Another organization agrees — Lawrence is a pretty great college town.
The website Parents & Colleges ranked Lawrence as the tenth-best college town in America.
Any time Lawrence is recognized by an organization as among the best in the country, it’s a good feeling, said Lawrence Mayor Mike Amyx.
“The reason it’s a good feeling is because of the amount of work put forth by a number of people to make sure the city of Lawrence is a great place to live,” Amyx said.
MSNBC picked Lawrence as one of its nine favorite college towns earlier this year.
Parents & Colleges praised Lawrence for its vibrant downtown, its outdoor recreation opportunities at Clinton Lake and friendliness toward cyclists.
“In Lawrence, you can feel that artsy vibe practically everywhere,” the website wrote. “In public art exhibits that bring sculpture and mosaic projects to street corners throughout the city, in the Lawrence Arts Center where performing and visual arts come together under one roof, in a live music scene that’s light–years ahead of what’s playing on the radio.”
Here’s Parents & Colleges' list:
- Austin, Texas
- Boulder, Colo.
- Madison, Wis.
- Berkeley, Calif.
- Athens, Ga.
- Princeton, N.J.
- Eugene, Ore.
- Chapel Hill, N.C.
- Gainesville, Fla.
- Lawrence
Comments
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oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
The Procrustean theory at work with the website and survey.
The_Big_B (anonymous) says…
Lawrence doesn't touch Gainesville, which doesn't touch Austin.
Graczyk (anonymous) replies…
I disagree about Gainesville. Lawrence is a much nicer town. I'm from them parts.
kubsdrvr (anonymous) replies…
Big_B must have mean geographically.
bearded_gnome (anonymous) says…
4. Berkeley, Calif.
---now you know this survey is completely fake!
boltzmann (anonymous) replies…
I guess then that the reason why housen prices are so high there is that no one wants to live there. I also would be willing to guess that you have never actually been to Berkeley.
boltzmann (anonymous) replies…
Sorry, that should be "house prices".
staff04 (anonymous) replies…
All gnome knows about Berkley is that it is the place where all them damn libruls live...and that's all he needs to know.
kujayhawk (anonymous) replies…
Berkeley is an odd place.
livingstone (anonymous) replies…
So is Hutchinson, KS..... it's odd because you don't identify with it. It's nice because they look like you.
TheSychophant (anonymous) says…
The reason it’s a good feeling is because of the amount of work put forth by a number of people to make sure the city of Lawrence is a great place to live,” Amyx said.
Mike, you jerk, it's the people that live here which make lawrence a great place. not a bunch of developers, or politicians.
seriouscat (anonymous) replies…
LIKE!!!!
tomatogrower (anonymous) replies…
How do you know he wasn't referring to the wonderful people in the Arts, or the Parks and Rec people, or the volunteers who do things like plant flowers downtown or help raise money at the St. Pat's parade? Or any of the people who stay actively involved in what is happening in our community? That's what irks a lot of people about this town, the people really express their opinions, instead of not being oblivious to what's going on. It creates debates, but it makes for a great community in the end.
LA_Ex (anonymous) replies…
What in the world made you come to the conclusion that was what Amyx was talking about. The first thing I thought of when I read it was that he was referring to the residents of Lawrence.
Informed (anonymous) says…
Friendliness toward cyclists??? You've got to be kidding!
beatnik (anonymous) says…
what's a procrustean?
riverdrifter (anonymous) replies…
A procrustean is one of those things you wear on a white sport coat.
thuja (anonymous) replies…
The stage just before crustean, like a nymph.
Once you realize you aren't getting any more action, you are procrustean.
When you embrace it, you morph into full crusty.
I have known a few fellows who have achieved vested crustyness.
newmedia (anonymous) replies…
I thought Procrustean was a small town in Indiana... Happy New Year !
blindrabbit (anonymous) says…
Been to all except Athens and Eugene; agree with the list except, why is Gainesville included. Did not impress our party at all; by the way they cannot tell an alligator from a crocodile, just look at their logo!!
