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Lansing is the capital of Michigan, a mid-sized city of approximately 112,000 residents anchored by state government employment and a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and professional services. As the seat of state government, Lansing has a stable institutional base that buffers it from some of the economic volatility seen in other Midwestern cities. The Grand River runs through the city, and downtown Lansing has undergone significant investment over the past decade, with new restaurants, breweries, arts spaces, and mixed-use developments changing the character of several formerly industrial districts. Lansing Community College sits in the heart of downtown, and nearby Michigan State University in East Lansing, just a few miles to the east, adds a significant student population to the broader metro area. Neighborhoods like Old Town and REO Town have become lively hubs for young residents, with independent businesses, community events, and affordable housing options attracting students and working adults alike. The broader metro area, often referred to as the Lansing-East Lansing region, offers a full range of shopping, entertainment, and recreation options. Lansing's cost of living is relatively low by Michigan standards, making it accessible for students and young renters who want an urban environment without the expense of Detroit, Ann Arbor, or Grand Rapids.
Old Town is a vibrant neighborhood just north of downtown with a walkable commercial strip, independent restaurants, galleries, and a strong sense of community, making it the top choice for many LCC students and young renters.
Named for the REO Motor Car Company founded in Lansing, REO Town sits south of downtown and is known for its murals, creative businesses, and affordable housing options that appeal to students and artists.
Living right in the downtown core puts LCC students within steps of campus, the State Capitol, and a growing number of restaurants and amenities, with apartment options ranging from older buildings to newer mixed-use developments.
The neighborhoods along the Lansing-East Lansing border give residents access to Michigan State's extensive amenities while typically offering lower rents than East Lansing proper, an attractive combination for budget-conscious LCC students.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Lansing.
Lansing is served by CATA, the Capital Area Transit Authority, which operates fixed-route bus service throughout Lansing, East Lansing, and several surrounding communities including Meridian Township and Okemos. The bus network connects the LCC downtown campus to major residential neighborhoods, Michigan State University, and key commercial corridors. Service runs seven days a week on most routes, though frequencies outside of peak hours can be limited, and some outlying areas are not well covered.
Downtown Lansing and the neighborhoods closest to it, including Old Town and REO Town, are reasonably walkable for daily errands and getting to campus. The River Trail along the Grand River provides a dedicated path popular with cyclists and pedestrians, and the city has been expanding its network of protected and shared-use bike infrastructure in recent years. Students living within two or three miles of the LCC campus can realistically commute by bike during mild-weather months, though Michigan winters make year-round cycling a challenge.
Lansing offers considerably more parking flexibility than denser urban cities, and most residential neighborhoods have abundant street parking at low or no cost. The LCC downtown campus has structured parking available for students, and surface lots are common throughout the area. Students who commute by car from outside the immediate downtown area will generally find parking manageable, though peak hours near campus and the Capitol district can see heavier demand. Monthly parking passes are available for students who drive regularly.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Lansing is one of the more affordable rental markets in Michigan. Rooms in shared houses or apartments in popular neighborhoods like Old Town and REO Town typically run from about $450 to $750 per month, and one-bedroom apartments in the downtown area generally range from $700 to $1,050. Costs rise somewhat in East Lansing due to demand from Michigan State students, so staying on the Lansing side of the border often provides better value.
Browse student housing near each Lansing-area university.