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January 29 - April 29, 2012 Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University February 4, 2012 Valentines for Seniors February 3 - February 5, 2012 25% OFF CASE SALE February 4, 2012 Kids Workshop February 4, 2012 TOY COLLECTIBLE SHOW February 4, 2012 Vital Signs: Germs, Parasites & Allergies, Oh My! @ Eastern Branch February 4, 2012 Vital Signs: Germs, Parasites & Allergies, Oh My! @ Carnegie Branch February 4, 2012 Live Music with Free Kittens February 4, 2012 Let’s Dance February 5 - May 6, 2012 Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University February 5, 2012 SUPER BOWL PARTY FOR A CAUSE February 5, 2012 Super Bowl February 5, 2012 SUPER BOWL PARTY February 6, 2012 Valentines for Seniors February 6, 2012 Introduction to iPads February 6, 2012 Senior Yoga February 6, 2012 A Valentine’s Merchant Monday February 6, 2012 eReaders at East w/Erin February 6, 2012 Knitting Group February 6, 2012 Ribbon Cutting for Jacksonopolis February 6, 2012 A MONTH OF RUMBA February 7, 2012 Guided Nature Hikes February 8, 2012 Valentines for Seniors February 8, 2012 Spread the Love February 8, 2012 Valentines for Veterans February 9, 2012 The Winter Green Market at Allegiance Health February 9, 2012 Collaborative Speed Networking event with B2B and BNI February 9, 2012 Classic Movies & Snacks - His Girl Friday February 9, 2012 Third Thursday at The Ella February 9, 2012 Genealogy Help February 10, 2012 Valentines for Seniors February 10 - February 29, 2012 Romance Package February 10, 2012 Valentine’s “Date Night” at In Good Company February 10, 2012 FREE Live Entertainment February 11, 2012 Valentines for Seniors February 11, 2012 Kids Workshop February 11, 2012 Valentine Open House Wine & Chocolate February 11, 2012 Valentine’s “Date Night” at In Good Company February 11, 2012 Dinner Concert with Ian Stewart at Lone Oak Vineyard Estate February 11, 2012 JVO and WE ARE THE INK MONKEY LIVE February 12 - May 13, 2012 Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University February 12, 2012 Valentine Wine & Chocolate Pairing February 12, 2012 Valentine’s “Date Night” at In Good Company February 13, 2012 Senior Yoga February 13, 2012 eReaders at East w/Erin February 13, 2012 Knitting Group February 13, 2012 Sweet Pea Flower Pot Craft February 13, 2012 A MONTH OF RUMBA February 14, 2012 Guided Nature Hikes February 14, 2012 VALENTINES DAY WINE & CHEESE PAIRING February 14, 2012 Valentine’s “Date Night” at In Good Company February 14, 2012 Valentine Dinner February 15, 2012 Baby Signs February 15, 2012 Jackson Noon BPW - In Good Community Night

The Jackson Michigan Community

Down to Earth People Reaching New Heights

How do you define “community?” Whether you explain it as a specific group of people sharing a common heritage or a sense of feeling or togetherness, Jackson and its surrounding communities in Jackson County have it.

Jackson County has a long, extensive history as a business and entrepreneurial center. Here, residents and businesses are committed to improving the quality of life through volunteerism and financial support. The legacy of this altruism is evident in the existence and sheer volume of city and county parks, cultural resources and civic organizations.

Education is highly valued in Jackson County. Fourteen local school districts and more than a dozen private and parochial schools offer quality educational opportunities for children of all ages. And adults can continue learning through programs offered by three institutions of higher education, including Jackson Community College, Spring Arbor University and Baker College.

Welcome to our home. Welcome to Jackson.
-The Residents of Jackson County

The Village of Brooklyn in the Irish - Hills

The village of Brooklyn is situated in the heart of the Irish Hills, an area renowned for its lush, rolling countryside. Once primarily a summer vacation destination for Detroit residents, today Brooklyn holds year-round appeal for visitors.

Nestled between three lakes just off U.S. Highway 12 and surrounded by more than 50 lakes within a 10-mile radius, Brooklyn is known as the “Heart of the Lakes.” Three of these lakes – Wamplers Lake, Clark Lake and Vineyard Lake – feature waterfront parks to ensure visitors both summer and winter fun.

Michigan International Speedway

Michigan International Speedway (MIS) offers some of America’s best racing action on its 1,400-plus acres. Since opening in 1968, MIS has expanded and improved tremendously to become the largest sports arena in Michigan, with over 137,000 seats. Recent renovation projects include new ticket gates, vendor and display areas, concession stands, a new sound system and a new skylounge structure with 16 suites.

MIS hosts two NASCAR race weekends each year, drawing thousands of racing fans from around the state and across the country. Brooklyn and nearby towns offer a variety of lodging options, and fans can also camp on the track’s property or in nearby campgrounds.