DustyAcres (anonymous) says…
I always knew downtown catered to the college crowd. This just confirms it. Also, why I never go downtown.
weegee (anonymous) replies…
Then you don't know much about Lawrence.
blindrabbit (anonymous) says…
Dusty: Kansas only has one town like Lawrence; it only make sense to cater to the college crowd; makes up about 35% of the population. I suggest that there are plenty of places to live in Kansas where you will not have to put up with this treatment. Just enjoy the blandness of all the other dead downtowns throughout the State. By-the-way, did you notice that the story is about college towns, and not Topeka's, Leavenworth's and Overland Park's
Mackadoo (anonymous) says…
Geez, you haters suck. I've about had it with the ridiculous anti-Lawrence LJ World online comments from some of you. Lawrence is an amazing town. If you don't agree, you should probably live somewhere you enjoy - how miserable your life must be to live somewhere you hate. And if you don't live here but are still frequenting a website of a community in which you don't live, please stop commenting. It makes you look beyond pathetic.
riverdrifter (anonymous) replies…
Welcome to the usual rants from the Lawrence haters. You must be new around here.
jackbinkelman (anonymous) replies…
Mackadoo, The worst of 'em don't even live in Lawrence.. at least one is in vine land and another is in desoto. One is in Baldwin or ottawa I think.
equalaccessprivacy (anonymous) says…
Lawrence disappoints in more ways than one, but especially by how corrupt KU officials are allowed to viciously use conflict-of-interest politics to smear the reputations of decent and honest people. You can't praise a "college town" that shows zero respect for civil rights. Someone knows not of what they speak. Quality of life is pretty darn low compared to the six or seven other college towns where I've lived. . Most college towns are safer and more walkable, have better public transportation, and even show more appreciation for brains over brawn. Thanks to the people of Lawrence for enlightening me with unbelievable ignorance. Only in KS and other white-guilt type places is the "kindness of strangers" based on the same offensive model of conquest by which the settlers massacred the Indians.
riverdrifter (anonymous) replies…
Haul hiney if it's so bad for you. Ottawa is only ~20 miles away. Just go.
foppa (anonymous) replies…
I'm not really sure that lawrence shows 'zero respect for civil rights.' You sound like those people who think that the first amendment should protect them from criticism. Also, i'm not sure what you mean by the whole conquest point.
But you always have the right to move if you hate lawrence so much and actually do believe that they don't respect civil rights. This is a right lawrence will respect. I promise. (Just FYI, I think people who say 'just move if you don't like it,' are dumb too. My point is you could)
equalaccessprivacy (anonymous) replies…
Because of the unacceptably cruel and dishonest experience I was subjected to KU is being forced by the feds to acknowledge it was not following the law and change its procedures. So the civil rights point is well-considered and reasonable. Haters project hate onto others and blame them for their own sins. Hate is a problem hypocrites have-- not me.
When a backwoods in-group has "kiss- to- kill" social norms that are flattering to themselves but damage others that's the same horse crap as those old -style Christians did when claiming to be "helping" and saving and civilizing the natives while actually they were killing them off. KU has a long-standing, brutal pattern of smearing civil rights victims and then wrongfully terminating them--but God and decent citizens forgive the ignorant residents of Douglas County--they know not what they do.
It's also a tradition for posters to generously volunteer to help others pack their bags. The state in collusion with corrupt KU officials sometimes even unconstuitionally participates in requiring dissidents to leave. Dissatisfied people likely don't need much encouragement though when circumstances halfway cooperate.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
Despite plenty of words, no idea what you're referring to. 'Cruel and dishonest experience'? 'corrupt KU officials are allowed to viciously use conflict-of-interest politics to smear the reputations of decent and honest people'? Is there some reason you're determined to signal you have something to say but are unwilling to say what that is?
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) replies…
"When a backwoods in-group has "kiss- to- kill" social norms that are flattering to themselves but damage others that's the same horse crap as those old -style Christians did when claiming to be "helping" and saving and civilizing the natives while actually they were killing them off. KU has a long-standing, brutal pattern of smearing civil rights victims and then wrongfully terminating them--but God and decent citizens forgive the ignorant residents of Douglas County--they know not what they do."
