[kathys]

I am currently living in New Haven, and want to move to Lapeer or the Lapeer area. Does anyone have any opinions of that area? Are the utilities high will be in an apartment. What about auto insurance and cable? Thank you.

[jaynarie]

I grew up in Davison and lived there until 2 years ago- I was about a mile from the Lapeer Co. line.
As for utilites, I lived in Davison, so I am unsure. I know I paid around $100 for internet, cable and DVR through Charter. My heat and water was included in my apartment. My electricity would range from $30 in the winter to $150 in the summer (3rd floor one bedroom apartment facing the west- the $150 is way higher than it should be!!) Davison is typically more costly to live in, so it should be cheaper in Lapeer.
Lapeer is a safe area. It has gotten more shopping over the last few years. Enough that I'd often go to Lapeer over Flint to shop for things.

[jeanniepep]

I just moved away from Lapeer County, but I lived in a rural area right between Lapeer and North Branch. I know my heating bill was STAGGERING but it was a drafty 100-yr-old farmhouse with oil heat, so you wouldn't have that problem in an apartment. Car insurance was slightly cheaper up there than it is in Oakland County, but I don't know about New Haven.

It's definitely safe, I didn't find it to be a whole lot of fun or to have great shopping though. They have Walmart, a very good Meijer, and a fairly new Kohl's. It all depends on what you're looking for. Although I didn't live in the city of Lapeer, I went there almost every day for 3-1/2 yrs so if you have other questions about the area please fire away!

[kathys]

Thanks for the info everyone.I have been to Davison and love to eat at Whiteys.I've driven down 24 and there seems to be all the stores and shopping I would need.
I hope Charter is better than Comcast. I will heve to check to see if they offer new customers deals. I had read they were filing for bankruptcy.
My auto insurance currently $230 for six months, and that is for plpd. I called around to see if I could get it cheaper and everyone I talked to wanted would you believe over $600. They said because I don't have health insurance and am not now currently employed. I am afraid my company will up it to the $600 rate since I started checking around. I thought the $230 was high and I have never even had a ticket, ever..

[kathys]

The apartments we were looking at were called Charbridge Armor. They are subsidized so i know it any not be the best of places, but we are on disability.

[jeanniepep]

Don't know the apartments, but they're next to a pretty neighborhood. There is a small strip mall across the street with Joann Fabrics/Crafts, Big Lots, Mammoth Video, and a Goodwill. There used to be a Rite Aid over there but they moved it to the corner of M-24 and Genesee, still very close. The new store is HUGE and nice.

You're also not that far from the Polar Palace (ice skating) and its attached restaurant, Louie's Sports Tavern. I still miss that place! Awesome wings, great burgers, and best Cuban sandwich EVER. They also have deep dish pizza!

[kathys]

Thanks all. Is there a Jetts nearby? Any other good pizza places besides the one you mentioned?

[stanman13]

Yes, they have Jets, and Little Caesars, and Hungry Howies, not to mention myriad mom&pop pizza joints. I always liked Hugos. Calvelli's and the Villa have good Italian style food, Sam's is a great diner, there are plenty of restaurants of various types.

Lapeer has pretty much anything you could want. Not a shopping mecca or anything, but a good selection for a smallish town. I grew up there, and it has changed quite a bit from the farming town it once was.

Charbridge Arbor, as far as subsidized townhouses go, isn't terribly bad. I don't recall any particular problems there.

[kathys]

Thanks all. Appreciate the pizza place tips. Will try them when I get there. Will be moving in December or January.

[jeanniepep]

E.G. Nick's is my favorite place to eat in Lapeer, the baked spaghetti w/ meatballs & mushrooms is awesome.

Don't miss breakfast at Brian's, either - they have some really great specials during the week! Personally I love the omelettes, but my dad & brother swear they have the best pancakes ever. My mom always got a big belgian waffle with strawberries & whipped cream, it looks more like a sundae than breakfast!

I heard Lapeer was getting a Sonic, across from the police post on M-24?