Why Live in Old Forest
Old Forest in Lansing is a neighborhood situated just north of Downtown Lansing and west of Old Town, known for its competitive home prices and walkable streets. The area is popular among investors, college students, and first-time homebuyers, with 60% of the population being renters. Home styles include older bungalows, Craftsman-style homes, and remodeled American Foursquares, with prices ranging from $40,000 to $175,000. The neighborhood is highly accessible, featuring bus routes 3 and 12, and is just 3 miles from Capital Region International Airport. Michigan State University is a 10-minute drive via Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and I-495.
Residents enjoy dining options like Capital City BBQ and El Azteco, and shopping at Gorman’s Food Market and Capital City Market. For more extensive shopping, Lansing Mall is 4 miles west in Waverly. Comstock Park offers green space and a playground, while the Lansing River Trail provides a 20-mile pathway for walking and cycling. Lansing Community College and Michigan State University are nearby, with MSU being highly rated.
Old Forest experiences less flooding than areas closer to the Grand River. However, noise pollution from the nearby airport can be an issue. Overall, Old Forest provides a mix of affordability, convenience, and local features, making it a practical choice for various residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Forest a good place to live?
Old Forest is a good place to live. Old Forest is considered fairly walkable and very bikeable with some transit options. Old Forest is a suburban neighborhood. Old Forest has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly dense in population with 12.4 people per acre and a median age of 33. The average household income is $46,905 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 29.6% of residents. A majority of residents in Old Forest are renters, with 65.1% of residents renting and 34.9% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Old Forest can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Old Forest neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Old Forest?
The median home price in Old Forest is $110,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $22,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.34%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $550 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $24K a year to afford the median home price in Old Forest. The average household income in Old Forest is $47K.
What are the best public schools in Old Forest?
The best public schools that serve Old Forest are:
What are the best private schools in Old Forest?
The best private schools that serve Old Forest are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Old Forest, Lansing, MI?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Old Forest, Lansing, MI?
Are home prices dropping in Old Forest?
Yes, home prices in Old Forest are down 5% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Old Forest, MI
On average, homes in Old Forest, Lansing sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Forest, Lansing over the last 12 months is $111,900, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$111,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$105,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$76
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Last 12 months Home Sales
33
Median List Price
$110,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%