Lawrence community with neighborhood school and first-time homes
Although the row of Greek life houses to its east might suggest otherwise, Hillcrest is home to a large number of non-student residents. This neighborhood bordering the University of Kansas has drawn buyers attracted to its large collection of post-World War II houses. “It’s just the type of home in the Hillcrest area. It’s geared more for younger families than it is for college kids,” says Jason Robinson, a Realtor with Keller Williams, who’s made several sales around KU. “There are a lot of entry level houses, but also houses where a lot of professors live. Those houses are just immaculate, gorgeous and in really good shape.” A smattering of upscale houses with stone exteriors and Greek Revival features exist along University Drive. They occupy spacious lots with ranch fencing, ornate landscaping and groups of mature oaks and pines. The community is also home to Hillcrest Elementary School. “It’s a walk down the hill to campus and a lot of people like that location,” Karyn Davis, a Realtor with McGrew Real Estate, who lives near the university. “And the proximity to the Hillcrest school, which is kind of in the middle of the neighborhood. It’s one of those neighborhoods built around the school.”
Post World War II style houses under mature tree canopy
The neighborhood’s houses sit along quiet streets lined by mature oaks and pines. Ranch-style and midcentury builds from the 1950s make up much of the architecture. They show a mix of wood, brick and stone veneer exteriors and occupy lots up to about a third of an acre. Other features include both detached and double garages and wood fences for privacy. “There’s lots of midcentury homes. I think it’s a style that a lot of people are really attracted to right now. It’s comfortable,” Davis says. A few split-levels and large homes that blend Cape Cod and Traditional features also exist in the neighborhood. Price points can go from just under $300,000 for a traditional ranch-style house to nearly $370,000 for a slightly larger midcentury. The stately homes on University Drive have footprints larger than 3,000 square feet. Play equipment like rings, rope ladders and swings have been attached to a few of the trees in front of these homes. Although the houses aren’t listed for sale, their values run between $800,000 and $900,000.
Community staples at neighboring Hillcrest Shopping Center
The neighborhood can choose between Iowa and West Sixth streets for shopping and dining options. Staples at the Hillcrest Shopping Center off Iowa include Biemer’s BBQ and Munchers Bakery. Biemer’s is a counter-serve restaurant serving hearty choices like brisket and pulled pork sandwiches on foam plates. Regulars like to pair the sandwiches with sides of potato salad, fries or baked beans. Munchers serves an array of pastries ranging from doughnuts and warm cinnamon rolls to cream cheese danishes. Both establishments neighbor the Merc Co+op, a community-owned store where shoppers find a variety of locally-sourced foods and produce. A Dillons farther west offers more grocery shopping options. On the eastern end of Hillcrest is Louise’s West, a popular watering hole and late night hangout.
Fun at Water Tower Park
Hillcrest has a cozy neighborhood green space called Water Tower Park. Named after the water tower overlooking the grounds, the park’s open field has long attracted friendly games of football and basketball among local children and teens. The park has a playground that comes complete with a swing and slide. Hillcrest neighbors Centennial Park, one of the city’s largest parks. The 35-acre site draws disc golf enthusiasts to its 18-hole course. The outdoor venue also boasts a lighted skate park with one of the few 30-foot ramps in this part of the country. Clinton Park north of West Sixth provides a path for relaxing walks and another playground with a spiraling slide.
Highly rated academics at Lawrence Free State High
Hillcrest is home to an elementary school that shares the neighborhood’s name. Hillcrest Elementary receives a B from ratings site Niche. The school promotes a healthy lifestyle for its students through various programs like the Boys & Girls Club and the Hawkathon Club. The latter allows participating students to run a marathon by the end of the school year. Students then go on to West Middle School and Lawrence Free State High School, which receive B-plus and A-minus grades respectively from Niche. Lawrence Free State among several city schools that promote science learning, and Niche ranks the institution among the top 20 best high schools in Kansas for STEM. Lawrence Free State’s other academic highlights include recently winning a fifth consecutive state title in speech.
From neighborhood garage sales to Jayhawks basketball games
The proximity to the KU campus puts Hillcrest close to attractions like the Allen Fieldhouse, home of Jayhawks basketball. Like other neighborhoods bordering the campus, Hillcrest won’t be close to Jayhawks football games for a while due to the redesign of the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. But they’ll be able to enjoy game day festivities again once the massive project is completed. The community stays active and close-knit through smaller events like neighborhood garage sales.
Access to several Lawrence Transit stops
Hillcrest lies less than 2 miles south from Interstate 70, which provides a route for those who commute to Topeka and Kansas City. West Ninth Street provides a direct connection to downtown Lawrence about 1 miles east of the neighborhood. The Lawrence Transit makes stops in the neighborhood for those needing alternative transportation. Those going on out-of-state flights go to Kansas City International Airport about 50 miles east of Lawrence. The Lawrence Memorial Hospital less than 2 miles north provides a major medical facility.
Important to know
The neighborhood has an overall CAP Index crime score of four out of 10, putting it on par with the national average.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Crystal Swearingen,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Centennial Park
Burcham Park
Robinson Park
South Park
Water Tower Park
Dad Perry Park
Riverfront Dog Park
Clinton Park
Woody Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Hillcrest
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Hillcrest, Lawrence sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Hillcrest, Lawrence over the last 12 months is $351,166, down 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Crystal Swearingen,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,257
Median Age
28
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$39,820
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,454
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98%
College Graduates
68.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.1%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
11''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
60/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
72/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
