Thinking of living in Lansing? Michigan’s capital city is a great place to raise kids, thanks to its affordable housing options, highly-rated schools, outdoor recreation spots, and family-friendly entertainment. If you’re looking to settle down with your family, check out these five Lansing suburbs!
DeWitt
Photo via @homesbymaryjo
- Home Price: $191,800 median purchase price; $960 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Michigan cities
With its tight-knit community, variety of housing styles, and many sporting events, DeWitt has everything you’re searching for in a Lansing suburb! Located around Lake Geneva, DeWitt is an affordable, safe area for families with close proximity to the water and great housing options like spacious brick ranches, Colonial-style homes, and modern single-family homes. Residents in DeWitt can send their children to top-rated schools like David Scott Elementary School, DeWitt Middle School, and DeWitt High School. And Downtown Lansing is just a 20-minute drive away, so you won’t have to go far to find even more entertainment, parks, and restaurants!
Things to Do in DeWitt
Enjoy a scenic boat ride, go for a swim, or take the family fishing at Lake Geneva. Play a game of basketball or walk along the Looking Glass River at McGuire Park. Go kayaking or canoeing at Riverside Park, or attend the “Movies in the Park” event. Make your way to the Downtown DeWitt Farmers Market to find a variety of food vendors, fresh produce, and baked goods. Visit the Downtown DeWitt Business District to find events like the Bridge + Main Spring Outdoor Market, which features food trucks, clothing boutiques, and bakeries. Spend an afternoon playing golf on the 18-hole course at Prairie Creek Golf & Banquet Center. Chow down on a Veggie Omelette, Cinnamon Raisin French Toast, or Cheesy Egg BLT at Family Tree Cafe. Get traditional Mexican meals like a California Burrito, Nachos Locos, or Enchiladas Bandera at Fiesta Charra. Enjoy fine dining at Bridge Street Social, where you can order Filet Mignon or Mahi Mahi. Or stop by Scoopy Doo’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream for a S’more Sundae or Butterscotch Milkshake.
Grand Ledge
Photo via @macintyrecowenrealestate
- Home Price: $124,500 median purchase price; $715 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 70% of Michigan cities
Families moving to Lansing should check out Grand Ledge, a suburb in west Lansing offering good walkability, family-friendly entertainment, and local restaurants! Grand Ledge was named after The Ledges, which are ancient sandstone cliffs that offer amazing views of the Grand River. It’s no surprise that this Lansing suburb has plenty of things to do outdoors—it’s home to scenic parks like Oak Park and Island Park! Plus, this suburban area has many affordable housing options, including charming ranches, traditional single-family homes, and modern new construction houses, all of which are perfect for growing families. Grand Ledge also offers access to quality education at its fantastic schools within the Grand Ledge Public School District.
Things to Do in Grand Ledge
Take your dog for a walk, play sand volleyball, or let the little ones play on the splash pad at Jaycee Park. Bring the family to FunTyme Adventure Park to ride go-karts, play miniature golf, or compete at arcade games. Catch a community show like A Doll’s House or Lone Star Spirits at Over The Ledge Theatre Co. Take a horseback riding lesson, or embark on a guided trail ride tour of over 200 acres of scenic countryside at Sundance Riding Stables. Visit the Grand Ledge Area Historical Society Museum to learn more about Grand Ledge’s rich history and check out exhibits like Wedding Bells. Get your breakfast food fix at Sophia’s House of Pancakes by ordering dishes like Eggs Benedict or a Nutella Waffle for the kids. Grab a Vegan Wrap or Turkey & Bacon Sandwich at Flour Child Bakery & Cafe. Or spend an evening on the patio at Cugino’s Italian Restaurant, where you can feast on Pasta Giovanni, Chicken Bruschetta Pizza, or Chicken Marsala.
Haslett
Photo via @gretatherealtor
- Home Price: $163,200 median purchase price; $786 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 38% of Michigan cities
Check out Haslett, a quiet town on the northeastern edge of Lansing that offers tons of ways to stay active! Not only is this suburb an ideal place to raise a family because of its good schools like Haslett Middle School and Haslett High School, but it also offers budget-friendly houses ranging from bungalows and ranches to traditional single-family homes and condos. In addition, this Lansing suburb has everything you need nearby—trendy restaurants, entertainment spots, and public parks with numerous trails that are great for biking and hiking. Best of all, living in Haslett means that you can enjoy beautiful views of the water near Lake Lansing, which is one of the largest lakes in Greater Lansing!
