Lawrence : Kansas

What Lawrence is like for active adults

'''Lawrence, Kansas''' is the home of the University of Kansas and a popular '''retirement community'''. The town was listed as one of the “Top 10 Value Towns” of 2007 for retirement. The population was about 90,000 in 2008 and grew 13% from 2000. Lawrence is located near the northeast corner of the state. Lawrence is the county seat of Douglas County.

Active adults 55+ who want to live in a vibrant college town will find Lawrence, Kansas a stimulating community. The university’s 30,000 students give Lawrence a liberal bent and is the source for many cultural offerings. Lawrence has a radical library, microbreweries, a half dozen locally-owned coffeehouses, and an anti-discrimination law protecting gays. The city has a thriving music and art scene; Rolling Stone named Lawrence one of the "best lil' college towns" in the country in 2005. Douglas County, where Lawrence is located, was one of 2 counties to vote for John Kerry in the 2004 election.

Downtown Lawrence, in particular Massachusetts Street, has a lively atmosphere and is filled with restaurants, bars, galleries, shops, and music venues. The 1983 TV movie The Day After, a film about a nuclear holocaust, was filmed here. The University of Kansas Jayhawks provide much local sports excitement.

According to City-Data the price of a home in Lawrence averaged about $180,000 in mid 2009 - near the national average but $20,000 higher than the Kansas average. Lawrence has been relatively unaffected by the housing crisis.

Here is more information about what it is like to retire in Kansas or nearby Missouri retirement.

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What is special about this retirement community

• University of Kansas - a very pretty campus and major influence on the town • Haskell Indian Nations University • North vs. South Music Festival • La Prima Tazza, one of Lawrence's many unique coffee shops. • Independent book stores • American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame • Clinton State Park • The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics

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What is not special about this retirement community

You have to like living in the heartland

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Lawrence attracts a community of people who want to live in an interesting and stimulating college town

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Local economy is driven by

The economy is driven by the university

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Climate and Physical Environment

The city of Lawrence is located near the northeaster corner of the state of Kansas. The Kansas River is nearby.

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Cultural environment

There is a lively musical and literary tradition here. The downtown area is filled with bars, coffee shops, nightclubs, and galleries where music can be heard and art appreciated. The University of Kansas campus is home to museums, including the KU Natural History Museum, and the Spencer Museum of Art. The Lied Center of Kansas is the multimillion performing arts center of KU. Lawrence Arts Center is a vital part of the cultural scene. The North vs. South Music Festival is held each August to coincide with the anniversary of Quantrill's Raid (Civil War battle).

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Medical facilities

Lawrence Memorial Hospital

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Transportation

Kansas City (Mo) International Airport is about 45 miles. Lawrence Muni has multiple lighted runways for charters and private aircraft.

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Facts about LAWRENCE

State: KS
Environment: College Town,
City Population: 50,001-100,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: NA
Total Crime Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Cost of Living Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: frank

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