Why Live in Downtown East Lansing
Downtown East Lansing offers a blend of vibrant college-town energy and residential tranquility. The neighborhood features elegant Colonial-style homes and Cape Cod houses, along with more modest ranch-style homes and condos. Residents appreciate the shaded streets and unique architecture, with subdivisions and side roads within walking distance to dining, local parks, and the Michigan State University campus. The area is known for its lively game-day atmosphere and student nightlife, particularly along Grand River Avenue and Albert Street, where you can find numerous dining options like Black Cat Bistro, El Azteco, HopCat, and The Peanut Barrel. For shopping, Whole Foods Market and Frandor Shopping Center are conveniently located nearby.
Local students benefit from highly rated schools, including Glencairn Elementary School, MacDonald Middle School, and East Lansing High School. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, providing a sense of security for families. Community parks such as Valley Court Park offer playgrounds, walking trails, and events like the East Lansing Farmer’s Market and Play in the Park performances. Additionally, the Smithsonian-affiliated MSU Museum and Spartan Stadium are popular attractions, adding to the list of things to do in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown East Lansing a good place to live?
Downtown East Lansing is a good place to live. Downtown East Lansing is considered car-dependent and very bikeable. Downtown East Lansing is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Downtown East Lansing has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 5.9 people per acre and a median age of 25. The average household income is $53,105 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 71.8% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown East Lansing are renters, with 84.4% of residents renting and 15.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown East Lansing can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown East Lansing neighborhood guide.
Is Downtown East Lansing, MI a safe neighborhood?
Downtown East Lansing, MI is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown East Lansing?
The median home price in Downtown East Lansing is $279,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $55,900 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.26%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,380 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $59K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown East Lansing. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Downtown East Lansing is $53K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown East Lansing?
The best public schools that serve Downtown East Lansing are:
- Okemos High School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
- Kinawa School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 16:1 and an average review score of 4.5.
- Chippewa Middle School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 15:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
What are the best private schools in Downtown East Lansing?
The best private schools that serve Downtown East Lansing are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown East Lansing, East Lansing, MI?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown East Lansing, East Lansing, MI?
Are home prices dropping in Downtown East Lansing?
Yes, home prices in Downtown East Lansing are down 9% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Downtown East Lansing, MI
On average, homes in Downtown East Lansing, East Lansing sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown East Lansing, East Lansing over the last 12 months is $261,500, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$261,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$292,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$190
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
12
Median List Price
$279,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-8%
