Back to school: Homes within walking distance to campus

As the new school year begins at Central Michigan University, thousands of students and professors will return to Mt. Pleasant, looking for places to live. Long a favorite neighborhood for both, the blocks between Central’s campus and downtown are an ideal place for both parties.

Professors are looking to buy, landlords are looking to invest, and some students might rather purchase a house than give away their money in rent. Here are three homes in the neighborhood that might be considered steals, given the price.



220 W. Locust Street: $98,900

This duplex on Locust is zoned to rent, making it perfect for someone looking to invest in Central’s robust rental market. The two-story home features an enclosed front porch and sits on a corner lot, with large trees circling the property. Located just stumbling distance from downtown hangouts the Bird, Blackstone, and the Brass.

[realtor.com]



811 S. Franklin Street: $76,900

Though the interior photos reveal an outdated wallpaper scheme that may make this house seem a little dingey, a closer look reveals a fixer-upper that comes at a pretty nice price. Tear out the wallpaper, rip up the carpet, and get to work. The house features a single-car garage, backyard deck, metal roof, and new high-efficiency furnace. Just blocks from Central’s campus, residents can stop at Ponder Coffee Company on their walk to class.

[Estately]



215 S. Pine Street: $41,500

Okay, so this one’s definitely a fixer-upper. But if you don’t mind putting in a little time, money, and elbow grease, perhaps this four-bedroom duplex could become something special. The floors need work, the siding needs work, but hey, forty grand, right? Plus, a historic home built in 1884 deserves a little TLC. Downtown starts at the end of the block, allowing for a quick walk to catch a show at Rubbles, grab brunch at Max & Emily’s, or read a book at Pleasant City Coffee.

[Zillow]

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