$386,872Average Value$271Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Lawrence neighborhood at KU’s doorstep
Pioneers once passed through what is now University Place as they journeyed westward on the Oregon Trail. Today, the neighborhood is one of several destinations for those who want to live close to the University of Kansas. “It’s a nice neighborhood that’s actually on the south border of the KU campus,” says Dennis Brown, a long-time city resident and former president of the Lawrence Preservation Alliance. “Over the years, it’s been a good place for professors to live, and they just walk up the hill to go to class.” Many here enjoy University Place's distinct neighborhood features like groups of houses that date as far back as the late 1800s. “A lot of the homes are very exquisite. They’re very well preserved and taken care of. They're homes that people have been in for many years,” says Karyn Davis, a Realtor with McGrew Real Estate, who lives close to the neighborhood. Students make up much of the neighborhood, but University Place does have a close-knit and active community of homeowners. During the year, they host block parties involving potlucks and creative activities like pumpkin painting. The neighborhood's proximity to KU also provides residents with convenient access to attractions like the Jayhawks basketball and football games and various museum exhibits.
Early 20th century cottages with a few stylistic blends
Houses with clapboard exteriors sit beneath the shade of tall mature trees. Narrow paths along the streets allow for easy strolls and walkers include KU students coming and going to class. Other common design features include both full wood and picket fences around the perimeters of yards. The housing here strongly reflects the eras in which they were built and the neighborhood’s median construction year is 1930. “You might find one that was built newer, but it was probably one that was a teardown and they rebuilt it,” Davis says. “But for the most part, they’re probably 1940 and under.” The neighborhood has many Craftsman bungalows, Cape Cods and Victorian cottages. Several houses also blend styles, like two-story builds that mix elements of Foursquare, Craftsman and Colonial Revival architecture. Price points can run from $255,000 for an approximately 1,000-square-foot house to nearly $500,000 for a 2,300-square-foot home. A few houses that are over 3,000 square feet can go for upwards of $800,000. Renters, however, make up about three-quarters of the neighborhood.
Smaller style homes with nice curb appeal line the quiet streets of University Place.
There are several different style of homes in the University Place with nice curb appeal.
1/2
On the doorstep of KU and Lawrence institutions
Several KU cultural institutions are within walking distance of University Place residents. Like the university’s Spencer Museum of Art, which is free to the public. The museum’s exhibits showcase works ranging from Native American pottery to paintings and sculptures to a modern cutout of the hero Superman draped in real red cloth. The art museum neighbors the KU Natural History Museum in Dyche Hall, an impressive Romanesque-style structure with a notable limestone exterior. The Natural History Museum’s floors house a variety of wildlife-themed exhibits ranging from models of prairie dogs in the plains to a skeleton of the “Bunker” mosasaur. Veterans Park borders the neighborhood to the east and offers several recreational amenities, ranging from a creatively shaped playground painted in red and blue to basketball and tennis courts. South Park, to the north, is home to the Roosevelt Fountain, walking paths, flower gardens and groups of eastern redbuds, sweetgums and sugar maples.
Donuts and authentic Mexican street fare on West 19th
Tucked into the neighborhood’s southeast corner is Taylor’s Donuts. The owner, who is also the proprietor of the neighboring 1900 Barker - Bakery and Cafe, is a James Beard award-nominated chef, and is popular for its artisan breads, cafe beverages and pastries. Continuing east on West 19th Street, foodies can stop by the Taqueria La Pasadita for authentic Mexican street food. Less than a mile south along West 23rd street, residents will find additional dining experiences, like Southeast Asian fare at the Thai Diner. For groceries, the local Dillons or Checkers Foods are both popular options.
Block parties, Jayhawks games and South Park festivities
The University Place Neighborhood Association organizes several block parties throughout the year. These include a fall event in late September where neighbors are encouraged to bring food and take part in games. For the July Fourth block party, residents bring out their patriotic decor and also partake in yard games. To the north, South Park hosts the annual Art in the Park each September, where festivalgoers shop for artisanal items like jewelry and crocheted items. South Park also hosts a seasonal Wednesday concert series during the summer, where folks bring out their coolers and chairs to sit beside the gazebo and listen to some tunes. The neighborhood’s proximity to the KU campus and the Allen Fieldhouse, also makes it easy to attend a Jayhawks basketball game or two.
