Will Folland does not mind that the majority of his neighbors aren't students. He doesn't even mind the 20-minute bike ride from his home to the MSU campus.

The fisheries and wildlife senior enjoys living in his home on the 600 block of Fairview Avenue in Lansing, despite the fact that it is more than two miles from his classes.

After living off campus in East Lansing for three years, Folland said it was time for a change.

"There were a combination of factors," Folland said. "The city (of Lansing) makes a lot more sense than living in East Lansing.

"The cost of living in East Lansing increases every year. Plus Lansing is a lot more progressive than people think."

Lower rent was one factor in Lansing Community College student Dan Degnan's decision to live in Lansing, he said. Degnan lived in East Lansing for two years. The roommates only pay $280 a month for rent, comparatively less than rates in East Lansing that range between $300 and $700.

"The overall attitude of officials is better in Lansing," Degnan said. "It's not just the police, but all the regulations you have to deal with there aren't here yet."

Folland said the roommates like their landlord, a private owner, and they get along with their neighbors — both students and non-students.

"We have a real good rapport with them," he said.

Physiology senior Asif Kang, who has lived in the house for two years, said that he likes the neighborhood.

"The area is a lot more diverse and it's close to a couple cool places to hang out," he said.

Although they are in the minority, there are still students around which makes for a good nightlife, Folland said.

"After going to the bars in East Lansing for a while, it gets old," Degnan said. "Lansing is a little different crowd, it's cool."

Folland said he feels safer in Lansing than in East Lansing.

"In East Lansing when you're walking home late from the bar or a party you'll encounter people just out talking trash to you, looking for fights," Folland said.

He cited the recent assault during Welcome Weekend in East Lansing, in which an MSU student was permanently blinded in one eye after being hit by a bottle, as an example, saying he witnessed three similar incidents in his time in East Lansing.

Folland said living in Lansing is not perfect, admitting that the distance from campus is "a bit of a downside." But, he added, "it's not as far as people think."

The city has told the roommates that they have a small amount of lead in their water, but has responded by offering free water filters to residents, Folland said.

These things are not enough to get him to move back to East Lansing.

"I definitely prefer living in Lansing," Folland said.

Those sentiments are echoed by Degnan.

"Unless there was a really big incentive I would never move back," he said.