Northwestside offers a serene and laid-back ambience with a variety of thoughtfully designed housing options, from lofts to spacious four-bedroom residences. The neighborhood features many bike lanes, making cycling a convenient way to navigate the area. Daily needs are easily met due to close access to supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes. Primary schools are within a short distance, adding to the community's accessibility. Strong parking availability enhances convenience for car users, while several bus lines provide additional transportation options. Predominantly composed of single detached homes built during a significant development period, Northwestside combines charm and functional living.
Northwestside is a community to buy a home in for those who prefer a chill environment. Since there are very few people out and about on the streets, Northwestside remains relatively serene.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Located on Turner Street, Lansing Brewing Company is a historic brewery and vibrant gathering spot offering craft beers, house-made seltzers, and hearty pub fare in a modern-rustic former warehouse, regularly hosting local events and live music that anchor Old Town’s nightlife.
At the north end of Old Town, this beautifully restored 19th-century mansion and museum offers guided tours, exhibits, and community events, making it one of Lansing’s best-preserved architectural gems and a hub for local history and educational programs.
This unique river feature on the Grand River, right beside Old Town, allows fish to migrate upstream and serves as a popular, scenic spot for visitors and photographers, especially during the fish run in spring and fall.
Turner Street is lined with quirky boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops like Grace Boutique and Mother & Earth Baby Boutique, making it the heart of Old Town’s independent shopping, perfect for discovering local art, gifts, and fashion.
Old Town is beloved for its annual music festivals such as the Lansing JazzFest and Michigan BluesFest, which bring live performances, food trucks, and crowds to the neighborhood’s walkable streets, supporting area businesses and creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This free, highly local Halloween tradition is an easy trip from Old Town, combining costume contests, a festive outdoor celebration, and a zombie procession toward the Capitol. Residents can join in costume, watch the spectacle, and support the Greater Lansing Food Bank through donations.
View event details →The festival’s final edition offers independent, international, documentary, and short films within a short drive of Old Town. It is a strong cultural outing for residents who enjoy discovering unusual cinema, attending filmmaker discussions, and taking part in a notable farewell event for a longtime regional arts institution.
View event details →Jackson Field is close enough to Old Town for a convenient evening outing, and the cookoff offers a distinctly local way to enjoy autumn. Visitors can sample chili from area competitors, spend time downtown, and pair the food-focused event with nearby restaurants, bars, and Lansing’s riverfront attractions.
View event details →This family-friendly fall festival gives Old Town residents a nearby nature outing featuring apple butter making, cider, pumpkins, local vendors, crafts, demonstrations, and outdoor activities. It is especially appealing for families seeking a seasonal weekend experience that combines hands-on traditions with trails and open space.
View event details →Families from Old Town can make a short trip to downtown East Lansing for business trick-or-treating, live music, pumpkin arts and crafts, and other seasonal activities. The afternoon format makes it especially convenient for younger children and provides a festive, walkable alternative to larger nighttime Halloween events.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Old Town
Local characteristics and demographics for Old Town
