University Place
Neighborhood in Lawrence, Kansas
Douglas County 66044
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.
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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.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.
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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.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.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.Important to know
University Place has a CAP Index overall crime score of 4 out of 10, on par with the national average.
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Photography Contributed By
John Collins
Video By
Peter Medawar
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Rob Lang
Rob Lang
AT HOME KANSAS
(785) 453-7224
70 Total Sales
1 in University Place
$231,000 Price
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JENNIFER CATLIN
JENNIFER CATLIN
Responds QuicklyKW INTEGRITY
(785) 429-4325
48 Total Sales
1 in University Place
$375,000 Price
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Sarah Dreiling
Sarah Dreiling
Responds QuicklyKW INTEGRITY
(785) 453-7053
155 Total Sales
4 in University Place
$226K - $470K Price Range
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Carson Levine
Carson Levine
Responds QuicklyKW INTEGRITY
(913) 675-1217
156 Total Sales
2 in University Place
$288K - $305K Price Range
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Henry Wertin
Henry Wertin
MCGREW REAL ESTATE
(785) 367-2100
90 Total Sales
1 in University Place
$179,950 Price
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Thomas Howe
Thomas Howe
MCGREW REAL ESTATE
(785) 592-3659
129 Total Sales
4 in University Place
$285K - $751K 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
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
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | University Place | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 5 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
| Robbery | 4 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
University Place Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in University Place, Lawrence sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in University Place, Lawrence over the last 12 months is $404,500, up 29% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$462,450
Median Sale Price
$404,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$449,950
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
16
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
29%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$251
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
192
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1930
Months of Supply
2.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,659
Below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,469
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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Average Home Value
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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Barker
Close-knit and charming neighborhood near University of Kansas
Centennial
Charming and walkable Lawrence neighborhood close to University of Kansas
Oread
Lawrence neighborhood between college town's top attractions
Brook Creek
Lawrence neighborhood surrounded by green space and outdoor activities
East Lawrence
Neighborhood in Lawrence's cultural and historic heart
Hillcrest
Lawrence community with neighborhood and comfortable midcentury homes
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