The 2-mile speedway’s wide, 73-foot turns and 18-degree banking make MIS a favorite track among drivers contending for NASCAR fame. After more than 40 years of improvements and updates, Michigan International Speedway continues its tradition as one of the country’s premier racing facilities.

Wine Country

Sample award-winning wines in a gorgeous setting as you explore the Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail, which traverses the Irish Hills. Just south of the Village of Brooklyn, Cherry Creek Old Schoolhouse Winery & Fudgery on US-12 invites visitors to sample wines in their historic 1870 schoolhouse. John and Denise Burtka’s destination for wine lovers also offers fresh homemade butter fudge and cherry preserves, locally roasted coffee and organic and gourmet delicacies.

For more information on the Village of Brooklyn, please visit their website or the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the Irish Hills please click here.

Neighborhoods

What are you looking for in a neighborhood? Jackson has a plethora of types and styles of neighborhoods to satisfy visitors from any demographic.

The county’s 19 townships and the city of Jackson, each with its own government and charming character, provide numerous neighborhood opportunities. In a county of 707 square miles and with more than 150,000 residents, there’s plenty of room for privacy and estate living.

Housing prices are reasonable and generally lower than more populated counties to the north and east. Homes are available at all sizes and configurations, with costs per square foot from $45 to $140 depending on age and type of construction. Residential lots are available from $20,000 to $90,000, depending on location and amenities. Raw land is readily available throughout the county with the price per acre ranging from $4,000 to $53,000, depending on location, size of the parcel, water access and other factors.

If you prefer historic homes, you’re in luck because there is no shortage throughout Jackson County. The greatest concentration is probably the 300-plus homes in the 15-block historic district. Here you will find examples of High Victorian, Craftsman-style and Ionia stone homes.

History is not the exclusive domain of the City of Jackson, however. Many fine specimens can be found in Brooklyn, Concord, Grass Lake, Hanover, Parma and Springport. Among the general historic homes are various farmhouses, located throughout the county. Many of these structures and their outbuildings have been renovated and restored.

Jackson County has a large inventory of older single-family homes in convenient, inviting and safe neighborhoods. The styles range from traditional two-story homes, cottages and bungalows to sprawling ranch and split-level plans. The difficult part is selecting which part of the county to call home.

If new home construction is your choice, you can choose from a variety of options. A new 41-lot neighborhood within Jackson offers appealing options for those seeking smaller houses or condominiums. Just south of the city are several developments with estate-sized lots and larger floor plans. Several additional developments north of the city allow prospective homebuyers to select from several desirable floor plans.

If you need assistance in selecting a neighborhood or discovering home options, discuss the subject with your realtor or contact the Jackson Area Association of Realtors (517-787-6175) for assistance.

You don’t have to be a homeowner to live comfortably in Jackson County. There are several hundred apartments available for rent, many with flexible lease options. This is especially appealing to college students and young professionals. These properties range in size from a handful of rental units to dozens. The configurations range from developments to duplex arrangements and divided houses. Likewise, the amenities offered by each vary from location to location.

Similarly, Jackson County offers several hundred rental-units designed exclusively for senior citizens. These range from independent apartments and assisted living properties to skilled nursing facilities.

Income Facts

Total Personal Income: $3,524,791 (in thousands)
Average Per Capita Income: $22,428 (in dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005 Economic Est., 2000 Census/1998 Regional Economic Information System/Bureau of Economic Analysis

Population Facts

Jackson County Population: 163,629
City of Jackson Population: 36,316

Source: 2005 U.S. Census Bureau Economic Estimates/Jackson Citizen Patriot-Jackson County population and 2000 Census-City of Jackson population.

Cost of Living Facts

Overall: Jackson 92.2%
The total of all the cost of living categories weighted subjectively as follows: housing (30%), food and groceries (15%), transportation (10%), utilities (6%), health care (7%), and miscellaneous expenses such as clothing, services, and entertainment (32%). State and local taxes are not included in any category.

Housing: Jackson 79.4%
This is the value of the year’s most recent home sales data from Jackson Area Association of Realtors in April 2004. Sales in April 2004 remained flat at 144, but average sales price rose about 4%, from $124,889 to $130,352. Source: Jackson Area Association of Realtors, April 2004

Food and groceries: Jackson 106.7%
The average cost of food and groceries (not including restaurants).

Transportation: Jackson 97.4%
The average cost of gasoline, car insurance and maintenance expenses, and mass transit fare for the area. The cost of the vehicle and any vehicle registration and license taxes are not included.

Utilities: Jackson 82.8%
The average cost of heating or cooling a typical residence for the area, including electricity, natural gas, and fuel oil expenses.

Health care: Jackson 99.6%
The average cost of health care calculated using the standard daily rate for a hospital room, and the costs of a doctor’s office visit and a dental checkup.

Miscellaneous: Jackson 98.1%
The cost index of those goods and services not included in the other cost of living categories, including clothing, restaurants, repairs, entertainment, and other services.

NOTE: The National Average for each Cost of Living Category is 100%
Source: MSN Home Advisor