10 Best Independent Living Communities in East Lansing, MI

Independent Living

For those who would wish to live primarily without assistance but would like the convenience of having chores and housekeeping taken care of by professionalls, an Independent Living Community could be the perfect fit. Food preparation, recreational activities and housekeeping responsibilities are taken care of while you are unencumbered to use your time as you prefer. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to live among peers, in a community with others of similar age groups and backgrounds. Typically consisting of a private living area and a full kitchen, these communities offer residences with many of the amenities of apartment life but without the hassle. Guests can be invited over and entertained, and more time can be spent with them with the basic maintenance of daily chores out of the way. While policies vary between locations, a number of residences allow cats and dogs as well. If medical or nursing assistance is desired, residents may always utilize the services of private care providers. There are an assortment of benefits and costs to balance when choosing an independent living community. It is important to learn if these services are covered in the service plan: field trips, private phone, meals, utilities, initial assessment fee, housekeeping, cable TV, and wellness program. The benefits and amenities that pertain to independent living include community activities, concierge services, restaurant-style dining hall, golf course, private rental hall, laundry service, game/TV room, and fitness center & swimming pool.

Demographics and Values

In East Lansing, 2.1% of the citizens are veterans. Out of the total population of East Lansing, 5.1% do not have health insurance, 54.1% participate in the labor force, 2.7% are widowed, and 42.5% live in poverty. Based on gender, 49.2% are male and 50.8% are female. The median age of East Lansing is 21 years old. Racially, the population of East Lansing is 0.7% other or not specified, 12.1% Asian, 0.3% Native American, 75.5% white, 4.6% Hispanic, 7.8% black, 3.5% mixed race, and 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian. In terms of education, 7.5% have a high-school diploma, 72.4% have a college degree, and 42.1% have a graduate degree. Currently, the population of East Lansing consists of 48,844 people. East Lansing has a population density of 1,404 people per square mile.

Cost of Living

Cost of living is a big influence when deciding which location works for you or your loved one’s needs. The rent burden for East Lansing is around 15.5% of the average person’s monthly income. Monthly, the median price of rent in East Lansing is about $1,314 and the median price of a home in East Lansing costs around $180,873.

State Information

An overview of Michigan

The natural beauty of Michigan is ranked 29th in the nation. The quality of life enjoyed by the average Michigan citizen is ranked 33rd nation-wide. Additionally, Michigan is ranked 24th by standards of healthcare. There are 148 general hospitals and 259 health centers that provide care for 10,015,421 Michigan residents. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be University Of Michigan Health System, Mercy Health Muskegon, and Holland Community Hospital. Out of a national average of 100, Michigan has a cost of living index rating of 89, a grocery index rating of 89, and a housing index rating of 75.

Social demographics of the state

The state has a median age of 40 and 31% of its population being over the age of 55. In the last presidential election 47% of Michigan residents voted Democrat and 48% voted Republican. The state of Michigan ranks 36th in the country for diversity. In Michigan, 33% of the population attend some form of religious service and there are 9,521 different congregations. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%, with the most common Christian denominations consisting of Evangelical Protestant-25%, Mainline Protestant-18%, and Historically Black Protestant-8%. In Michigan there are 351 masonic lodges.

State-wide weather information

On average, the state receives 2.76 inches of precipitation a month. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of June at around 4.76 inches. The average air quality index rating in Michigan is 38.1 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of May with a rating of 54.5 AQI. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 67F. The average high summer temperature is around 85F in the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 44F in the month of June. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 23F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 37F during the month of February. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around -2F in the month of January. The average humidity across the state is 72%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of December at around 81%. While residents of Michigan mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Michigan can include tornadoes.

Wildlife to be found in Michigan

The state of Michigan has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of birch, red maple, red oak, and white oak. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the coyote, the catfish and bullheads, the smelt, or the chinook salmon. The state animal of Michigan is the white-tailed deer.