Lawrence, Kansas is an eclectic, fun, and friendly town located in the heart of the Kansas prairie at the juncture of the Kansas and Warsaw Rivers. Although well-known for being home to the University of Kansas, Lawrence is also known for being a trailblazer for LGBTQ rights in the state of Kansas. It was one of the first cities in Kansas with a domestic partnership registry as well as an equality ordinance that forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation. It's a city with much to see and do and plenty of welcoming neighborhoods. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Lawrence, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Lawrence's History
Lawrence is a city with a very interesting history. It was established in 1854 by the New England Emigrant Aid Company, expressly to shift the balance of power in the state toward an anti-slavery position, so that Kansas would enter the United States as a free state rather than as a slave state. Following its interesting founding, the city quickly became an important center of industry, agriculture, and especially education, and it remains so to this day. It is also a city with a thriving arts and culture scene, a great deal of diversity, and plenty of opportunity for all who choose to call it home.
A Few Fun Facts About Lawrence
Read more fun facts about Lawrence here.
Lawrence’s LGBTQ Community
Lawrence is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
PFLAG Lawrence-Topeka is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
What's the Weather Like in Lawrence?
Lawrence residents can expect to experience the beauty of all four seasons each year. Winters are usually cold with some snow, while summers are typically quite warm. The average high temperature in July is around 89° F and the low in January is around 18° F. Fall and Spring are usually wonderful times to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in Lawrence. Lawrence receives an average of 39 inches of rain per year, and about 13 inches of snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Lawrence
Lawrence Pride is one of the area’s most popular annual LGBTQ pride celebrations, and one that you won’t want to miss. It is a two-day festival that includes parties, parades, networking opportunities, family-friendly activities, and more. This is one celebration that you will want to be sure to put on your calendar!
The Best Neighborhoods in Lawrence
If you're considering moving to Lawrence, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Lawrence is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. This is why it’s always advised to contact a Lawrence gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Lawrence is around $259,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Lawrence Arts Center
If you want to enjoy excellent live theatre in Lawrence, look no further than the Lawrence Arts Center. The Arts Center proudly proclaims, “Art is for Everyone,” and it works to make that belief a reality in the community by offering a variety of performances, events, and classes throughout the year.
Operated by the University of Kansas, the Spencer Museum of Art is a beautiful museum full of a stunning and extensive collection of artwork from a variety of genres and periods. It's a wonderful place to spend the day learning, feeling inspired, and having fun.
Parks and Recreation
Clinton Lake is a beautiful 7,000-acre reservoir that sits on the southwestern edge of Lawrence. It adjoins Clinton State Park, which includes 1,500 acres of shoreline. It's a beautiful spot for fishing, boating, hiking, or biking its more than 50 miles of trails or simply relaxing on a beautiful Lawrence day.
Downtown Lawrence and Massachusetts Street
Downtown Lawrence has a beautiful, broad historic main street called Massachusetts Street that is walkable, busy, and full of life. The main road and its side streets have more than 100 shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, and more. Almost all of the buildings on Massachusetts Street date from between the 1850s and the 1950s, making it a beautiful, unique historic spot to spend the day shopping, dining, and having fun.
Lawrence Nightlife
The Bourgeois Pig is a charming LGBTQ-friendly coffeehouse and bar that offers excellent mixed drinks, seasonal sidewalk tables, and a vintage feel. It’s a great spot to relax and have fun with old friends, or to meet some new ones.
Wilde’s Chateau 24, named after author Oscar Wilde is a very popular Lawrence nightspot. It offers a lively dance floor, great music, strong drinks, and friendly crowds. It’s always a great spot to put on your list for a night out in Lawrence.
Contact a Lawrence Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Lawrence, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Lawrence, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Lawrence gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
