Ever find a place where you just fit in? That’s Lawrence, Kansas. You’ll find longtime Lawrencians who’ve called this home for generations, students who came for a great education and chose to make this their forever home, and those who are new to our community who have discovered the economic opportunities to make their mark here in the heart of America.
One of the “Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Midwest.” (Livability.com)
It's All About Quality of Life
From the scenic Midwest beauty of the area and our lively historic downtown to all the creativity and spirited energy of a university-town, Lawrence has that unique life-work balance that so many people are searching for today. This is the kind of place where lifelong friendships flourish and the opportunity to explore new interests and activities abound.
Lawrence offers the amenities that elevate quality of life beyond expectation while still providing an affordable cost of living. There is an abundance of educational opportunities for students of every age and a caring community of health and wellness services. Lawrence is filled with family-friendly fun, outdoors activities, and athletic spirit. And for those hungry for life, the Lawrence food scene goes from home cooking to haute cuisine, along with a diverse arts and cultural experience and a vibrant lifestyle that goes from day to nightlife.
Cost of Living
When comparing the affordability of life’s necessities, Lawrence offers a highly competitive cost of living for those considering a move to our community. On a scale where the national average cost of living is 100, Lawrence is 93.2.
Sperling’s Best Places, Cost of Living Calculator. Based on an average salary of $50,000. Retrieved 1-11-24 from www.bestplaces.net.
K-12 Education
The Lawrence Public School District (USD 497) serves a combined student body of about 11,000 and is dedicated to ensuring educational equity and excellence, as well as preparing students to be successful in a diverse and rapidly changing world. It is one of the city’s largest employers with approximately 1,600 employees and teachers.
Lawrence College & Career Center
Lawrence high school students have access to the latest technology, relevant training, and direct engagement with business and industry leaders and can gain a head start on their future by earning college credit while still in high school.
Private and Parochial Schools
There are also a number of private and parochial schools in Lawrence and Douglas County.
Health Care & Wellness
The residents of Lawrence are well cared for at every stage in life when it comes to health care and wellness. Lawrence offers comprehensive medical facilities, an active research community, and compassionate and expert medical caregivers.
LMH Health
LMH Health, a community-owned, not-for-profit health care system, is dedicated to serving the lifelong health of Lawrence residents and is the second largest employer in the city with nearly 2,000 employees, physicians, and advanced practice providers.
Lawrence Memorial Hospital anchors the health system with a 174-bed hospital and Emergency Department at the LMH Health main campus. There are also Primary and Specialty Care clinics, such as Wound Healing, Imaging, and Sports Medicine, as well as Inpatient and Outpatient Care and Surgery services that are found in and around Lawrence.
Heartland Community Health Center
Heartland Community Health Center provides an integrated or whole-person approach to health care with affordable, compassionate, and patient-centered care.
Heartland’s scope of services includes Primary Care, Dental/Oral Health Care, Pediatrics (children and adolescents, up to age 21), Family Planning, and Mental & Behavioral Health. The center also offers a full-service pharmacy, free dental care to area schools, a food pantry, insurance eligibility and medical assistance, HIV/AIDS case management, and a 24/7 patient portal.
University of Kansas Health Systems
The University of Kansas Health System has its primary campus in Kansas City with satellite clinics throughout the surrounding communities. In Lawrence, that includes vascular surgery and care, the Kansas Sport Medicine clinic, and maternity care at the LMH Health West Campus. On campus, students receive quality care at Watkins Health Services.
Well, Well.
Enjoying a healthy lifestyle in Lawrence can improve your overall well-being, and here you have your choice of gyms and fitness centers; public and private golf courses; public and private pools; yoga, barre, and Pilates studios; spas and therapy clinics; and more.
Organized fitness opportunities are available through Lawrence Parks & Recreation and groups such as Friends of the Kaw: Kansas Riverkeeper, Kansas Canoe & Kayak Association, Kansas Cycling Club, KU Fit, Lawrence Bicycle Club, Lawrence Mountain Bike Club, Red Dog’s Dog Days, Ride Lawrence, Run Lawrence, Run-Walk Lawrence, and more.