Moving to MI good areas between Battlecreek & Jackson(ish) (Marshall: relocating, real estate)

[Laura1961]

Hello to all,

Thanks in advance to anyone who could help us. We're (my husband, son, 16 + 2 cats & 2 dogs!) are relocating near the Battlecreek area within 25 mile radius. looking for good schools, lots of nature and somewhat older community. We love the outdoors, water, woods, motorcycles, quads etc. Need to rent for approx a year till husbands workplace finds a bigger yard (trucking) Would love to find a rent to own if possible. Any suggestions? Thanks!! Laura:

[michiganbob]

I would suggest checking out Marshall. It's right at the juncture of I-69 and I-94 so you can get anywhere in Michigan pretty quickly. It has a quaint downtown area and, from what I have seen only visiting, appears to be pretty friendly.
With the economy as bad as it is in Michigan, you should be able to find someplace nearby with plenty of room. If you don't find anything in rentals, I would suggest contacting a local real estate agent and asking if any of the people who can't sell their houses would like to rent for a year or so.