Mason is a quiet little town on the outskirts of the Lansing area -- but Mason and Lansing have been battling it out for which city is more important since the very beginning. Mason was named for the state's first governor, Stevens T. Mason, and is the county seat of Ingham County. Even though Lansing is also in Ingham County, this is the only county in the U.S. where the county seat and state capital aren't the same city.
Today, Mason is clearly winning the battle -- depending on what criteria you use, that is
Mason is a quiet little town on the outskirts of the Lansing area -- but Mason and Lansing have been battling it out for which city is more important since the very beginning. Mason was named for the state's first governor, Stevens T. Mason, and is the county seat of Ingham County. Even though Lansing is also in Ingham County, this is the only county in the U.S. where the county seat and state capital aren't the same city.
Today, Mason is clearly winning the battle -- depending on what criteria you use, that is. Mason's population grew 20 percent between 2000 and 2010, perhaps because people are tired of the urban infrastructure in Lansing and want a more rural setting, or because new faculty members at Michigan State University want to settle down in a safe, quiet community. Either way, there's a lot to love about Mason.
Moving to Mason
When you move to Mason, you might want to allow some extra time to look for the right rental homes. Mason is a really popular area because it's located close enough to Lansing that you won't spend much time driving, and the crime rate and cost of living are both exceptionally low.
Since the vacancy rate in Mason is also a little lower than the national average, you may face some competition looking for a house to rent. But the reason you should start looking early is because you have a lot of choices in Mason, and you want to find just the right place. Do you want to live in a restored home from the turn of the last century, or new construction duplexes for rent? Whether you seek 1 bedroom apartments in Mason or a rent to own house, you have a lot to choose from. Bring the usual paperwork that landlords like to see so that you can cinch the deal when you find the perfect place.
Neighborhoods
Life in Mason is easy and your surroundings are charming. It might just be your perfect place to call home.
City Center: The City Center has a hip and urban feel to it. It's also quite walkable and boasts a lot of single family homes.
North Aurelius / Aurelius: Mason's largest neighborhood is also perfectly square, and not in the nerdy way. It's rural, so be sure to have a car.
Okemos Road / Willoughby Road: To the north you'll find, you'll also find this more rural area, whose rental costs are slightly higher on average than other Michigan hoods. Big Boy and City Limits are in this area.
Life in Mason
Getting around Mason definitely requires a car. Mason is 12 miles southeast of Lansing, and while Lansing has a few public transit options--particularly in the form of buses--Mason has virtually none. The number of people who take public transportation is far less in Mason than the national average. The good news is that the commutes are short here, so you won't be spending a long time in the car.
Mason may be small, but don't start thinking that there's nothing there to do and nowhere to eat. If you're jonesin' for the brew pub experience, you won't want to miss the Bad Brewing Company in downtown Mason, and Baja Grille's Michigan cherry salad is a local favorite. Kean's Store Company is an old-style variety store that with a little bit of this and that, from old fashioned candies to fabric and toys. Ballyhoo has some of the coolest and most unique home goods you'll find anywhere, too.
