[Still Learning]

We live in St. Johns, about 20 - 25 minutes from downtown Lansing. It's a quiet town with a low crime rate and still has decent schools, but that may change if the State keeps slashing the money they give to the school district. Many houses for sale here. One Realtor I talked said buyers are asking $20000 - $30000 below list price and getting it. I agree with everyone else. Make sure you have something lined up before moving. It's a bad job market here.

[smileychipmunk]

I've lived in most of this area- Holmes and Waverly in Lansing, Haslett, in town in Grand Ledge, and now in East Lansing. Even 10 years ago that area of Lansing was a little dicey, but now I don't even feel safe driving there! Haslett and Okemos weren't very inviting, and even East Lansing took a little time to feel comfortable with (although I'm pretty sure it was because I was college-aged when I moved here; the people here hate the college students!). The prices in E.L. are higher (esp. rent!), and the taxes are high. My favorite place here has been the Grand Ledge/ Delta / Waverley area. You can get nice houses for pretty reasonable prices, and it really has that smaller-town feel.

The downside is the job market. It is pretty bad lately, but it's the same for the entirety of Michigan. Like they said, be sure you have something lined up before you get here.

[mrpickle]

Demmer Corporation in Lansing is looking right now for 100 skilled welders. They cannot find skilled welders. They have a few very large Military contracts and if the War were to end tomorrow they will still have work for the next ten years. There is a written test a person must pass to be employed there. This knocks out the weekend welders that learned by torching their cars as teenagers. To find out more contact the local Michigan works office. Capital Area Michigan Works!.