“I wrote my love in Saginaw, Michigan / I said honey I'm coming home please wait for me / And you can tell your dad I'm coming back a richer man / I hit the biggest strike in Klondike history.” (-Lefty Frizzell, “Saginaw, Michigan”)
Saginaw doesn’t attract a lot of new residents, but it’s unforgettable if you’ve ever called it home. It’s not uncommon for young people to move away in the process of seeking great adventures, but then move back later because they miss the familiar comforts of home. Spatz bread, Tony’s restaurant and Rico’s tortillas are just some of the Saginaw staples that many people love about the area and miss when they’re gone. However, Saginaw also has a bad rep for crime. You don’t need to let that scare you away from the city because the dangerous parts of town are confined to just a few areas. The rest of the city is safe and a lot of fun. Whether it’s absorbing the funky culture of Old Town, swimming at Haithco Park or taking in a Saginaw Spirit hockey game, there’s always a lot to enjoy here. Not to mention, the Great Lakes Bay region that Saginaw’s a part of is the gateway to all the gorgeous, fabulous outdoor recreation in northern Michigan.
Where to Live in Saginaw
So we've established that some areas aren’t so good, right? Of course we’re not going to just leave you guessing about where to look at renting an apartment. Most of the risky neighborhoods in Saginaw primarily have converted houses and flats for available apartments. In general, you can’t go wrong with the apartment complexes in Saginaw.
Saginaw Township: This part of town in particular, has a good variety of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments and townhomes. Most are pretty well maintained and have more updated fixtures than a lot of the more affordable rental houses in the area. The apartments in Saginaw, particularly in Saginaw Township, are located close to a lot of shopping centers and bus transportation stops are located within walking distance of several complexes. $$
Saginaw even has some luxury apartments, including some three-bedroom apartments that are ideal for a family. Not surprisingly, luxury apartments will generally have greater credit requirements and higher security deposits. But not to worry: regardless of your circumstances, you can find an apartment to rent that will meet your needs. Some apartments in Saginaw even have all bills paid.
SVSU: If you’re in the Saginaw only to attend Saginaw Valley State University or Delta College, rest assured that there are lots of apartments and college housing available for rent. SVSU is growing pretty rapidly, so they’re building lots of new apartment complexes and townhomes on and near campus. SVSU is pretty far from the less desirable parts of town, and living near campus has a very quiet and country-like feel. It’s a great place to live while you’re in school! However, if you’re looking for campus housing, don’t wait too long to start looking for rentals. Rental apartments near campus fill up very quickly and might have a waiting list. Start looking as early as possible to make sure you get a good place near the school.$$$
East Side: If you’re working on the east side of Saginaw, near downtown or in Bridgeport, you can find complexes in the area too. Fortunately many of the complexes in this neighborhood are very affordable and conveniently located to major roads like Dixie Highway and I-75. $$
The Nearby Areas
Can’t find what you’re looking for in Saginaw? The city of Saginaw is part of a region of three cities, called the Great Lakes Bay region. Nearby Bay City has a fun, funky character all its own, with unique shops and restaurants near downtown and fabulous events every summer at Vets Park. Bay City is generally known as safe and just as affordable as Saginaw, so this could be a good second choice for a place to live.
Nearby Freeland, Hemlock and Shields are also popular, particularly with young families who have kids in school. Freeland and Hemlock schools and the Swan Valley schools in Shields are both very highly rated, safe places for your kids to hit the books. Midland is the fastest-growing part of the Great Lakes Bay region and is the home of Dow Chemical world headquarters. The apartments and rental properties in Midland are clean and well-maintained.
With a little bit of leg work, you can find your own best home in the Saginaw area!