Sturgis has two sister cities: Wiesloch, Germany and Bombala, Australia!
Sturgis is a small city located in the northeast corner of Sturgis Township, in St Francis County, Michigan
Sturgis has two sister cities: Wiesloch, Germany and Bombala, Australia!
Sturgis is a small city located in the northeast corner of Sturgis Township, in St Francis County, Michigan. It covers an area of about six and a half square miles, all of which is land - no bodies of water - and has a population of approximately 10,994. Michigan has plenty of small lakes sprinkled throughout the state, so don't worry about being landlocked. A short drive will get you to Lake Michigan or a fabulous fishing pond. The town is named for Judge John Sturgis, who came to the area in 1827. His original home has been preserved over the years and can be seen at what is now known as Pioneer Park.
Sturgis, like many of the cities in Michigan, prides itself on its industry. Although it has been on the decline over the past few decades, there is still plenty of work. The majority of the population work in the metal or plastic industry.
Planning a move to Sturgis is quite easy. The prices for rental homes is quite low and there are lots of homes for sale. Apartment rentals are low in price as well, but the availability is somewhat less. To get the perfect home for rent for you, start your search early and don't leave any stone unturned. You may just find that little diamond hiding in the rough in the least expected place.
As with any major purchase, the internet is your friend. Start your preliminary search on the web to give you a general idea of what is available. Keep in mind, not all properties are listed online. Although more and more private sales are being advertised, landlords with a good reputation can easily rent their apartments just by spreading the word. So, if possible get to know some of the locals to get the inside scoop!
Rent or Buy
When relocating to a new city, the biggest question is whether you should rent or buy. You can't predict the future. What if your reasons to move are for a new job and this job suddenly ends within a few months? You will be stuck with a mortgage you can't afford and a house you can't sell. On the other hand, the job may go swimmingly and you want to make Sturgis your permanent home for the rest of your life. You could save a lot of money by buying a rental condo rather than paying rent for twenty or more years. You never get a return on your rent, but by the end of twenty years, the house could be paid off and you can retire in peace.
Renting is much easier. Sometimes, all of the bills are included in the rent, so you only have one monthly payment to worry about. This one payment is usually much less than the combination of bills and mortgage you would pay if you bought a house. The maintenance is the responsibility of the landlord, which will save you a lot of money and headaches as well. Any time something needs fixing or replacing, the landlord is responsible. However, read the fine print very carefully. There could be a clause holding you responsible for certain expenses or repairs.
Landlords are bound by state regulations, but they can still impose many rules of their own. Once you sign the lease agreement, you are legally bound by these rules. This is another good reason to talk to the locals before deciding where to live. Past and present tenants can tell you all about the landlord and the rules. This does not mean you can skip over the details in the contract, but it will give you the heads up on what to expect.
If coming up with the down payment or securing a mortgage are problems for you, there may be a third option, called rent-to-own. This method of buying a house was very popular a while back, but has nearly vanished in the past decade. However, there are still a few people willing to engage in such an agreement. Be careful, though. This type of arrangement can be very tricky. A little sly wording in the contract and you could get severely conned!
Sturgis, MI is a small city without too many distinct neighborhoods, however there are a few newer developments that have been given names to distinguish them from the rest of town. Here are a few areas with vacancies you may want to consider.
Gateway Village: Rent in this area is quite reasonable and units go fast. There usually are not too many homes available in this neighborhood, because it is a nice place to live, close to schools and when people move here, they do not leave. Still, it's a good place to keep an eye on if you have a little extra time to look!
Deer Creek Townhomes: These beautiful townhomes are located in a quiet cul-de-sac. The rent is very affordable and you will usually find some available units.
Life in Sturgis is quiet and laid back. The crime rate is very low, with the main crimes being petty theft and break-ins, but even these are not very common. You can safely walk or ride your bike all around town, stop in at one of the quaint little shops along the way or grab a bite to eat in one of the friendly local restaurants. Adventures are everywhere! The motto of the town is "Where success is a habit!" So, living here almost guarantees you will succeed in all of your endeavors! Not really, but it does give you an inkling of what you can expect from the friendly folks here. When you crave a bit of city excitement, a short drive will get you to Detroit or Traverse City. If water sports is what you're after, the glorious Lake Michigan is just down the road. Sturgis, MI is also a great place to retire. You can buy a small, easy to maintain house or move into one of the luxurious one- or two-bedroom apartments or retirement homes.
