Our Community
MSU is the nation's pioneer land-grant institution and has a very strong agriculture and horticulture program. The Department embraces this rich tradition through departmental outreach, which includes stewardship of the MSU Radiology Healing Gardens, a calming environment for patients, visitors, students, and University employees. Surrounded by lush gardens, serene ponds, and flowing waterfalls, the Radiology facility provides a welcoming place to work and is the epitome of a holistic approach to patient healing. The founding chair, E. James Potchen, built the radiology building central to the academic department. Beyond the bricks and mortar, this infrastructure is realization of Jim’s vision to create a welcoming place for innovation & creativity—a place to think and find a better way every day through multidisciplinary collaboration.
Greater Lansing Community
Michigan is famous for its hospitality and encompasses everything from bustling cities to beautiful countryside. The state’s capital city of Lansing boasts the best of both worlds: the down-to-earth spirit of the Midwestern USA with the cultured amenities of a state capital.
Throughout its history, Michigan's capital city has hosted a diverse population of forward-thinking innovators. Greater Lansing is comprised of a delightful mix of urban amenities and small-town charm. Lansing is home to fantastic entertainment, affordable housing, incredible outdoor recreation, and a vibrant dining scene.
Within a five-block radius in the city center are five must-see attractions: the neoclassical State Capitol Building, a National Historic Landmark; Impression 5 Science Center, a hands-on family museum; Cooley Law School Stadium, home of the minor league Lansing Lugnuts baseball team; the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, dedicated to America’s iconic Oldsmobile cars; and educational exhibits at the Michigan History Museum.
College Town Fun
Michigan State University isn’t just for students. Take a tranquil stroll through the Beal Botanical Garden or 4-H Children’s Garden and explore arts and sciences at the MSU Museum, Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum and the Abrams Planetarium. Did you know? Architectural Digest named MSU’s Broad Art Museum one of the “Best University Art Museums in America.” The Wharton Center for Performing Arts is the largest in the state and hosts more than 100 events each season, from Broadway musicals to dances, plays and family programming.
Arts and Culture
Lansing is also considered the festival capital of Michigan, and you can plan your trip to experience one of 60 annual events throughout the year. Find arts and crafts shows in the spring, beer and food festivals in the summer, and dozens of heritage-and holiday-themed celebrations in fall and winter. Take a turn on the dance floor at the Michigan BluesFest or take the Lansing Community College Sculpture Walk to find dozens of eclectic public art installations. Submerge yourself with theatrical and Broadway performances, Act One Family Series, Sensory-Friendly Showtimes, and more at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts! From fine dining and farm to table, Greater Lansing offers a diverse dining landscape that will not only satisfy your taste buds, but it will fit in with your lifestyle and budget.
Neighborhoods
Lansing has four distinct arts districts to explore. Look for colorful street art and funky eateries in REO Town, the original site of the REO Motor Car Company. Old Town has long been Lansing’s cultural district, where historic buildings now hold galleries, trendy boutiques, bars, and restaurants. In East Lansing, check out immersive museums, galleries, and the Michigan State University campus. Downtown is a true city center with cultural venues, shopping, and dining.
Stay Active and Explore the Great Outdoors
Even in this bustling city, you can enjoy the great outdoors on more than 30 kilometers of trails along the Grand and Red Cedar rivers. Bike, run, or walk, pausing at local landmarks along the Lansing River Trail, including Old Town’s historic stops, the Lansing City Market, downtown’s shopping district, the Potter Park Zoo, the oldest public zoo in the state of Michigan, and Michigan State University. Book your tee time at one of Greater Lansing's premier golf courses; Go canoeing or kayaking in the Grand River for panoramic views from the water; or relax on the urban beach.
Affordable Cost of Living
With the region's affordable cost of living, short commutes, and diverse neighborhoods, you can enjoy a superb quality of life in a vibrant metropolitan area. Greater Lansing is less expensive than many other major metropolitan cities, yet you can expect a wide range of amenities of any major U.S. city, as well as lower taxes than in many other states. Lansing’s cost of living is 17% lower than the national average.
Quality of Life in Lansing
Lansing is rich with history and has recently been undergoing revitalization efforts to restore and preserve the historical features of the city, bringing in new local businesses, shops, and restaurants. The city's economy is diversified among government service, healthcare, manufacturing, insurance, banking, and education. Overall, Lansing is a friendly city with cultural diversity, a great place to move for budget-conscious families, and a desirable home for individuals who love to experience all four seasons
Distinct seasons for the family to enjoy
Greater Lansing offers great experience for each distinct weather season. Winters bring snowy nights by the fireplace and the summers bring 80-degree days on the golf course. You’ll get to experience a wide variety of excellent activities on the water including sailing, paddle boarding, boating, fishing, ice fishing, and water sports. Water lovers can explore the Grand River in the heart of downtown Lansing with River Town Adventures or go beyond on one of three Great Lakes.
Other community highlights
- Close to three of the Great Lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie are all nearby.
- City proximity: Lansing is an hour’s drive from both Grand Rapids and Detroit for convenient day trips.
- Voted No. 1 Best Affordable Place to Live by Livability.com.
- Ranked No. 50 out of Top 150 Places to Live.
- Newsweek Ranks East Lansing and Okemos High Schools Among the Best in the Nation.
- Voted 14th Most Educated City in America by Wallethub.