Lawrence,KS Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Lawrence, KS – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discover the Best Neighborhoods in Lawrence, KS
Lawrence, Kansas, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, lively arts scene, and welcoming communities. Whether you’re moving for the University of Kansas or seeking a charming place to call home, Lawrence neighborhoods offer a diverse range of options. From historic districts to family-friendly suburbs, the city boasts a variety of atmospheres and amenities that cater to different lifestyles. The best neighborhoods in Lawrence are often highlighted on a Lawrence neighborhoods map, which helps residents and visitors explore these unique areas with ease.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
Lawrence is home to a diverse population, with neighborhoods that attract students, young professionals, families, and retirees. Areas like Old West Lawrence and East Lawrence are known for their historic charm and strong sense of community, often featuring local businesses and cozy coffee shops. Neighborhoods near the University of Kansas, such as Oread, have a youthful vibe with plenty of students and university staff. Meanwhile, places like Deerfield and Prairie Park offer quieter, suburban environments with a mix of long-term residents and growing families, creating a balanced and welcoming community feel.
Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions
When it comes to housing, Lawrence offers a variety of options from historic homes in neighborhoods like Pinckney to newer developments in South Lawrence. The market here tends to be fairly affordable compared to larger metro areas, making it attractive for first-time homebuyers and families. Renters can find everything from student apartments near the KU campus to single-family homes in residential neighborhoods. The Lawrence neighborhoods map is a helpful tool for spotting affordable areas with good amenities, ensuring buyers and renters can find something that fits their budget and lifestyle.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
Safety is a priority for many when choosing where to live, and Lawrence overall maintains a reputation for being a safe city. Neighborhoods like Alvamar and West Hills are noted for their low crime rates and stable environments, making them popular among families. While areas closer to downtown and the university can be busier and more active, community policing and neighborhood associations help keep these parts of town safe and vibrant. Checking the Lawrence neighborhoods map alongside crime statistics can provide a clearer picture for prospective residents.
Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility
Lawrence offers convenient transit options that make getting around the city easy and eco-friendly. The Lawrence Transit System runs multiple bus routes connecting residential neighborhoods with downtown, the KU campus, and shopping areas. Biking is also popular, with many neighborhoods featuring bike lanes and trails, especially around the Kansas River and Clinton Lake. For commuters, proximity to I-70 and major highways adds to the accessibility of neighborhoods like East Hills and Prairie Park, which are ideal for those working in or near the city.
Things to Do: Popular Attractions and Activities
Lawrence is packed with fun and cultural attractions that bring its neighborhoods to life. Massachusetts Street, often called Mass Street, is the heart of downtown and offers a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and bars that residents from all neighborhoods enjoy. The Spencer Museum of Art and the Lied Center for Performing Arts provide cultural enrichment, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore parks like Centennial Park or take in concerts at the South Park. Each neighborhood has its own flavor, but all share access to the vibrant lifestyle that makes Lawrence so special.
Colleges & Universities: Neighborhoods Near Campus
The University of Kansas is a central part of Lawrence’s identity, situated primarily in the Oread neighborhood. This area is bustling with student housing, eateries, and university facilities. Haskell Indian Nations University, located just east of downtown in the East Lawrence neighborhood, adds to the educational landscape with a unique cultural presence. These neighborhoods offer a dynamic mix of academic energy and local charm, making them popular choices for students and faculty looking for close proximity to campus life.
Lawrence Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie Park | 35.1 | 25.3% | $203,000 | $81,400 | 2.5 |
| Western Hills | 42.8 | 28.3% | $367,150 | $131,430 | 2.8 |
| Park Hill | 28.6 | 25.3% | $208,967 | $80,038 | 2.8 |
| Barker | 32.8 | 13.1% | $199,433 | $65,323 | 3.0 |
| Deerfield | 39.2 | 24.6% | $280,433 | $89,618 | 3.1 |
| Brook Creek | 38.7 | 18.2% | $190,129 | $59,100 | 3.3 |
| Centennial | 25.1 | 13.8% | $234,200 | $59,060 | 3.5 |
| Indian Hills | 28.9 | 21.5% | $219,350 | $65,649 | 3.6 |
| Babcock | 31.5 | 8.8% | $245,550 | $51,443 | 3.9 |
| Quail Run | 35.7 | 25.5% | $321,040 | $88,759 | 4.0 |
Lawrence neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Lawrence—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Lawrence, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Lawrence
| Crime |
Reported |
Lawrence /100k |
KS /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 5 | 5.2 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 72 | 74.5 | 44.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 32 | 33.1 | 30.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 337 | 348.7 | 359.9 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 446 | 462 | 439 | 359 |
| Burglary | 222 | 229.7 | 261.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,703 | 1,762.3 | 1,458.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 159 | 164.5 | 236.3 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 2,084 | 2,157 | 1,956 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 2,530 | 2,618 | 2,395 | 2,119 |