Moving to Lansing, Michigan? From international students, to government officials and people from all walks of life are finding their place in the Lansing area.
We’re here to help provide information on the best cities in Ingham County and the Lansing area.
Best Cities to Live In Michigan – Ingham County MI list
Best cities to live in Ingham County and the Lansing area:
Okemos
East Lansing
Mason
Holt
Lansing
When it comes to buying a home, the Lansing area can be a great place to plant roots. The Lansing area, and more specifically Ingham County, has some of the best school districts in the entire state. The population has a steady growth rate similar to Grand Rapids.
What City is Best For You?
Well, the best city for you depends on you and your tastes. So, feel free to contact us and we can partner you with a Exit Realty real estate agent that will help you with what you are looking for and your price range.
Some of the folks that move to the Lansing area and Ingham County are looking for a vibing nightlife. Others are seeking opportunities for their families and a strong desire to provide the best education for their kids. Still others want the quietness of living in the country but the convenience of being close to many amenities and necessities.
Whether you’re a college student or professor, a young professional, a veterinarian, a family, an older adult, Lansing and Ingham county is a great place for you.
If you need a great Lansing area real estate agent, please let us know. Lansing real estate is some of the best value in the country. If you’re moving to the Lansing area, check out all the area has to offer.
Without further ado, let’s look at some of the best cities inside Ingham county. From there, you can determine which city is best for you. Our recommendation is to visit and spend some time in all of the areas. They all offer something unique and have a different vibe.
In specific order, here are the best cities to live in Michigan – Ingham County edition.
Okemos
Located in the northwestern part of Ingham County and just east of Lansing, Okemos is a city rich in Native American History. The city was named to honor a chief, John Okemos, of the Ojibwa. The translation of the city is “little chief”. So, it’s only fitting that the school mascot for Okemos is the chiefs.
Okemos is consistently ranked as a top-performing school district and is widely placed at the top of many “Best Schools in Michigan” lists. The school’s sports teams tend to do really well, also. From a winning Division 1 soccer team to state ranked tennis players.
Originally a farming community, Okemos has grown into a thriving suburb of Lansing. The area is a popular place among families, college students, families, and employees of Michigan State University, Jackson National Life, and Delta Dental.
The city of Okemos has a lot to offer. In the city you will find all types of real estate, from your 1850’s farmhouse that was built when the community was still primarily farming to the newly constructed homes in College Fields. You will find Okemos is one of the more expensive neighborhoods — both in terms of real estate values and property taxes. But as they say, value comes at a price.
The most notable business in Okemos is the Meridian Mall on Grand River Avenue. There you can find many stores and restaurants to suit your taste.
East Lansing
The city of East Lansing is most famous for its university — Michigan State University. Composed of 5,192 acres of buildings, educational centers, and research farmland, the university is one of the largest campuses in the United States. Considering East Lansing is reported as being 8,649 acres, that makes MSU slightly over 60 percent of the city.
In East Lansing, you will find limited housing options compared to other cities in Ingham County. You will also find there is a large percentage of rental homes in the area. However, the city does limit the number of rentals.
You will find East Lansing is also ranked as one of the top school districts in Michigan. With the limited supply of housing in East Lansing, competition for real estate can be fierce. Prices are often driven up in hot real estate markets.
East Lansing has a vibrant nightlife with a ton of options along Grand River Ave. The city is heavily populated with college students.
Mason
Welcome to Mason, an opportunity for a more laid back lifestyle. If cities like East Lansing and Okemos aren’t your jam, you may find a nice home in Mason. The city can be described as having some small-town feel, away from the hustle and bustle of other suburbs, but still providing access to amenities and employment.
Fun fact: the city of Mason sits as Ingham County’s seat, as opposed to Lansing. Michigan is the only state where the capital city doesn’t sit as the county’s seat.
In Mason, it’s common to find cows still grazing within city limits. The city also has a community-focused event scene. They are often pulling together festivals and different activities for families and the community.
In terms of real estate, you will find a lot of older built homes. It’s common to find a home farmhouse, victorian, arts and crafts or other style home. They are usually rich in wood features, like the floors and trim.
Holt
Located just south of Lansing, you will find the city of Holt. The city of Holt is mostly composed of two distinct areas: Downtown and the remaining areas. In Downtown Holt, you will find a small-town feel. You will see streets lined with small-businesses.
The remaining parts of Holt can be suburban to nearly rural. The northern parts of Holt are primarily suburban. As you move further south, you will find homes located in a more rural setting. Homes become more spaced out and there are opportunities to own a home on land or even with river access.
Holt is also home to a popular condominium living option called Aspen Lakes Estates. The community also offers Luxury apartment options.
Lansing
Lansing is the state capital and is composed of several distinct neighborhoods offering a different experience. The neighborhoods are typically recognized as Downtown, REO town, Old Town, Stadium District, Old Everrett, Grosebeck, and Westside.
Downtown, REO tow, Old Town, and Stadium district are more urban living than the other neighborhoods. In these neighborhoods you will find a nice mix of residential and commercial real estate. From single unit lofts above an office, to a high-tower apartment building across from the Lugnuts’ stadium, to a single-family home around the corner to shops on Washington Ave. Each neighborhood is composed of a different demographic.
Lansing is worth investigating as your experience can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. While it might be one of the higher crime cities in Ingham County, it’s not typically one of the highest cities in Michigan.
Interested in buying a home in Lansing? We wrote a more comprehensive guide about Lansing real estate and homes for sale.
Final Thoughts On The Best Cities To Live In Michigan (Ingham County List)
Our local Lansing real estate agents are an excellent resource when it comes to navigating the Lansing real estate market. If you would like some first-hand help, please contact us here and we can better assist you based on your needs and goals. If you’re not ready to talk to a realtor just yet, please feel free to continue to browse our website. We are constantly trying to add more content to the site to better help you.
