Lansing vs. Indianapolis IN relocation insight?

[dmallind]

I'm quietly confident of having this choice for my next relocation (maybe not of course!) so I thought I'd post in both IN and MI forums and see what I get. I've done the usual due diligence at city-data and bestplaces so I know the stats, but they only tell part of the picture. I've visited both places but spent more time in Lansing due to former in-laws living there. I'm more looking for informed social context. Comparisons would be great if you know both places but just MI insight more than appreciated. Pros/Cons/social environment etc would be much appreciated

US: empty nesters, upper middle income (low six figures), moderate Dems both, early 40's, suburban/outer urban by preference (large yard for dog). Would be looking at typical Okemos/Holt/East Lansing areas. Work would be pretty close to this. Not too artsy in interests but we like the usual amenities within reasonable distance. Not into keeping up with Joneses or coffee klatch socializing. A bit on the white-bread side but without the fake bonhomie that often goes with it. Irreligious. More interested in discussing politics than little Bobby's grades.

Thanks for anything guys.

[1gobluedem]

1. I grew up in Haslett

Not too far from East Lansing (and far superior to Okemos in my opinion) where there are multiple cultural and sports choices, Lansing has Lugnuts minor league baseball, there are pretty good restaurants around, nice scenic opportunities; canoeing on the Red Cedar, the ledges in Grand Ledge, sailing on Lake Lansing, horseback riding in Williamston.

The Ingham County Democrats are VERY active; my mother has been part of that scene for years. She loves it.

Lansing area is only about an hour (little more) away from Clare, the 'Gateway to the North.' You can be in Mackinaw City in three and a half hours.

I totally recommend Haslett over both Okemos and Holt. East Lansing, though, has some great neighborhoods; the Flower Pot and the neighborhood just north of Grand River (Collingwood, Snyder, Bailey, etc.) is lovely. In fact, I know of a great house for sale there.

[blue_onyx]

2. I've been to the Indianapolis area quite a few times

My cousin and her husband live south of Indy in Greenwood. Personally, I wouldn't have any desire to move there. McCain won the county that Greenwood is in by a pretty big margin so it's a conservative area.

The suburbs, at least the Greenwood area, are newly developed. When I first went to visit about 7-8 years ago, it was all corn fields. Now, there are rows and rows of the same house. There's no trees so it still feels like you're living in a corn field. In fact, because of the lack of trees, 3-4 houses in my cousin's subdivison have been hit by lighting since the homes are the tallest structures.

It also feels like it take a long time to get anywhere. The housing and shopping areas seem segregated. In my area, I have a stores near my home which are within walking distance if I only need to grab a few things or if it's just a nice day for a walk. In Greenwood, it seems like there shopping areas and living areas.

My cousin and her husband seem to like it in the Indy area but it's just not for me.

I've only been to Lansing once so I couldn't provide a good assessment of the area. I remember hearing Lansing voted 75% for Obama so it's probably the better option politically.

[LittleGirl]

4. Greenwood aka Greentucky

My s.i.l. calls Greenwood Greentucky because of all of the low income redneck hillbillies that live there and they all voted GOP. I can vouch for that viewpoint. Nothing against redneck hillbillies...really...they can be good people. Just not liberal enough for me. I have cousins in Alabama that are redneck hillbillies and they all voted for Obama so it just makes you wonder. I posted in the other thread before I checked here. Good Luck.

[handmade34]

3. Lansing area!

I grew up in Michigan and have been to Indianapolis numerous times. I just bought a mini farm in Eaton Rapids, 20 miles south of Lansing. One of my daughters lives in Okemos and East lansing is a great college town. No to Holt. Lots of houses to buy in area: Good Luck