Barker, Lawrence,KS

If you're considering a move to the southeast side of Lawrence, KS, the Barker neighborhood offers a charming blend of community spirit and convenient living. Known for its friendly atmosphere and well-kept homes, Barker is a great choice for families, young professionals, and anyone looking to settle in a welcoming environment. Residents here enjoy access to several parks and green spaces, perfect for weekend strolls or family picnics. One notable highlight is the nearby Holcom Park, which features playgrounds, walking trails, and plenty of open space to enjoy the outdoors without having to travel far from home.

Community events and local amenities make Barker an appealing spot as well. The neighborhood benefits from proximity to various shopping and dining options along South Iowa Street, where you can find everything from cozy coffee shops to popular restaurants serving up local favorites. For those who enjoy staying active, the Barker area is close to the Lawrence Community Rec Center, which offers fitness classes, swimming pools, and recreational programs for all ages. The sense of neighborhood pride here means you’ll often find block parties, farmers markets, and seasonal celebrations that bring neighbors together and create a tight-knit vibe.

One of Barker's biggest advantages is its convenient distance from Downtown Lawrence, roughly a 10-minute drive or a short bike ride away. This means residents can easily enjoy the vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops, and live music venues that downtown has to offer, while still returning to a quieter, more residential setting. Whether you're commuting for work or just heading out for a night on the town, Barker’s location makes it simple to balance city life with suburban comfort. If you’re moving to Lawrence and want a neighborhood that combines accessibility with a strong community feel, Barker should definitely be on your list.

About 34% of the Barker population aged 16 and older are married, which is notably lower than average. This could suggest a community with a younger, more transient population—perhaps made up of students, professionals, or renters. It may also reflect a neighborhood that attracts singles or couples without children, contributing to a more independent, urban lifestyle.

With only 13% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Barker demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 1,611 residents, Barker is notably smaller than many other Lawrence neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

With a lower than average population density of 1,908 people per square mile, Barker offers a more open and spacious environment compared to many other Lawrence neighborhoods. This often means quieter streets, less congestion, and a relaxed atmosphere — all while still providing access to the amenities and conveniences of city living.

With an average age of 33, you're likely to find a well-balanced community where multiple generations live side by side. This mix of age groups contributes to a neighborhood atmosphere that’s both active and welcoming, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and long-standing community values.

The Barker crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing trends offer valuable insight into the accessibility and character of a neighborhood. In Barker, the median home price is $199,433, which is less than many surrounding areas. This affordability makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers, young families, or anyone looking to enter the housing market without a significant financial barrier. Looking at appreciation rates and past market trends in Barker can offer valuable insight into the neighborhood’s investment potential. Understanding how home values have changed over time helps buyers gauge future growth, assess long-term stability, and make more informed real estate decisions.

The median rent is around $1,090, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School ratings in Barker combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Barker can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.