Lansing, MI Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Lansing, MI: What You Need to Know

Lansing (population: 118,210) is the capital of Michigan. The city is located in the central part of the state, and affectionately called Mid-Michigan.

Local History

Lansing was founded in 1835 by two brothers from Lansing, New York, who initially called the area Biddle Town. They sold plots back in New York, and the newcomers started calling the area Lansing Township after their hometown. In 1847, the Michigan legislature wanted to relocate the state capital from Detroit to a more centralized location after deeming Detroit too close to Canada, and therefore vulnerable to British forces. Lansing Township was chosen as the new state capital. It was renamed Lansing after John Lansing, a New York patriot and a delegate to the federal Constitutional Convention in 1787.

Things to Do in Lansing, MI

The Michigan State Capitol is one of the first buildings in the country to feature a cast iron dome. Elijah E. Myers, a foremost architect during the Gilded Age, designed the building, which opened in 1879. Guided tours of the capitol, a National Historic Landmark, are available. Walkers, joggers, and bikers love the Lansing River Trail, which winds past 19 city and county parks, three museums, two rivers, and a creek. The 13-mile trail is also a popular place for rollerblading.

Cost of Living in Lansing, MI

Lansing offers access to state jobs and other opportunities at a budget-friendly price. The city’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 8.1%, 35.6%, and 7.3% lower than the national average respectively. Lansing’s median gross rent is $819. Michigan residents pay a flat income tax of 4.25%, but some cities charge additional rates. The state levies 6% in sales tax, considered low for the region.

Know Your Neighborhoods

The Grand River, Michigan’s largest river, runs through downtown Lansing, giving residents scenic water views. Lansing gets kudos for its lively arts and music scene and a clean and safe environment. Almost half (49%) of all city residents are renters. Families in search of superb public schools should look into East Lansing, Okemos, and Haslett. All three suburbs have top-ranked schools. East Lansing, only five miles away, is home to Michigan State University.

Transportation

Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) buses and paratransit service offer an alternative to driving in the Lansing-East Lansing metropolitan area. CATA buses run on 33 routes, including service on Michigan State University campus in East Lansing. The city is serviced by the Capital Region International Airport.