Lansing is a center for government, business, manufacturing, education, and culture in central Michigan. Though the city’s population is approximately 115,000 the area population exceeds 450,000. The city is the home of state government. The Capital Building and government buildings dominate downtown. However a variety of neighborhoods and housing options exist and there is an active redevelopment program aimed at enhancing residential, retail, and entertainment options. The city has an active convention center and is home to a variety of festivals, the Lansing Symphony, two theatre companies, museums, a Class A minor league baseball team, and Potter Park Zoo. Cultural and entertainment options abound.

Convenient commercial airline service is available from the Capital Region International Airport and Lansing’s geographic location and interstate highways makes automobile travel to all areas of Michigan easy.

It is difficult talking about the city of Lansing without including the greater Lansing area. Ease of local transportation makes the entire area very accessible for all area residents. In the area are three medical schools, two law schools, two nursing schools, the headquarters of four national insurance companies, two high tech General Motors plants, two major hospitals, a variety of technology companies including the first IBM Programming Center in the US and, of course, Michigan State University. It was recently announced that Michigan State will be the home of a $550 million Facility for Rare Isotope Beams that will draw scientists from around the globe. Broadway comes to the Lansing area at The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Michigan State University.

The Lansing School District is on the leading edge of education with Advanced Placement courses, programs for the Gifted and Talented, a strong Technology commitment, Magnet Schools, a Performing Arts Academy, including dance, Health Careers, an Innovative Science Curriculum and an Engineering program in conjunction with Lansing Community College and Michigan State University.

The city of Lansing has evolved from its industrial past into a diversified economic and cultural center.