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| Ugly City - 1/8/2007
One of the most depressing cities I have been through. Dependent on MSU and its enrollment; otherwise there would be no market. Like any other city in the state (except ann arbor), very flat, boring, and full of run down homes and business as people leave the state in droves. Doesn't compare to many other capital cities around the nation. Chain dining is "fine" dining, and a small macy's store makes for fine shopping. Very little acceptance for arts and alt. businesses, much like the agenda of the state. Most likely if your not associated with the state government or the university you wont live here, or want to go through it. Depressing, just like the state. If your not overweight, have scruffy face growth and drink commercial beer this place is not for you.
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| DEPRESSING! - 8/15/2006
There is nothing to do in Lansing except go to the bars. People try to open cool businesses, but they just don't last. The winters are so depressing it hurts. It's a cold wet feeling that hits you in November and doesn't leave til March.
East Lansing is OK if you have friends there, but basically it's just go to the bar, or go tailgating. It's not exciting, there's very little room for growth.
The people are fine, but the climate and the area are just depressing. Don't move here if you can help it. If you must go to school, live in East Lansing, not in Lansing. Trust me, it's worth the extra money.
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| Not that bad... - 7/12/2006
Lansing is a small city, pop. 119,000 or so I believe. Total metro area population is closer to 375,000. Lansing is the capitol of Michigan and has a somewhat diversified economy compared to the rest of the state. The state capitol, Michigan State University, Cooley Law School and General Motors all call Lansing home. There are many recreational activities here because of MSU, however water fun is not on the list. Ingham County has just one usable lake, and even that is very small. Lake Michigan is only 90 minutes away (I've driven it). Lansing's central location makes it convenient to Grand Rapids, Detroit and even Chicago. Climate here is COLD in the winter, and mild in the summer. Yes it DOES RAIN alot here, as it does in the rest of Michigan due to the Great Lakes. Politically, Ingham County is the second most liberal area in the state behind Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor). If you are looking for a conservative area, try Grand Rapids, 60 miles west of here. Housing here is AFFORDABLE, although maybe a little higher than in Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo. Cost of living here is generally pretty afforable.
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| Lansing has no zip - 6/20/2006
If you look at the Lansing area on paper, it appears like a happening place - East Lansing is a college town, you've got the huge Cooley Law School, there's minor-league basecall, it's the state capital, etc. Despite all of that, Lansing is really kind of a depressing place. There just seems to be this penchant for ugliness, tackiness and an obsession with parking. It also seems to be frozen in the mid 80s, with new ideas not implemented too readily, whether it's new businesses, environmental awareness, etc. The old way is the good way.
True, there are some cool things happening, such as some loft conversions and a revival of East Michigan Ave, including a new bookstore, cafe, cultural center, etc. The problem, though, is that there is still so far to go. Lots of other cities in the Midwest have already done these kinds of upgrades maybe 10-20 years ago, but now it's finally catching on slowly here. Also, so much damage has been done that I fear that Lansing might never be really vibrant place. For example, the downtown riverfront should be a focal point, yet it is permanently blocked off with a HUGE parking ramp. And the main entrance to downtown on Michigan Ave over the river - why not have a graceful, grand structure to know you've arrived? No, it's a bland, concrete block. So Lansing. Also, not only is the capitol building uninspiring, but the government district is a big sprawling mess with nothing connected together and perhaps 500 acres of dead-zone parking. There is no intimacy to the place, nor there can ever be enough parking, whether it's in downtown Lansing or near MSU or wherever. The offerings in downtown Lansing feel fit for a town of 30,000 rather than a capital city with 120K. While entrepreneurs are trying to change this, it just never really catches on. I just think that most people have written off downtown and really just don't like it that much. TGI Fridays is good enough. For instance, there's a new Pita Pit restaurant that was planning to stay open until 12 am. I just saw that they had to change their hours and close at 7 because downtown is still such a no-go zone after 5.
So if you plan on moving here, really check it out first before you dive in. I moved here several years ago for school and regret it. I am looking forward to leaving after I'm done. Let me add, though, that I have nothing against the people here. In general, while a bit provincial, they are as upright, kind and decent as peopl
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| Good Housing Market - 4/20/2006
As a life long resident who has invested in single family and multi unit housing, I feel the greater Lansing market is still a good place to buy a house. Prices are below the national average, there is a large stock of houses of different ages and price ranges. The local economy is diversified, although we are the largest builder of cars (more are assembled here than any other US city, including Detroit; and GM has built two new plants here) there are many growth industries represented here as well as public sector employers. State government is a large employer, as is Michigan State University and the Sparrow Hospital group. There are almost 20,000 students at Lansing Community College, over 40,000 students at MSU, and the largest law school in the nation (Cooley) and a second law school at MSU, and several other colleges in the area.
Lansing is about a one and a half hour drive to either Lake Michigan to the west or Lake St Clair and Lake Huron to the east, and there are literally thousands of beautiful inland lakes all over the state. With our excellent highway system, you can live in a pristine natural setting and be less than a 30 minute drive to the State Capital in the center of the city.
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| Great place to buy - 4/20/2006
As a life long resident who has invested in single family and multi unit housing, I feel the greater Lansing market is still a good place to buy a house. Prices are below the national average, there is a large stock of houses of different ages and price ranges. The local economy is diversified, although we are the largest builder of cars (more are assembled here than any other US city, including Detroit; and GM has built two new plants here) there are many growth industries represented here as well as public sector employers. State government is a large employer, as is Michigan State University and the Sparrow Hospital group. There are almost 20,000 students at Lansing Community College, over 40,000 students at MSU, and the largest law school in the nation (Cooley) and a second law school at MSU, and several other colleges in the area.
Lansing is about a one and a half hour drive to either Lake Michigan to the west or Lake St Clair and Lake Huron to the east, and there are literally thousands of beautiful inland lakes all over the state. With our excellent highway system, you can live in a pristine natural setting and be less than a 30 minute drive to the State Capital in the center of the city.
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