Southeast Lansing - Lansing, MI

The city of Lansing was nothing more than a small village in a floodplain until 1847 when the state legislature decided that the capital should be moved from Detroit to a more centrally located city that would be easy to protect. Lawmakers settled on Lansing as the new capital and it wasn't long before the city began to experience rapid growth. The first colleges that would eventually combine into Michigan State University were founded in 1855 and attracted even more residents from around the state and the country.

The Outer Southside houses the Historical Society of Michigan. This organization works to educate students and visitors about Michigan's rich history through exhibits, workshops conferences and many other initiatives. Both the annual Maple Syrup and Victorian Festivals also help to educate the public and bring the community together.

Residents head west towards Business I-96 to enjoy a variety of fast food chain restaurants, casual diners and locally owned eateries. This main thoroughfare hosts Arby's, Wendy's and Blimpie, making it easy for locals to grab a quick lunch or hassle-free dinner on the go.

Breakfast lovers head to Zeus' Coney Island where diners can order their favorite combination of breakfast foods any time of the day. This family friendly diner also specializes in American style food and Greek dishes. The popular Coney Island hotdog comes piled high with spicy chili, onions and cheese, all served with a side of crispy fries. For something a little lighter, customers order the classic chicken gyro that comes with a soft pita and cucumber yogurt sauce. This popular destination provides a large menu to accommodate almost any appetite.

Finley's Grill and Smokehouse stands out as another local favorite. This restaurant has been serving locals since 1970 and features a smokehouse and selection of Michigan beers. The baby back ribs have helped this location build an excellent reputation and a loyal following. For a truly indulgent surf and turf meal, diners order the "Perfect Couple," which comes with steak cooked to order, lobster and a baked potato.

For more entertainment options and to grab a few drinks, locals simply have to head south of I-96. The Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge features great drinks specials, a spacious dance floor and local DJs playing their own mixes and top 40 hits. Champions Sports Bar and Grill serves as the local game day gathering place. Locals stop by for affordable local beers and to cheer on hometown teams.

Downtown Lansing also provides a whole host of music venues, theaters and museums.

Drivers can quickly and easily hop onto I-96 which provides a major east/west route just to the south of the neighborhood. This expressway runs east directly through MSU's campus and intersects with I-496. In addition to easy access to major roads, residents also enjoy plenty of free parking throughout the neighborhood. Locals looking to take advantage of the public transportation system can walk to the borders of the neighborhood which is lined with plenty of bus stops and regular routes. Pedestrians can also use the nearby trail system to safely travel on foot or by bike to all corners of the city.

Outer Southside residents live just east of Marscot Park, which features a long list of amenities an plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. This wooded area provides miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and geocachers looking to improve their skills. Tennis courts and baseball fields allow visitors to enjoy their favorite sports and picnic tables and shelter can be used to host events or just enjoy a meal outdoors. Families enjoy visiting the park to take advantage of the playgrounds and socialize with other children and parents. Dog owners can bring along their furry friends and use the park for free.

Annual events held in the park include: Easter Egg Hunt, Fourth of July Picnic and Veteran's Day events.

The cost of living in the Outer Southside of Lansing runs on par with other areas of the city. Residents pay an average of $569 per month to rent a one-bedroom apartment. A one way bus ride costs $1.25 and drivers save at the pump with gas prices that trend 10 percent lower than national averages. Enjoy a drink at one of the local bars and pay $3 for a bottle of domestic beer.

The major shopping district lies just southwest of the neighborhood and house many popular retail chains. Resident can take a quick drive to visit Target, Sam's Club and Lowe's Home Improvement.

To experience local boutiques and the best shopping Lansing has to offer, head to the downtown area. While the city hosts many popular art galleries, the Katalyst Gallery stands out as a funky and unique destination for modern and cutting edge art with a touch of fun and humor. The store carries a selection of paintings, jewelry, lamps, purses and all sorts of items created by local artists. It provides the perfect place to pick up a great gift for any special occasion.

Music lovers frequent Flat, Black and Circular to shop for vintage and collectible records and new releases from local bands. Shoppers can listen before they buy and talk shop with the owner who is always on hand and has a clear passion for music and vinyl records. He will even special order that hard to find item at no extra cost.

Residents stock up on groceries and other household essentials at the local Meijer location and visit the Allen Street Farmers' Market to purchase fresh, local produce.