Surrounded by highly rated schools and close to St. John
Although it’s usually affiliated with the KU campus, University Place is surrounded by several public schools that serve all grade levels. Younger students go to Cordley Elementary School, which receives a B-plus from ratings site Niche. From there, they can then go on to Liberty Memorial Central Middle, which Niche gives a B grade. The middle school is set to launch a special STEAM initiative that will involve courses in subjects like coding and app creation. Participants will also pursue fine arts and take part in activities like band, choir or theater. To finish out their secondary education, students here attend Lawrence High School, which receives an A-minus from Niche. For private school options, the St. John Catholic School in neighboring Oread offers courses for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The private school’s students in recent years have enjoyed facilities like a new gym and performing arts center for activities like theater and handbell choir.
St. John Catholic School has great after school programs the kids will enjoy.
St. John Catholic School has great after school programs the kids will enjoy.
1/2
Short distance from downtown Lawrence and Amtrak station
University Place sits about 3 miles south of Interstate 70, which provides a commuter route to both Topeka and Kansas City. The neighborhood is less than 2 miles south of downtown Lawrence. Lawrence’s Amtrak station near downtown serves as a stop for the Southwest Chief Train that runs to Kansas and goes as far west as Los Angeles. The Lawrence Transit provides alternative transportation options and has a few stops along West 19th Street. Those looking to go on out-of-state flights will use the Kansas City International Airport about 51 miles east of Lawrence. The Lawrence Memorial Hospital about 3 miles north addresses medical needs.
Important to know
University Place has a CAP Index overall crime score of 4 out of 10, 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
Rob Lang,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Broken Arrow Park
Centennial Park
Prairie Park Nature Center
Fishing
Picnic Area
Trails
Robinson Park
Prairie Park
South Park
Water Tower Park
Burroughs Creek Park
Veterans Park
University Place Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in University Place, Lawrence sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in University Place, Lawrence over the last 12 months is $615,609, up 66% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in the University Place neighborhood—just south of the KU campus—this Craftsman-style home is in a great location. Featuring original hardwood floors and built-ins, the living space exudes warmth and personality. The kitchen is nicely appointed. Spacious backyard. Full, unfinished basement. Schedule a showing today!
NEW ROOF installed by Alpha Roofing 7/23/25. Priced to sell at nearly $70,000 below the county appraisal, this well-located home sits less than two blocks from the KU campus in a charming neighborhood. Significant upgrades to the core systems were completed in 2024–2025, including a new sewer line, foundation evaluation and stabilization by a licensed contractor, main-level bathroom renovation,
JACLYN GIROUXKELLER WILLIAMS ONE LEGACY PARTNERS, LLC
NEW PRICE! Location, Location, Location! Minutes from KU, take a look at this Charming 1935 bungalow right in the heart of Lawrence, Kansas. Located north of Lawrence High School. Excellent location and some perks include being by a local coffee and donut shop. There are many other restaurants and grocery stores nearby. Three bedrooms and one full bathroom with a new vanity. Laundry and hobby
Constructed in 2024, this 3+BR home like new and incredibly functional, located just 2 blocks from KU campus! This one-level home features 1 Bedroom, a full bath, an Office/BR, and full kitchen with a large island, pantry, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and custom steel railings on the main level. 2 bedrooms, another full bath and a second living room in the basement with
Fabulous complete renovation, done with care and precision by one of the best reno crews in the area. With top quality materials and workmanship, and in a highly sought after neighborhood, this lovely home is perfect for entertaining, and has a characteristic Lawrence style. Sitting in the shadow of Mount Oread, and within easy reach of shopping and commuting, this remarkable property is ideally
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rob Lang,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
544
Median Age
30
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$49,999
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$106,750
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.7%
College Graduates
95.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
35.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
77.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
11''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
75/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
58/ 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.
