Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Nothing Found
There are no cons identified for this area, as none of the categories received a poor score.
East Lansing is a medium-sized city located in the state of Michigan. The city has a population of 49,688 inhabitants. In East Lansing, there are 3,700 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 76% of East Lansing residents are White, 11% Asian and 7% Black. With an average age of 21 years old, East Lansing could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. East Lansing is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 21% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in East Lansing. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in East Lansing is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Michigan, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around East Lansing, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, education and more.
East Lansing, MI receives 84/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #31 in Michigan and #599 in the USA. Clearly, East Lansing is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Another exciting tidbit, is that East Lansing ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the grades for each individual category, East Lansing has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (B-), crime (B-), cost of living (A), education (A) and housing (B). There are some categories that East Lansing ranks poorly for, including: employment (D). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their East Lansing apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in East Lansing is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in East Lansing come in at $350,904, which is 48.8% higher than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In East Lansing, the home price to income ratio is 5.8, which is 81.3% higher than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | East Lansing | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 53.0% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.6% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 7.6% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 7.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 17.6% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.3% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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