Is it too late to make submissions for the "vein-popping rage-filled, hyperbole-laced, most run-on sentence pair competition?
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) replies…
Hyperbole much?
blindrabbit (anonymous) says…
equal: just remember you are in conservative Kansas. Lawrence continues to be the one gleam of hope around here. I agree, it could certainly be better, but compared to the surrounds, no comparison.
Escapee (anonymous) replies…
a 'gleam of hope'...you must be joking! What other town this size holds record numbers of homeless persons, and a crime rate equal to that of towns 3 and 4 times the size of Lawrence??? Good college town...yes, if you can stay up there on the hill and never come down to experience this city! Full of ignorant, negative, townies that comprise one of the laziest work forces on the planet.... Just sayin'
Madison. Now there's a town!!!
tomatogrower (anonymous) replies…
The homeless come here where they can get help. Do you think that Ottawa would tolerate them?
OonlyBonly (anonymous) replies…
"one of the laziest work forces" interesting comment - most of the "lazy" employees I've seen aren't "townies" but students who know they're only going to be here a short time and don't care about their job, performance or business reputation......
thuja (anonymous) says…
Reality is what you make it, haters.
I love Lawrence.
DustyAcres (anonymous) says…
Wow, just because I don't shop downtown, all of you think I hate Lawrence. I've lived here my whole life. My family and friends are here. Talk about LJ posters jumping to conclusions. I don't have to go downtown to have a happy and full life. But then I do live out in the country. That's all I need.
amesn (anonymous) says…
I grew up in western Kansas and now LOVE living in Lawrence! Go away haters!
davidsmom (anonymous) says…
We live in Overland Park and plan to retire in Lawrence.
jafs (anonymous) says…
Lawrence is neither a world-class place to live, nor is it a dump.
It is, on balance, a decent college town, with the positive and negative aspects of those.
There are, in my opinion, a number of ways in which it could be improved, and telling people they should move if they don't absolutely love it here is silly and counterproductive.
Is this the Lawrence version of the right-wing "Love it or leave it" mentality?
booyalab (anonymous) replies…
You dare to suggest that not everything, even the trash, in our godlike city makes a dewy spring morning and diamonds look base and filthy in comparison? Leave immediately.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
:-)
catandmouse (anonymous) says…
Well said, jafs.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
Thanks.
kubsdrvr (anonymous) says…
I'm not hating on Lawrence. I love it here, but like most 'townies' I will say it is better when the student leave. Don't have to look both ways to cross a one way street, it's easier to find parking (though I ride a bike year round), and the people that take pride in "our" town and aren't hating every step of the way make it quite enjoyable.
jimknight (anonymous) says…
You know Lawrence is my favorite city in the US, so I feel lucky to live here. However, this is not a bicycle-friendly town by a long shot--just the opposite in my experience.
Yeoman2 (anonymous) says…
I have lived here for over 30 years. Lawrence might be a fine place for some, not so for others. The rents are astronomical. The available jobs situation is awful, and this is not just during this "recession", I have been out of work here several times and finding any sort of work that can support a family is a hassle. The local goverment is a joke, the elected "officials" are those with friends who can buy them the most yard signs. The University has provided some good services particularly to some difficult child development needs and the Bert Nash center is one of the best in the country. Most of the townspeople are friendly and helpful. But there are local "interest groups" who are doing their best to foul up local progress and demonize all local business development and infrastructure construction. Kind of a wash in my opinion.
beatnik (anonymous) says…
it seems to me that most of us agree, Lawrence is a pretty decent place, can't please everbody all the time. a lot of the quality of life in Lawrence is made by us and the choices we make in where we enjoy going, who we choose to be around and if we perceive the glass to be 1/2 full or 1/2 empty. i'm old, not a native, been here (in town) 27 years and would be someplace else if i thought it would be better.
blindrabbit (anonymous) says…
Dusty: Part of your problem "I've lived here my whole life". If you had lived in other locales (like many of the other posters) you would probably appreciate what the City has to offer. Having lived on both coasts as well as the South, I can tell you, it ain't so bad here.
