Rooted in a long history of industrial heritage and known as the “Immigrant City,” Lawrence has welcomed waves of foreign-born residents since the 1800s. Today the city has a population of about 88,398, and over 80 percent of the community are Hispanic, which in turn has led to a robust Latin American cultural presence in Lawrence. Top employers include the City of Lawrence, Lawrence General Hospital and North Essex Community College Lawrence. The median household income is $53,977, and the local workforce is concentrated in manufacturing, retail and service industries.
Mount Vernon is on the southern side of Lawrence and has easy access in or out of the city.
South Common is a neighborhood of South Lawrence, MA.
Walk into La Grekka Cafe & Art Lounge near Mount Vernon and experience all kinds of flavor.
The main entrance to the Lawrence General Hospital in Lawrence, MA.
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Multi-unit homes dot residential streets
In Lawrence, multifamily properties are more common than single-family homes. Colonial-inspired multi-unit dwellings from the Victorian era can usually house two to four families. While newer constructions from the past decade are occasionally spotted, most residences were built in the early 1900s. Mount Vernon in South Lawrence is one of the few communities with mostly single-family residences. The median home price is $455,000, which is on par with the national median.
Condos typically fall between $250,000 and $400,000; townhouses have similar starting prices but can go up to $500,000. Single-family Cape Cods, ranch-style and New Englander homes may list from $400,000 to slightly over $600,000. Multi-family properties go from $600,000 to over $1 million. “The biggest and most important thing to know about Lawrence is the city gives residential exemption for homes that are owner-occupied,” says Penelope Valdez Mejia, a real estate professional at Keller Williams Realty with 11 years of experience. “This means homeowners can save up to 35 percent in property taxes on their primary residence, and it’s a big deal.”
A row of colorful, traditional multi-family homes is common all around Lawrence, MA.
Many different home styles line the streets of the South West neighborhood.
Unique Cape Cod-style homes are sprinkled throughout the South West Neighborhood.
You'll find larger three-story properties throughout the South West area.
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Public and charter schools in Lawrence
Lawrence Public Schools serves nearly 13,000 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 11-to-1 and an overall C Niche grade. In addition to religious private schools, there are also two K-8 charter schools, Lawrence Family Development Charter School and Community Day Charter Public School. Northern Essex Community College has a campus in Lawrence and offers over 50 programs of study.
The Community Day Charter Public School - R. Kingman Webster location in Lawrence, MA.
Lawrence High School is part of the North Common Educational Complex in Lawrence.
Lawrence Catholic Academy is a private school located in Lawrence, MA.
Northern Essex Community College is central to Lawrence and offers a wealth of opporunities.
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From public and state parks to abundant trails
Lawrence has nearly 50 parks, providing many outdoor opportunities and approximately 340 acres of recreational space. Campagnone Common is the city’s main park featuring athletic fields, a playground and war memorials. People can walk along the esplanade at Lawrence Heritage State Park and learn about the city’s history at the visitor center. The 3.5-mile Spicket River Greenway connects areas along the riverfront to the city’s downtown and mill districts, and the Lawrence Community Boating Program lets people sail along the Merrimack River.
Toss the football with your friends on the greenspace at Reservoir Park.
Lawrence Heritage State Park is dedicated to preserving the industrial heritage
Stop and take in the beauty along the Spicket River Greenway in Lawrence.
Locals can be found playing basketball at O'neil Park near Mount Vernon.
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Shopping and dining options
The city has a robust Latin American food scene, and many restaurants are located along the banks of the Merrimack River. Traditional and specialty grocery stores, including Market Basket, America's Food Basket and La Fruteria, are abundant and dotted throughout the city. Plaza 114 and Essex Plaza Shopping Center have big-box stores and local businesses, and Canal Street Antique Mall is north of the Merrimack River. The Loop, Methuen’s largest retail center, is about 3 miles north with over 30 shops, restaurants and a movie theater.
Stop by the Essex Market for groceries, a Spanish American super market in South Common.
Residents of Lawrence will find a local Market Basket as one of their many local grocery stores.
Visit El Vago Cantina for a delicious dinner and drinks near Mount Vernon.
Enjoy a night out at Bocao Restaurant in Colonial Heights.
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Multicultural festivals in Lawrence
The city celebrates its diverse community with many cultural festivities. The week-long Lawrence Semana Hispana Festival features a parade, music and entertainment, and various Latin American countries are honored at cultural nights. The Lawrence Italian Festival, also known as Feast of The Three Saints, takes place on Labor Day weekend with processions, feasts and live performances. Other events include the Bread and Roses Heritage Festival for Labor Day, and the Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Bands play to crowds at the Feast of Three Saints.
The streets are filled with smiling faces at the Feast of Three Saints.
Jam with the band at the farmers market in the South Common.
Locals look forward to Semana Hispana, a Hispanic Week festival filled with music and food.
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Transportation options and hospitals
Lawrence is accessible via Interstate 495, the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority's bus service and the MBTA commuter rail. Boston is about 30 miles south, and New Hampshire’s state border is less than 5 miles north. Both Boston Logan International Airport and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport are about 30 miles away. Located by the Merrimack River, Lawrence General Hospital is a leading health care provider for people in the Merrimack Valley, while Greater Lawrence Family Health Center also serves city residents.
Crime data in recent years
According to Lawrence’s police department, there have been 1,198 violent offenses and 840 property crimes reported within the past year. There are volunteer-based community policing programs for many neighborhoods, which are designed to help locals feel safe about living in the city.
Realtor Magdiel Matias is a premier real estate agent in Massachusetts, offering personalized services to sellers and buyers. With extensive local market knowledge and expert negotiation skills, I ensure a smooth and successful selling experience for our clients while helping buyers find their dream properties.
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.
