What I wish I knew before living in Lawrence

Austin Ramirez Dec 14, 2025

If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.

37 upvotes

Jordan Nguyen Dec 27, 2025

not my experience at all

29 upvotes

Mateo C. Dec 26, 2025

OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a accountant, 26, moved here 15 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.

**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.

25 upvotes

Adam Jackson Dec 11, 2025

been saying this for years

23 upvotes

Jameson Patel Dec 18, 2025

Bought a house here in 2017 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.

6 upvotes