Lawrence is a quiet small town dotted with lakes in Southwest Michigan
A small farming town in Michigan’s Fruit Belt, Lawrence is a peaceful respite from larger cities and towns. Lakes and other water features are plentiful, and encourage locals to get outside. “We have many inland lakes, which are very prized in the community,” says Suzy Glomski, a local Realtor at Gale Realty with over 10 years of experience. “And we’re not far from the shores of Lake Michigan either.” Home to fewer than 1,000 residents, the community has a relatively secluded location surrounded by farmland and fields, but stays connected to larger towns via Interstate 94.
A wide range of housing, including some multiacre and lakefront homes
Much of the housing inventory in Lawrence includes minimal traditional homes built between 1850 and 1950, often with vinyl siding and shingle tile roofs. Though most properties date to that era, there’s also a mix of midcentury ranch-style homes and some 21st-century New Traditional builds. Lots typically start at a quarter-acre, with many multiacre properties around the town’s edges. Narrow residential streets in town are shaded by towering pine and oak trees. Farther out from the town center, there are some inland lakes where locals can find secluded waterfront properties. Prices generally range from $100,000 to $550,000, depending on home and lot size.
Local parks, waterfront activities on Paw Paw River and nearby lakes
Lawrence Park, the main community outdoor space, has a large wooden playground, a picnic shelter and grass fields. Paw Paw River runs through the town’s north side, with a public access point for boating. Several small lakes surround Lawrence, including Lake Cora and Three Mile Lake. Many of these have public boat ramps and swimming holes, surrounded by serene landscapes. Lake Cora Hills Golf Club, about 5 miles from the town center, has an 18-hole course that’s open to the public.
Lawrence schools offer career-oriented programs
Lawrence Elementary earns a C-plus from Niche, while Lawrence Junior/Senior High earns a B and offers athletic programs like football, basketball and cross country. Career technical education programs are available to high school students across the county through Van Buren Tech, a supplemental facility in Lawrence. Participating students are bused to Van Buren Tech for half of the school day, and attend their main school for the other half. Programs include advanced manufacturing, culinary arts and software engineering.
Shopping and dining are limited, with more options in nearby towns
Aside from a local Dollar General, Lawrence residents have to drive to surrounding towns for most retail. “It’s a sleepy agricultural town, so there’s not a lot going on,” Glomski says. “Paw Paw would be the closest shopping.” The chain stores and national brands in Paw Paw are about 10 miles away. Local restaurants are also limited to only a few options, with Acapulco Mexican Restaurant serving authentic family recipes and Freedom Bar & Grill specializing in American fare. Harding’s Market is the nearest grocery store, about 5 miles away, and there are lots of seasonal farm stands throughout Van Buren County.
Multiday festivals are held annually in the summer
The community celebrates Labor Day weekend with the Lawrence Ox Roast Festival, an annual tradition since 1921. The four-day celebration includes lots of games, live music and free ox roast sandwiches, with a community parade on the last day. Lawrence residents are also close to the Van Buren Youth Fair, where locals can compete in livestock showcases and other agriculturally focused events over the course of a full week in July.
Easy access to Interstate 94
Lawrence is located on Interstate 94, about 10 miles west of Paw Paw and 5 miles east of Hartford. Locals can drive about 20 miles to waterfront towns like South Haven for sandy beaches on Lake Michigan. Bronson LakeView Hospital is less than 10 miles away, and South Bend International Airport is about 55 miles away.
