[flyingwriter]

I don't mind a long commute. I'd commute three hours if it meant being in an area I want, near friends, family, and church. Novi to Lansing isn't that bad.

If you have to be near Lansing, then I would suggest St. Johns, a small town about 20 miles north of Lansing. Other small, safe towns in the area are Mulliken, Sunfield, Hastings, and Ithaca. All of these towns are north or west of Lansing.

[rubylounge]

I would consider Brighton which is 46 minutes to downtown Lansing or even Ann Arbor. Both have good schools. I went to MSU & from Oakland County. No offense to anyone but did not like the Lansing area at all. Your better off in Livingston or Washtenaw counties. Or if you are not in Lansing everyday can you rent a room short term in Lansing? I know you have a child but perhaps you could leave your child with a relative the day (s) you are gone? I know it's hard when you have children. Good luck

[rubylounge]

Those towns sound nice but when you are from Detroit (being a very diverse area) these towns are small and not diverse at all.