Things to Do in Haslett
Enroll the kids in lessons at one of Michigan’s best golf courses, the Meridian Sun Golf Club. Sign up the little ones for a youth sailing class at the Lansing Sailing Club, which teaches water safety and the basics of sailing on Lake Lansing. Bring the whole family to Haslett Library, where you can participate in fun events like Read to a Pet, StoryWalk, or LEGO Club. Play a game of volleyball on the beach, go paddle-boating, or take the kids to play on the playground at Lake Lansing Park South. Visit Nancy Moore Park, where you can go for a bike ride or unleash your dogs at the small dog park. Savor Japanese fares like a Spicy Tuna Sushi Roll or Tempura Shrimp Udon at Akagi Sushi. Kick back and relax with drinks like a Smokehouse Shed Bloody Mary while listening to live music at Watershed Tavern & Grill. Or go wine tasting with friends at Burgdorf’s Winery, and sample a variety of wines like Pinot Noir Rose or Chardonnay Reserve.
Okemos
Photo via @c21lookingglass
- Home Price: $205,500 median purchase price; $873 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 57% of Michigan cities
Okemos is a large East Lansing suburb within 15 minutes of the city center, and it’s a favorite among families! This Lansing suburb is ideal for families who want quick access to dining and entertainment options, as well as kid-friendly outdoor recreation areas like Hartrick Park and Ferguson Park. Okemos is home to highly-rated schools like Chippewa 7-8 School and Okemos High School, and it’s also close to Michigan State University. Families will always have something to do in Okemos, thanks to events in the Meridian Charter Township and on the MSU campus. As for housing, options ranging from Colonial-style homes and trendy ranches to modern condos are available.
Things to Do in Okemos
Embark on a family hike, go for a run, or watch the wildlife along the trails at Harris Nature Center. Grill out for a family barbecue, or play a game of horseshoe at Wonch Park. Go kayaking or canoeing on the Red Cedar River, which stretches for over 472 square miles. Make your way to Potter Park Zoo, a 102-acre zoo that has over 500 animals from around the world, and a hands-on Zookami Summer Camp for little ones to attend. Learn about Native American culture by taking a cultural art class or museum tour at Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center. Let the kids explore log cabin living during a summer day camp at the Meridian Historical Village. Pick up a Custard Danish or Ham & Cheese Pastry with an Iced Americano at Chapelure. Sit down for a family meal at Red Haven, where you can feast on a Shrimp Burger, Beet Falafel, or Mushroom Ragu. Or head over to Ozzy’s Kabob, and savor dishes like a Lamb Gyro Platter, Falafel & Hummus, or Chicken Kabob.
Williamston
Photo via @katherine.keener
- Home Price: $133,300 median purchase price; $684 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 61% of Michigan cities
Located east of Lansing along the Red Cedar River, Williamston is another perfect suburb for families! This charming town is a hidden gem known for its Victorian-era architecture and historical buildings in the Downtown Historic District. Williamston is full of beautiful homes, including cozy ranches, eclectic farmhouses, and Colonial-style homes, so this is an ideal area in Lansing for families looking to buy a home. Plus, families can find top-rated schools within the Williamston Community Schools District from elementary school up to high school, and they can take advantage of the fun things to do with events like the Williamston Summer Concert Series!
Things to Do in Williamston
Spend an afternoon at McCormick Park, where you can let the kids play on the swings or go fishing on the pier of the Red Cedar River. Take a stroll on the river boardwalk or have a family picnic at Old Mill Park. Visit the Williamston Depot Museum to see exhibitions like The Story of Williamston, which highlights the story of the Williamston area from its first residents through the 20th century. Sit back and enjoy the latest flick at the Sun Theatre. Take the kids to the “Seedlings & Sprouts” program at the Eastern Ingham Farmer’s Market, which offers family-friendly arts and crafts activities. Try some Chinese cuisine at Szechuan Garden with dishes like Orange Chicken, Wonton Soup, or Beef Chow Mein. Or fill up on farm-to-table delicacies like Smoked Salmon Pate or BBQ Smoked Brisket Wrap at The Bistro.
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Suburb statistics from AreaVibes
