Welcome to Jackson, the birthplace of the Republican party, the stomping grounds of the "Nuge" (Ted Nugent, that is), and a paradise for NASCAR fans, NRA members, and anyone looking to live in a small, urban center in the middle of Michigan's great outdoors.
Located in between a handful of big parks, rivers, lakes, and golf courses, as well as Ted Nugent's Sunrize Safari just next door, this little city is perfect for people who love the outdoors, as well as people who love shooting at it
Jackson, MI
Welcome to Jackson, the birthplace of the Republican party, the stomping grounds of the "Nuge" (Ted Nugent, that is), and a paradise for NASCAR fans, NRA members, and anyone looking to live in a small, urban center in the middle of Michigan's great outdoors.
Located in between a handful of big parks, rivers, lakes, and golf courses, as well as Ted Nugent's Sunrize Safari just next door, this little city is perfect for people who love the outdoors, as well as people who love shooting at it. While the nearby wilderness is home to a large population of trophy white tail deer, wild hogs, buffalo, pheasant, and other delicious critters, the downtown area is home to a more urban culture.
With lots of beautiful Victorian houses, churches with Romanesque architecture, a 1930's theater restored to its original glory, a strong arts community, and an old industrial-brick backdrop, the city center looks more like a mini-Pittsburgh than a hunter's paradise. There are plenty of places to wine and dine, go shopping, or just watch sports over a cold brew. There are also some more suburban neighborhoods on the outskirts of town with great views of the surrounding woods, rivers, and golf courses.
Worried about rental rates? Well, don't. Low cost apartments are not hard to come by, and affordable rental homes and duplexes are also available. Many local apartments are housed in old brick homes that have been refurbished into fourplexes and fiveplexes. While these types of rentals are lacking in amenities, they make up for it with classic architecture, cozy interiors, and big, comfy porches that overlook nice, big yards for the kids to play in. One bedroom apartments rent for as little as $375 a month, while two and three bedroom rentals cost just a little bit more, in the $400 - $600 range. In fact, it's pretty hard to find any property rentals that cost more than $700, so if you are a budget-minded person then Jackson is the perfect place to call home.
While amenities are scarce around here, there is far too much fun in the surrounding areas to live life all cooped up in an apartment. Although we have already covered the great hunting opportunities nearby, there is also some fun to be had for those who aren't card-carrying members of the NRA. The Waterloo State Recreation Area is very close, with four campgrounds, 11 lakes, and over 50 miles of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Or, you can stick to the city limits and visit Cascades Park, where there are some great walking and biking trails, an ice cream stand, and occasional live music. Just look around and you will see a land full of wonderful places for family, friends, and outdoorsmen to enjoy. So, don't get into a fuss because there aren't any fitness centers or swimming pools, because there is much more to life than what you will find in an apartment community.
That's the way things are in Jackson. It's a unique breed of industrial-woodsman living that anyone is sure to enjoy. Good luck on the apartment hunt!
-By Katy Comal