Why Live in Barker
Barker, a neighborhood in Lawrence, Kansas, is characterized by its diverse architectural styles, including 19th-century Italianates, quaint mid-20th-century cottages, and unique blends like Craftsman bungalows and ranch-style houses. The community takes pride in maintaining their homes and gardens, often sourcing plants from the local One Heart Farm & Nursery. The neighborhood's cultural richness is evident in its local features, such as the 1900 Barker - Bakery and Cafe, known for its award-winning breads and pastries, and Taqueria La Pasadita, offering authentic Mexican street food. The Sunrise Project, a nonprofit with a volunteer-maintained greenhouse, hosts a free community cafe every Sunday, fostering a close-knit atmosphere. Cottin’s Hardware & Rental, beyond providing tools and equipment, hosts a weekly farmers market, further enhancing community ties. Barker is also home to several green spaces, including Burroughs Creek Park with its creative play areas and splash pad, and Chief Jim McSwain Park, featuring a playground and basketball court. The Burroughs Creek Trail connects the neighborhood to other parts of East Lawrence, making it ideal for biking and jogging. The neighborhood is served by highly rated schools such as Cordley Elementary School and Lawrence High School. Barker's location offers convenient access to Interstate 70, with Kansas City and Topeka within a 40-mile radius. The neighborhood's crime rate is on par with the national average, contributing to its appeal as a livable community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barker a good place to live?
Barker is a good place to live. Barker is considered somewhat walkable and very bikeable. Barker has 15 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 5.6 people per acre and a median age of 41. The average household income is $76,174 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 41.1% of residents. A majority of residents in Barker are home owners, with 38.2% of residents renting and 61.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Barker can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Barker neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Barker?
The median home price in Barker is $660,895. If you put a 20% down payment of $132,200 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,420 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $147K a year to afford the median home price in Barker. The average household income in Barker is $76K.
What are the best public schools in Barker?
The best public schools that serve Barker are:
What are the best private schools in Barker?
The best private schools that serve Barker are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Barker, Lawrence, KS?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Barker, Lawrence, KS?
Home Trends in Barker, KS
On average, homes in Barker, Lawrence sell after 129 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Barker, Lawrence over the last 12 months is $524,435, up 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$524,435
Median Single Family Sale Price
$454,996
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,000,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$330
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
38
Median List Price
$660,895
Median Change From 1st List Price
8%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
32%