Contemporary neighborhood with attractive surroundings
Parts of Lawrence stand out for their old-fashioned charm, but Monterey is a community for those who want a more contemporary setting. “There are newer homes here, than what you’ll see in Deerfield,” says Beth Ham, a Realtor with Realty Executives, referencing Monterey’s neighboring community. “It’s closer to the west part of town where you’re getting newer restaurants. Everything in Lawrence, as it stems out, gets newer.” While much of Monterey's housing dates back to the 1990s, the community also has pockets of these newer, upscale homes built within the past decade. Adding to the neighborhood’s appeal is its scenic surroundings. Bordered to the west by a 100-acre nature preserve it’s not uncommon for residents here to spot wildlife ranging from deer or foxes to a pair of eagles. “I feel like it’s very quiet. It’s awesome. It’s got great scenery, probably one of the best views in town. I like some of the wildlife around here. Even when you’re in the middle of the city, it feels really quiet and peaceful,” says Britte Everly, director of the Monterey Village Senior Living complex. “There are a lot of really nice walking paths, too, and there are nature trails really close by. People are always friendly, and there are quite a few people who get out and walk every day.”
Traditionals, Colonial Revivals by mature oaks and pines
Although Monterey doesn’t have as dense a tree canopy as its counterparts to the east, groups of mature oaks and pines do line its streets—and come autumn, many lawns are blanketed with oak leaves. Narrow paths run along Monterey’s streets and housing designs range from Traditional and Colonial Revivals to a few ranch-style homes. Price points here can range from $285,000 for a 1,500-square-foot home to $435,000 for a larger 2,700-square-foot layout. The area between Monterey Way and Fall Creek Drive is where residents will find newer upscale homes on larger lots with footprints that are over a quarter acre. Traditional architectural designs are also common here, and many of the houses feature stone veneer exteriors. Price points in this pocket of Monterey can reach upwards of just under $1 million.
Juicy stakes and French pastries around West Sixth
West Sixth Street, just south of the neighborhood, gets locals to major retailers and local businesses alike. Here, the Six Mile Chop House and Tavern serves-up juicy steaks and patrons can pair their plates with a glass of wine from the restaurant’s vast selection, or head to the bar to catch a game, or the latest sports news. Six Mile also serves brunch on the weekends and options include entrees like biscuits and gravy or steak and eggs. Another popular spot in Monterey is the Salty Iguana Mexican restaurant. They're known for their appetizers like tortilla chips paired with iguana dip, aka a queso made from white pepper cheese and spinach. Nearby, French pastries are served every day at Tous Les Jours, including cakes, macarons and creative takes on classics like croissants. Nearby, the Dillons and Sprouts Farmers Market offers a variety of grocery vendors and options.
On the doorstep of 100-acre preserve
On the western end of Monterey is the Lawrence Nature Park, the gateway to a 100-acre nature preserve. This expansive green space features a dirt trail passing through a mix of open fields and woodlands. As residents stroll through the forested area, they will spot oaks, hickories, red buds and a variety of wildlife. Benches made out of old tree trunks allow hikers and dog walkers to grab a quick rest while taking in the surrounding foliage. "It's really nice. It’s good for biking and walking. It’s right on the edge of town, so it’s really pretty,” Everly says. Or for an alternative option, the 19-acre Martin Park just north of Monterey offers trails for hikes and places to picnic. Hikers might even cross paths with migrating deer.
Access to highly rated schools with science and technology activities
Younger students here start at Quail Run Elementary School, which receives an A-minus from Niche—and the rating site ranks Quail Run among the top 100 best public elementary schools in the state. Students then go on to West Middle School, which receives a B-plus from Niche. Students at the middle school can participate in themed clubs like Pokemon-Go or chess. Students then finish their education at Lawrence Free State High School, which receives an A-minus score. Niche also ranks Lawrence Free State among the state’s top 20 best public college preparatory high schools, as well as for its STEM programs. Lawrence Free State’s extracurriculars include a women in STEM club and a robotics team.
Watching Summerfest from afar
Each year, the city of Lawrence hosts Summerfest, an Independence Day event featuring food trucks, a crafts festival and live bands. In the evening, the event traditionally culminated in a fireworks show, but in recent years has been traded out for a drone show. While Summerfest doesn’t take place in Monterey, many in the community still attend, setting up camp on the hill at the northern end of the neighborhood to watch the nighttime show from afar. “You don’t have to go anywhere,” Everly says. “It’s great for the residents because they can just sit outback and watch if they want to.” Another annual festivity that occurs nearby is the annual Santa’s Lights. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, many drive through the area around Monterey Way and Running Ridge Drive to take in the holiday lights display.
Neighborhood a few miles south of I-70 commuter route
Monterey is about 3 miles south from Interstate 70, which provides a commuter route to both Topeka and Kansas City. The neighborhood is just about 4 miles west of downtown Lawrence—and Monterey Way connects residents to West Sixth Street, which runs directly to the city’s downtown. The Lawrence Transit system has several stops along West Sixth and provides public transportation options across the city. The Lawrence Memorial Hospital, nearly 4 miles to the east, addresses major healthcare needs. For major out-of-state flights, many here fly to the Kansas City International Airport nearly 50 miles east of Lawrence.
Important to know
Monterey has an overall CAP Index crime score of 3 out of 10, putting it slightly below 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
Peterson Park
DeVictor Park Trailhead
Clinton Lake Sports Complex
Water Tower Park
Dad Perry Park
Buford M. Watson Jr. Park
Deerfield Park
Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Monterey
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Monterey, Lawrence sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Monterey, Lawrence over the last 12 months is $327,991, down 8% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$329,500
Median Single Family Price
$329,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$194
Last 12 months Home Sales
12
Median List Price
$329,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-7%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
261
Median Year Built
1992
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,929
On par with the national average
1,936
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,583
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
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 Owners
Demographics
Total Population
628
Median Age
41
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$77,419
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$103,050
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.9%
College Graduates
64.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
32.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
78.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
11''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
50/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
5/ 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.
