The Village of Okemos Redevelopment Project focuses on two vacant, underutilized and contaminated blocks located in the heart of Downtown Okemos. The project will bring significant jobs to the area, and increase the value of taxable properties.

The City of Okemos is a charter township and census-designated place (CDP) in Ingham County, Michigan. It has a population of 25,179.

Conveniently Located Between East Lansing and Williamston

Okemos MI, located in between East Lansing and Lansing (the capital), is a small city that’s a great place for young families or students to call home. It is an ideal place to live for students and young families. It has an easy commute time and low cost of living.

A popular stop along the Grand River Trail (which was later transformed into the plank road that connected Detroit and Lansing during the 19th century), it is a centrally located city with plenty of farmland. A large GM plant was once located just outside of the city, but that facility has now moved to a newer location in nearby Haslett.

Three shopping centers and five parks are located within 1.8 miles of the city. This is a car-dependent region, so you will need your vehicle for most errands. The East Campus of Lansing Community College is also only 8 minutes away. The local library is well-stocked and has a wide selection of materials for you to explore.

Familie-friendly Community

The community of Okemos is a great place for families. The city has top-notch schools, a safe environment and plenty of things to do. Kids love the local parks, including Wonch Park on the banks of the Red Cedar River, with volleyball courts and a playground. Other popular parks include Nancy Moore Park, Ferguson Park and the Michigan Women’s History Museum and Belen Gallery.

Visitors can explore the history of the area in the nearby Meridian Historical Village. The Harris Nature Center, which is located near dense forests and lush fields, has more than five miles worth of nature trails. The community also hosts the Okemos Farmers Market every Saturday morning.

59.5% of the housing units in Okemos are owner-occupied, and the average property tax is $8,055 compared to the national average of $9,740. Okemos Public Schools serves the residents of the city. The school mascot is named after a Native American chieftain.

Great Schools

GreatSchools, which became a non-profit in 1999 with the aim of democratizing information on school choice that was only available in cumbersome spreadsheets found on government websites, set out to achieve this goal. In 2012, it partnered with Zillow and embedded its ratings in the site. Research has shown that school is a big factor for families when deciding to move. GreatSchools receives a Licensing fee for these partnerships, which accounts for less that 20% of the company’s revenue. The rest comes from philanthropy, including from foundations that support school choice.

But critics say the ratings have been biased toward schools with whiter, more affluent students. Chalkbeat’s preliminary study found that areas with high-rated schools experienced an increase in property values, as well as an increase in families of white, Asian and more educated backgrounds. The 2017 revamp of the rating system has lessened the correlation with demographics. However, the link is still significant.

Affordable Living

Okemos has a lower cost of living than the national average for housing, health care, and groceries.

If you are looking for an affordable apartment, act quickly – cheap apartments don’t stay on the market long. Create a list of the features you want most and compromise on others that are not essential.

Okemos has many income-based rental assistance options. Check with local public housing agencies to learn about waiting lists and eligibility requirements. Ingham County Housing Commission oversees several programs, including Low Rent Public Housing as well as the Housing Choice Voucher program – Section 8 Visit their website for more information. You can also find more information by visiting the Michigan Public Housing Authority website. Many housing agencies provide subsidized apartments for households earning below the 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) in their jurisdiction.