Written by Gwen Robertson, McGrew Intern
To some, Lawrence might be seen as just another small city in Kansas, but it is so much more than that. Lawrence is a unique town with a strong sense of community and a rich history. There is something for everyone here, and that is why it’s so special. Here are 10 reasons you should move to Lawrence, Kansas.
1) Home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University
Around 28,000 students from all over the world attend The University of Kansas. KU is well known for its beautiful campus, grand history, and of course, its Jayhawk basketball team. Haskell Indian Nations University is the only inter-tribal university for Native Americans in the United States and represents approximately 150 tribes across the country.
2) Massachusetts Street
This street is the heart and center of Lawrence. Mass Street and its neighboring streets are filled with locally owned shops and restaurants. There is something for everyone on Mass!
Photo by Heather Perry
3) Renowned Museums
Lawrence is home to many interesting and educational museums that highlight local history. Some museums to check out include: The KU Natural History Museum, Watkins Museum of History, Spencer Museum of Art, The Dole Institute of Politics, and Haskell Cultural Center and Museum.
4) Vibrant Art Scene
The Lawrence Arts Center is a 40,000 square foot, state-of-the-art contemporary building that makes up a huge part of the Lawrence culture. The institution’s motto is that art is for everyone. They provide exhibits, performances, and arts education for individuals of all ages. Final Fridays also highlights local art. The event takes place on the last Friday of every month all year long on the streets of Downtown Lawrence and the Warehouse Arts District. Storefronts transform into exhibits and performances, along with music and dance.
Photo by Jacob Aiken
5) Amazing Food
There is a wide variety of choices for food in Lawrence. Restaurants are unique and people from all over the state travel to eat the culinary concoctions. Popular restaurants include Free State Brewery, The Burger Stand at The Casbah and Limestone.
Photo by Heather Perry
6) Clinton State Park
Clinton State Park is known for its beautiful lake and breathtaking sunsets. This park includes a marina for boat storage and rentals, campgrounds and cabins, a swim beach, hiking and bike trails, fishing ponds, and an archery range. Clinton Lake is listed as one of the “50 Great Boating Lakes” by Boating World Magazine.
Photo by Jacob Aiken
7) Exciting Nightlife & Live Music Scene
Lawrence offers a wide variety of nightlife from casual bars to nightclubs and everything in between. The city also has a fantastic live music scene that pulls in big names. Some places that are well known for concerts include: The Granada, The Bottleneck, and Liberty Hall.
Photo by Jacob Aiken
8) Top Schools
Diversity and inclusion are important factors for Lawrence Public Schools and has been one of its main focuses since 2009. Since 2011, the graduation rates have gone up and dropout rates have decreased.
Photo by Heather Perry
9) Perfect Location
Lawrence is located just 45 minutes west of Kansas City, which offers a short drive to a metro hub. It’s also 30 minutes east of Topeka, the State Capital.
10) A Community Like No Other
Lawrence is a diverse and inclusive community revolved around arts, culture, education and fun. You will feel like you are home when living in Lawrence, because there is so much to do and see. Come see for yourself why Lawrence, Kansas is such a special place!
Photo by Jacob Aiken