Lansing, Michigan, known as "The Capital City," is a vibrant community with a rich history and a strong sense of civic pride. As the state capital, Lansing offers a unique blend of government, education, and industry, providing a high quality of life for its residents. The city's diverse cultural scene, economic opportunities, and welcoming atmosphere make living in Lansing an attractive option.
Residents of Lansing enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Lansing River Trail, which winds along the Grand River, is a popular destination for walking, biking, and enjoying scenic views. The Impression 5 Science Center and the Michigan History Center are cultural highlights that enrich the community.
Lansing's strong economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including government, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The city is home to several higher education institutions, including Michigan State University, which contributes to Lansing's vibrant academic and cultural environment. The presence of these institutions supports a range of events, performances, and educational opportunities.
The cost of living in Lansing is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market includes a variety of options, from historic homes in established neighborhoods to modern developments in suburban areas. The city's strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere further enhance its appeal.
Public transportation in Lansing is provided by CATA (Capital Area Transportation Authority), facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Lansing's climate features four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters, allowing for a variety of seasonal activities. Overall, Lansing offers a blend of historic charm, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.
Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Schools
Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.
Located in the state of Michigan, Lansing is a mid-sized city with a population of 117,488 inhabitants. In Lansing, there are 3,001 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. The median age of all Lansing residents is 33, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. In Lansing, only 40% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Lansing offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Lansing, Michigan could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, commute, you can easily compare the best places to live in Lansing and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Lansing to Michigan and the national average.
Lansing, MI receives 78/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #86 in Michigan and #1,703 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Lansing ranks well in multiple categories! Lansing is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Lansing ranks well for amenities (A+) and housing (A) Regrettably for Lansing, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F), education (F) and employment (D).
If you're considering living in Lansing, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Lansing provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Potter Park Zoo, Michigan State Capitol, and Impression 5 Science Center.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Lansing market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Lansing is real estate affordability. The median home price for Lansing homes is $87,700, which is 31.4% lower than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Lansing, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2, which is 20% lower than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Lansing | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.7% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.1% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.9% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.6% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.7% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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