What BestPlaces Users Say about Jackson
Jackson, Michigan is a city located in the southern part of the state. It has a population of approximately 33,000 people and is known for its historic downtown area and numerous parks and recreation opportunities. It is also home to several manufacturing companies, providing job opportunities for residents.
Summarized Reviews:
According to multiple user reviews on BestPlaces, Jackson, Michigan is a pleasant and affordable place to live. Many reviewers mention the friendly community, low cost of living, and beautiful natural surroundings as highlights of the city. Some also mention the strong sense of community and the variety of activities and events available. However, a few reviewers also mention issues with crime and limited job opportunities as downside to living in Jackson. Here are four specific excerpts from different user reviews:
- "Jackson is a great place to raise a family. The schools are good, housing is affordable, and there are plenty of parks and activities for kids. It's also a close-knit community where people look out for each other." - Lisa M.
- "The cost of living in Jackson is very reasonable. I can afford a nice house and still have money left over for vacations and other things. It's a great place for young professionals like myself." - Mark S.
- "I've lived in Jackson my whole life and I love it here. The downtown area has a lot of character and there are always fun events happening. Plus, the surrounding nature is beautiful. My only complaint is that it's not the safest city, but if you avoid certain areas, it's still a great place to live." - Rachel D.
- "One thing to be aware of is the lack of job opportunities in Jackson. Most people have to commute to nearby cities for work. It's definitely something to consider before moving here." - Jason P.
based on 33 ReviewsGet to know Jackson with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Jackson
Horrible Horrble Nightmare - 6/15/2009
Beyond the rows rotting homes that have rodents living in them, or the blocks of vacant ancient factories that look as though they belong in a horror movie...the city government thinks things are better than ever.
Recently the city was elected as "worst place to find a job" in a national poll, and the mayor and city officials defended the city furiously, saying it was a "lie" and the economists were "stupid"..as homeless people sleep on sidewalks downtown. That and the unemployment rate went from 8% to nearly 15% in a year.
Truly, this is a miserable horrible place that should be dozed under and given back to nature. 12 year old moms are commonplace pushing their strollers along sidewalks, and the teen boys with missing teeth and clothing hanging down to their ankles are the proud fathers that will surely be in jail soon. There is no hope here for most, many surrounding areas have been devastated by meth addiction. That merely scratches the surface of what
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Healthy Help - 5/19/2008
For those looking for a city that offers moderate priced health care, Jackson MI is the right one. There are many
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"Stuck" - 1/29/2008
The Economy in Jackson is stuck because all the prices raised and now no one is spending their money so a lot of businesses out of
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Prison town - 1/26/2008
Jackson has seven prisons. 2 have closed within the last 5 years, really hurting the local
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No gem to thousands unemployed - 9/17/2007
I do agree with what some of Patricia says regarding the community at large, however the sad story of Jackson's recession has continued to be told as more jobs leave the area. While no employment isn't the only reason Jackson isn't a gem, there is a mayor that does nothing for attracting real business, and no, continued fizzled contracts with retail chains that will do nothing to help the city do not qualify as change. There is a stagnant nature to the administration, as if they wish to keep young professionals out of the city and are trying to maintain manufacturing roots which will leave the city dead as it is. I myself unfortunately, after living near Detroit had to move back for family reasons am astounded how much it has declined in 4 years. Despite a few main employers, a young degreed professional would have no choice but to either work in the empty mall, or leave, which is precisely what is happening. The positive views are either from retirees or those lucky enough to hold
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Not a nay sayer but.... - 9/12/2007
I must agree with the previous comment about Jackson on some fronts, although many are misleading. I would not call any place that houses some of the highest high-school drop out numbers, teen pregnancy and crime rates a "gem". It COULD be, if the mayor deciding to make a change. The "cool city" initiative that is being conducted through many Michigan cities isn't doing much for Jackson. The town continues to try to attract skilled labor which will never come back. As far as "a booming health care" industry, Foote hospital is the soul employer in this field. There is a strong opposition to youth in the area, despite many who say there are "more things to do" in the area, most young professionals leave, as there is no employment to suit their degree. The average family income (per household) is less than 35K, thats retail wage, and people are trying to live with that. Unfortunately that isn't much of a
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Michigan's Hidden Gem - 9/3/2007
Jackson is centrally located at the crossroads of Highway 127 (to Lansing) and Interstate 94 (to Detroit). It's a convenient 25-35 minute drive (depending on how fast you drive!) from the capitol of Lansing, home of Michigan State University (MSU), the city of Ann Arbor, which is home to the University of Michigan, or Toledo, Ohio. It is about a three hour drive from Chicago or a one hour drive from Detroit as well.
Most people don't realize everything Jackson has to offer and unfortunately, we are widely known for our huge state prison (that now sits well outside the city) but conjures up visions of halfway houses and criminals run amok. However, Jackson has so many positive things to offer. For the city's size, we have a surprisingly large number of restaurants, stores, family events, beautiful parks, waterways, and you don't have to drive all over heck to get to all of them. On top of that, the city and surrounding townships are full of beautiful old houses (and
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A commentary to the previous post - 11/19/2006
Unfortunatley, as a "20 something", its hard to believe the few coffe houses will not do more than employ 10 high schoolers and attract people after church on sunday or saturday. The depth of this city is limited to run down bars and a complete hatred for change and any educational or arts attractions that would further make this city of interest. After studying demography and doing a field study regarding teen pregnancy, its sad to say jackson has one of the highest % of teen births following Detroit, std rates, as well as infant mortality. People dont choose to drive elsewhere to work, they must to survive. Crime rates for cities are calculated by a ratio: Population per sq mile/number of crimes. Given the small amount of people in Jackson, and a modest amount of crime, you end up with a crime rate well above national average. Big box stores have caused small shops to close making people scramble for a position. Interestingly enough a large percentage of the employees who work for
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A Great "Small Town" - 11/17/2006
The data on Jackson can be misleading because it refers to a very small part of the Greater Jackson area which I believe increases the population to about 200,000.
This said, Jackson has a very "small town" feel to it because everyone knows everyone. This is because everyone is related to someone, or knows someone who works for the "big three" employers here: Consumers Energy, Foote Hospital or the Prison (the largest in the state.) Other big manufacturing companies exist and a surprising number of corporations have their world headquarters here (Dawn Foods, Alro Steel, etc), but still it is very hard to find a good job as there is hardly any movement once one is hired. Literally, many people make their last career move here, either dying or retiring out of their job.
Lots of people choose to work elsewhere (Ann Arbor, Lansing) and commute because they like the small-town feel. "It's a great place to raise kids" is a common saying here because the crime
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Desperate people - 11/11/2006
After growing up around the area, I left to finish my graduate degree. After returing due to family still in the area, I was shocked to see the tragic downturn the city has taken. City government has done a wonderful job of quitely exerbing young adults. It is almost if the city hates young people. There is no place for a 20 something, and you are frowned upon at interviews, and when applying for home loans, no matter your credentials.It is made sure you are qualified for a house where "other" young homeowners are. There is a glass ceiling for young adults, and it gets lower every year. The h.s. district in which i lived continously bans a millage that would improve the quality of education, keeping kids in a horribly disadvantaged situation, which hits them when they appear in the real world. There is no oppourtunities, clubs, organizations, or anything that would interest a young person to stay after High School, if they finish.Alot of the bright students I knew who couldn't afford
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