Lansing is the capital of the state of Michigan, and it is a beautiful city that has always been considered to be an important center for education, industry, government, and which has long been known for its vibrant culture and friendly people. It’s also a beautiful city located on the peninsula where the Grand River Meets the Red Cedar River. Lansing is a beautiful, diverse place full of welcoming people and much to see and do. If you’re thinking of making a move to Michigan, Lansing would make a wonderful place to call home.
A Look at Lansing's History
In 1835, two brothers from New York came to the area just south of what is currently downtown Lansing and named it “Biddle City”. The land that the brothers purchased was actually in a floodplain and was underwater for most of the year. Nevertheless, they went back to their hometown of Lansing, New York to sell plots for a town that did not yet exist. They informed residents of Lansing about the city and sold plots, although upon arriving those who bought the plots found that no such city existed. Instead of returning home to New York, however, those who purchased the plots ended up staying in the area and renaming it Lansing Township in honor of their hometown in New York. Despite its questionable beginnings, the city grew quickly, and eventually became the capital city of Michigan, continually attracting more settlers as well as much industry and innovation in a variety of fields. Lansing has always been a diverse city full of innovation, and it remains so to this day.
A Few Fun Facts About Lansing
Read more fun facts about Lansing here.
Lansing’s LGBTQ Community
Lansing is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Greater Lansing is the Lansing area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
The mission of the Salus Center is to provide a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ community in Lansing, where all can feel encouraged and celebrated for who they are. The Salus Center accomplishes this mission and to provide events, resources, advocacy, and opportunities for connection to the LGBTQ community living in the greater Lansing area.
What's the Weather Like in Lansing?
Those who live in Lansing can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. Typically, summers are pleasant and mild with highs in July reaching around 82°F, while winter can be cold and snowy, with the low in January dropping down to about 17°F. Typically, the area receives an average of 33 inches of rain each year, and about 46 inches of snow. Spring and fall are usually pleasant and mild times to be outside with spring bringing beautiful flowers and fall promising the bright colors of changing leaves.
Can’t-Miss Events in Lansing
Michigan Pride is one of the most popular annual LGBTQ pride celebrations in the state, and it’s one event that you won’t want to miss. This annual celebration includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, speakers, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
If you love music, food, fun, hanging out with friends, or all of the above, you won’t want to miss your chance to attend Lansing’s annual BluesFest festival. The festival draws plenty of musical talent and great crowds, and it is certainly an event that many in Lansing look forward to each year. You’ll definitely want to put it on your calendar!
The Best Neighborhoods in Lansing
The LGBTQ community in Lansing is sprinkled throughout the city, which means that there are many wonderful places to live. Old Town is one of the neighborhoods that is most popular, however. Old Town overlooks the Grand River, and it has a rich history as one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. The architecture in Old Town often reflects Victorian influences, and the neighborhood is now considered to be the center of arts and culture for the greater Lansing area. It is also a thriving shopping district and a trendy place to live with lots of unique and arts-based gay-owned businesses. The median list price of homes currently for sale in Lansing is under $100,000, making it a very affordable place to live as well.
Arts and Entertainment
The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Lansing and known for its interesting design that contains no right angles. It offers an excellent variety of rotating exhibits created by artists from around the world, so each year promises something new. The museum also features a stunning collection of outdoor sculptures for visitors to enjoy, and the first Saturday of each money is Family Day, where families can create art projects together. It’s a wonderful place to spend the day feeling inspired and having fun!
Wharton Center for the Performing Arts
If you love the performing arts, you won't want to miss your chance to enjoy a show at the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts. This well-known art center hosts Broadway shows, concerts, stand-up comedy, and more, on four beautiful stages.
Parks and Recreation
The W.J. Beal Botanical Garden is located on Michigan State University’s campus and is the oldest continuously operating botanical garden in the country. The beautiful five-acre space includes more than 5,000 plant species from all over the world to explore. Even better, admission is free!
Lansing’s Fenner Nature Center is a beautiful environmental education center that includes 134 acres of green space for all to enjoy. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, observing wildlife, or simply relaxing, you’ll be able to do that here!
Lansing Nightlife
If you love dancing, great music, fun theme nights, and friendly crowds, Spiral Dance Bar is one spot in Lansing you won't want to miss. Grab some friends and hit the dance floor soon!
Stober’s is one of the oldest and most well-respected gay clubs in all of Lansing, first obtaining its liquor license after the end of Prohibition in 1933. It’s definitely a spot full of history, and it remains as friendly and welcoming today as it was on the day it opened its doors almost a hundred years ago. Don’t miss the chance to stop by and grab a drink or two during a night out in Lansing!
Contact a Lansing Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Lansing, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Lansing, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Lansing gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
