davison. Avoid the Pierson Rd and Pasadena Rd areas like the plague. Or, pretty much ALL of the north side. Stay away from anything around Thread Lake. Avoid Dort from Richfield to Atherton.
It could be well worth the extra $50 a month it may cost you to live 10-15 minutes out of the city. Plus, as far as commute times, both Grand Blanc and Davison can be closer to certain areas (downtown for sure) than many places in the city since you have quick and easy access to the expressway. Other suburbs don't have that access and make them a bit further out.
Good Luck with your decision.

[mr penguin]

+1 on that. Davison would be a good choice. The west side near Corunna is pretty shabby as is most of Flint. Stay out of town and lock everything.