Old West Lawrence
Neighborhood in Lawrence, Kansas
Douglas County 66044
Prevalent Victorian-era architecture
Many houses here date back to the 1800s and early 1900s, and the ones on the neighborhood’s west end were added after Quantrill’s Raid. Victorian-era architecture features prominently in Old West Lawrence with its collection of colorful Italianates and Queen Annes. Other builds like Craftsman bungalows, foursquares and English cottages exist, and there are also a number of post-World War II duplexes. Groups of mature trees line Old West Lawrence’s streets, while red brick roads pass through some of the neighborhood’s blocks. The neighborhood boasts a high Walk Score of 88 out of 100 and an even higher Bike Score of 97 out of 100. Price points mostly run from just under $200,000 to $400,000 on the west end and can reach up to about $500,000 on the east side. Large, newly remodeled homes may approach $600,000. The east side sees more ornate and grandiose Victorian-era houses on lots that can reach up to about a quarter-acre — or twice the size of the footprints seen across the remainder of the neighborhood. “The properties over there have been maintained very nicely, and it’s a generally wealthier part of our neighborhood, with larger lot sizes as well," Bradley says.
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Summer swims at Watson Park
Located on the historic east end, the 7-acre Buford M. Watson Jr. Park is the neighborhood’s main outdoor space. Parents can take their children to the park’s playground to burn off some energy, while others can organize picnics and cookouts under the gazebo. Another distinct sight at the park is an original train locomotive. Those looking for some water fun during the summer can also walk to the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center on the southern end of the park. In addition to the pool, the facility offers slides and a splash pad area complete with mushroom-shaped water sprays. The center also hosts special events like an Adult Swim Night in July. Clinton Park across West Sixth Street to the north offers pleasant scenery to take in and a playground with a spiral slide and swing sets.
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Strongly rated schools with STEM focuses
Students here start at Hillcrest Elementary School in the neighboring community of the same name. Hillcrest receives a B grade from ratings site Niche. Students then attend nearby Liberty Memorial Central Middle School, which also receives a B from Niche. The middle school is launching a STEAM initiative beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. The program will involve a number of activities like hands-on work and courses in skills like 3D design and coding. Students will also be asked to study fine arts activities like band, choir or theater. To finish their secondary education, students here attend Lawrence Free State High School, which receives an A-minus from Niche and also offers some special STEM activities.
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July 4 bike parade and neighborhood potluck
Old West Lawrence puts on a bike parade every July 4. Participants decorate their bikes and even baby strollers and pass through the eastern part of the neighborhood and Watson Park. Children attending can also enjoy popsicles. In September, the neighborhood hosts a major street party and potluck where residents grill and enjoy beverages. About 200 of the neighborhood’s 1,000 or so residents typically turn out for the event.
Close to Interstate 70 and a major hospital
West Sixth Street — also U.S. highways 40 and 59 — forms Old West Lawrence’s northern border. The roadway provides a connection to Interstate 70 about 2 miles north of the neighborhood. I-70 provides direct commuter routes to both Topeka and Kansas City. The proximity to downtown puts the neighborhood less than a mile from Lawrence’s Amtrak station. The station is a stop for the Southwest Chief Train, which runs to Kansas City and can go as far west as Los Angeles. The Lawrence Transit System keeps a few bus stops in the neighborhood and provides alternative transportation options. For out-of-state flights, many here go to the Kansas City International Airport, about 50 miles east and 47 minutes from Lawrence. Those needing major medical care are less than a mile from Lawrence Memorial Hospital.Small plates with ‘big flavors’ at new Fork and Tumbler
While it’s only a few blocks from many downtown institutions, Old West Lawrence has some staples of its own along both West Ninth and West Sixth streets. Coleman recently opened Fork and Tumbler, which is quickly developing a following. The restaurant specializes in small plates that Coleman says come with “big flavors.” Serving meals with Southwest influence, the menu includes burgers, wings and desserts. “There’s just so much. We don’t even have salt and pepper shakers in the restaurant. That’s how good it is, and don’t ask for one either,” Coleman says jokingly. For Asian fare, there’s the Red Pepper Chinese Restaurant. Running out of a vintage space, the Big Mill serves craft cocktails and a variety of comfort foods ranging from plates of nachos to fish and chips and burgers served with a side of cheese-sprinkled sweet potato fries. Great Harvest Bread has long been a destination for a variety of treats ranging from artisan breads and pastries to grilled sandwiches and health breakfast options like avocado toasts. Those looking for more artisan goods and fresh produce can stop by the Lawrence Farmers Market downtown. The market runs every Saturday morning between April and late November. Downtown is home to Au Marche, a gourmet grocery store. More grocery options exist at Dillons less than 2 miles south of the neighborhood.Important to know
The neighborhood has an overall CAP Index crime score of six out of 10, slightly higher than the national average.
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Photography Contributed By
John Collins
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Renee Barrett
Renee Barrett
PLATINUM REALTY
(424) 488-1598
49 Total Sales
1 in Old West Lawrence
$420,000 Price
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Sarah Dreiling
Sarah Dreiling
Responds QuicklyKW INTEGRITY
(785) 453-7053
155 Total Sales
2 in Old West Lawrence
$220K - $380K Price Range
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Jeff Cates
Jeff Cates
Responds QuicklyCates Auction & Realty Co Inc
(816) 307-1142
106 Total Sales
1 in Old West Lawrence
$272,250 Price
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Carson Levine
Carson Levine
Responds QuicklyKW INTEGRITY
(913) 675-1217
156 Total Sales
3 in Old West Lawrence
$315K - $455K Price Range
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Thomas Howe
Thomas Howe
MCGREW REAL ESTATE
(785) 592-3659
129 Total Sales
2 in Old West Lawrence
$321K - $470K Price Range
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Elizabeth Ham
Elizabeth Ham
HEDGES REALTY EXECUTIVES
(785) 503-9966
414 Total Sales
9 in Old West Lawrence
$180K - $400K Price Range
Schools
Source:
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- K to 5th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Centennial Park
Burcham Park
John Taylor Park
Robinson Park
South Park
Water Tower Park
Riverfront Dog Park
Clinton Park
Woody Park
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Old West Lawrence | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 4 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 7 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 4 | 4 |
| Robbery | 5 | 4 |
| Burglary | 7 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 4 |
| Larceny | 8 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 6 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old West Lawrence Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old West Lawrence, Lawrence sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Old West Lawrence, Lawrence over the last 12 months is $377,500, up 35% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$399,000
Median Sale Price
$377,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$389,950
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$559,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
35
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
35%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$228
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
452
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Median Year Built
1912
Months of Supply
2.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,844
On par with the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,519
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
600
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,158
Median Age
40
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$71,931
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$123,464
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.5%
College Graduates
44.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
11''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
97
/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
88
/ 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.
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