Firstly why Lansing, Michigan?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Lansing
• State: Michigan
• Population: 115,644 people
• Lansing’s quick summary would be The state capital, celebrated for the Michigan State Capitol and the vibrant cultural institutions.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 12,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 15,000 annually
• Net Migration: -3000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,000
• Number of Homeless people: 500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as the state capital offers job opportunities and cultural attractions attracting professionals

Perk #1: Lansing Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 65%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $57,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Lansing is $57,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Lansing’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 100 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,296
• Property Tax %: 1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,100
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Lansing
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Lansing, East-Lansing, Delta-Township, Okemos, and probably could include Haslett
• Avg. Age of Homes in Lansing: 82 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.8%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Lansing’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Lansing are  Manufacturing, Government, and Healthcare
• Lansing Job Scene: strong job market in education and government
• The General Tech Scene: recent growth in tech focus primarily surrounding education and local innovation , ,
• Lansing Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Lansing: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 90 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 9

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Lansing

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-96 connects Lansing to Detroit and suburban areas
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
• Transportation Score: 45 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Lansing: 70,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Lansing: michigan.gov/sos
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 67 of 100
• Local Airport: Capital Region International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Lansing’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Lansing is best described as enjoys a humid continental climate with cold winters warm summers and distinct seasonal changes showcasing shifting beauty throughout the year
• Winter Weather in Lansing i’d describe as cold with some snow
• Spring Weather in Lansing can be described as cool with rain expected
• Summer’s in Lansing are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Lansing is usually cool and mild
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 73 days in summer
• Days in a row in Lansing below Freezing: 50
• Average Annual Rainfall: 35 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by urban traffic
• Lansing Winter Air mixed air quality impacted by urban pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Lansing Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Lansing 6
• While the number of trade schools inside Lansings’s city limits are 4
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Lansing Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Lansing Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Lansing only Doctors is about 100
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Lansing only Police Officers is about 300
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Lansing’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Lansing’s Monthly Gym Membership: $45
• Lansing’s Water Quality Score: 74

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Lansing

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital with a mix of political and cultural activities
• You might enjoy shows at the Wharton Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Lansing  has a vibrant nightlife with a mix of bars clubs restaurants and cultural events reflecting local culture

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Lansing

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a mix of casual dining and local eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Lansing
• The Popular Sports Team is Lansing Lugnuts
• Top Level Political Climate in Lansing can be described as state capital with a diverse political climate
• Lansing’s Longer standing religious establishment is Lansing United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Lansing Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Lansing has 40 Parks?
• Reutter Park is Lansing’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Lansing City Market normally open Thursday 4pm-8pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and river activities

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Lansing Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Lansing can be described as urban life centered around government and education
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Lansing hiking nature trails local events picnicking at parks
• The Cities people commute to from Lansing are East-Lansing 6 miles away Holt 11 miles away Williamston 18 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Lansing or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Lansing’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Lansing is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Lansing are East-Lansing 6 miles away Holt 11 miles away Williamston 18 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Lansing has 50 days in a row below freezing and 73 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Lansing people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   500 homeless people living in Lansing. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general state capital with a diverse political climate could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Lansing.

Retiree & Senior Life in Lansing

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for property tax relief programs enhancing financial positioning
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Willows at East Lansing
• Lansing Senior Center offers a variety of activities and health workshops for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Lansing, Michigan?

If Lansing, Michigan ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Lansing, Michigan, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!