Grand Ledge/Lansing area home/apt. search

allicat2183

Hi girls,
I'm a nestie from the Grand Rapids area. My husband was accepted to the DO program at MSU, so we're looking to move east! We are starting to feel pretty defeated as far as apartment/home searches go. Everytime we feel like we're close to something, we find out it's totally not what we had expected. Does anyone have any tips for great apartments in Lansing or Grand Ledge area? We really want to steer clear of the undergrad scene. We're looking for something that we can settle into, since we might be there for a while, and want something we can potentially start a family in. We've been mostly looking for apartments (preferably townhomes or condos -- room to move and grow), but every now and then we entertain the thought of buying a house as an investment.
Any insight or help you have would be so wonderful, as we're really not familar with the area's dynamics. Thanks so much!
Allison

LVila

I would stick with the Grand Ledge area even though it's a little further from campus. They have a great school district and it's a very nice town. You could also go even farther east and find something in the Okemos area (which is closer to MSU). It will most likely be a little pricier than Lansing and Grand Ledge, but it's a bigger city and has more 'upper end' housing. It's a great time to buy right now and you might be able to talk sellers down quite a bit to get a great house at an even better price. Good luck with your search! Join us for some GTGs when you get settled )

Inna

Hi,
I don't usually post because I'm always so busy with school (I'm over at the MD school), but I have a really great suggestion. I've been at Okemos Station apartments with my husband for two years now and we've been really happy with them (they also have townhouses). If you do end up liking them, make sure to ask for the apartments as far away from the train tracks as possible though. Trains come by once in a while...I guess it bothers people who live really close to the tracks, but I'm pretty used to it and it's not all that loud over here. Also, it's mostly families who live out here, it's fairly inexpensive, and it's about a 5 min drive from school.

sjbeatty8

If you are looking for apts check out somerset apts in Bath.. they are convient for campus and close to a lot .. but they are very quiet and they have some large floor plans.. my BIL lives there and loves it.
For a house.. I grew up in GL and loved it.. but it is pricey for houses, try west lansing for some better rates in that area.. We bought a house in Holt and are very pleased, the neighborhood we live in (off washington by chisolm hills golf course) is wonderful. Lots of families, kids, etc and basically in our backyard is one of the best elementary schools in the state.. so if you are planning on having kids in the area this is a great place too..
Personally with the way the housing market is.. if you can find a house you like and you will be in the area for 2-5 years.. BUY!!!! We got ours over a year ago and still got it for 35K less then the appraised value.. you can steal some homes these days.

JoshnEllen

I would buy....market is good for buyers right now and the interest rate is great.

I live in lansing just west of east lansing.  I would suggest the Groesbeck neighborhood.....it is east of us 127 and north of grand river avenue.  It is close to campus without the undergrad issues.  It is a family neighborhood with an awesome elementary school.  There are a couple of parks and a city golf course in the neighborhood.  It is close to the major highways.....127, 496, 69, and the eastwood towne center shopping mall.

Good luck!!!

allicat2183

Thanks for the help! We really appreciate your opinions, because like I said, we were feeling pretty defeated. Thanks!

Allison

AjM23

Have you looked into Canal Club apartments? They are on the west side of Lansing, headed toward Grand Ledge. I used to live there, they are very nice and very quiet!