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East Lansing At a Glance

City Population: 46,000 (2000 Census)

Tri-County Population: 454,000

Geographic Area: 13.49 square miles

Home of Michigan State University: a college known for its exceptional academics, enthusiastic students and a breathtaking 5,000-acre campus. Since its founding in 1855, MSU has grown to include more than 200 programs of academic study in addition to more than 200 study abroad programs. The university serves more than 45,000 students (78% undergraduate students, 22% graduate students, 17.6% minorities, 5.1% international students). More.

Nearby Cities: 1 1/2 hours to Detroit, 1 hour to Ann Arbor, 1 1/2 hours to Grand Rapids, 4 hours to Chicago; 5 hours to Toronto; 2 hours to Lake Michigan; 3 ½  hours to Mackinaw Island; 1-3 hours to a variety of ski resorts. 

Climate: Temperate climate with well-defined seasons. The Great Lakes cool the hot winds of summer and warm the cold winds of winter, giving Michigan a milder climate than some northern central states. The lakes also create more humidity and moisture throughout the year. Snowfall may be heavy in winter.

Transportation: A number of transportation options are accessible, including an interstate system, airport, bus systems and train station.

Real Estate Prices: Click here for further details about real estate costs in East Lansing.

Cost-of-Living: East Lansing's cost of living is 19% lower than the U.S. average. (Calculation from Sperling's Best Places)

Neighborhoods: East Lansing is home to 25 distinct neighborhoods.

History: East Lansing was incorporated as a city on May 8, 1907.  Find out more.

Economic Development: There are a number of development projects taking root in and around the city.

Median Family Income: $61,965 (2000 Census)

Number of Parks: 24

Number of Public Schools: 8

Median Home Purchase Price: $144,300 (2000 Census); Average sold price in 2010: $167,219, a 3% increase from 2009 (Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood Housing Market Report)