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Hunter Thompson moving

Considering Lawrence vs Kansas City -help me decide

First post here. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Household incomes average around $174,787 in Lawrence. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. What neighborhoods would you suggest? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
1 upvotes

4 Replies

Jaxon Castillo
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Abigail Anderson
good to know, thanks
25 upvotes
Quinn Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Westside for 12 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Aria Lee
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The walkability is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
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