DustyAcres (anonymous) replies…
Yes, I guess I should have up and quit my job and moved somewhere else just for fun, to see how the other folks live. But no, I stayed here worked, paid everything off and was able to take an early retirement. Not as adventurous as the rest of you.
merrill (anonymous) says…
There are varying opinions:
http://www.livability.com/top-10-coll...
========================================
Top Ten College Towns
1. Athens, ga - university of georgia
2. Boulder, co - university of colorado
3. Madison, WI - University of Wisconsin
4. Gainesville, fl - university of florida
5. Austin, tx - university of texas
6. Bloomington, in - indiana university
7. Eugene, or - university of oregon
8. Knoxville, tn - university of tennessee
9. College Station, tx - texas a&m university
10. Syracuse, ny - syracuse university
Honorable Mention
Manchester, NH - Saint Anselm College
Boone, NC - Appalachian State University
Normal, IL - Illinois State University
================================
On Huffington Post:
[Schools For Success]
The Top 10 Schools For Ambitious Students
From our friends at Unigo: Most college students don't know what they want out of their lives. This list, however, isn't for them. It's for...
[Brainiest Cities]
The 10 Brainiest Cities: Portfolio Study
Which American cities boast the most cerebral residents? According to Portfolio, Boulder, Colo. takes the No. 1 spot. Using new American Community Survey data, Portfolio...
[Affordable College Towns]
The 7 Most Affordable College Towns: Forbes List
A new study by Coldwell Banker Real Estate reveals that many students and their families are opting to purchase houses in college towns rather than...
[Best College Towns Jobs]
America's Top College Towns For Jobs: ABC News
While the U.S. as a whole continues to pray for a stronger Dow Jones industrial average, a boost in the S&P 500 and a clear-cut...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09...
merrill (anonymous) says…
These best places to live surveys are based on information provided by the local real estate industries,Chamber of Commerce and probably city hall. It's all about selling real estate.
What never gets discussed is that Lawrence is:
low wage
poor job market
excellent bicycle advisory board which still has a lot of work to do
very good competitive bicycle events
high tax dollar bedroom community
not as green as it should be by now (much resistance from City Government)
wants to wipe out our local wetlands
is subjected to a legislature that does not support public education
does not take care of the older sidewalks therefore safe walkability could be at risk
a good city for homeschooling
fails to build on two strong points as industries - art and education as economic industries although art is moving slowly
needs a vo-tech campus plus an art and design school for those who do not want a typical 4 year college experience
has excellent youth programs at the Arts Center
it's on ongoing struggle to keep downtown from becoming a total bar scene
Lawrence does plant a lot of trees
city hall is controlled by local developers which keep taxes high
is still a good place to raise a family
downtown landscaping is improving and downtown planters are well maintained
School district does not maintain existing buildings as they should
KU and city hall are dragging their feet on the safe walk project
If these things were also mentioned the survey would appear more valid rather than just a tool to sell more real estate. Of course the above mentioned are usually missing when describing other college towns.
The cities most consistently on these lists:
Boulder,Colo
Athens,Ga
Austin,Texas
Burlington,Vermont
Madison,Wi
Chapel Hill,NC
http://www.travelandleisure.com/artic...
merrill (anonymous) says…
Main Street Mgmt ( a tool for a booming new art community aka Phoenixville,Pa)
Mainstreet Mgmt Concept
http://www.preservationnation.org/mai...
Several key accomplishments highlight the work of Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, Inc. (DLSMS). First, the "Vision of the Heart Study," completed in 1993, recommended façade/building and streetscape improvements.
The $13.5 million project replaced antiquated utilities and added wider sidewalks, trees, and pedestrian street lighting. DLSMS also played an integral role during construction with its "diggin.it" initiative, a comprehensive public infor rmation campaign to provide merchants and the public with construction updates. Downtown stakeholders led the development and implementation of the Old Lee’s Summit Development Master Plan.
DLSMS has implemented more than 30 action items, including a downtown banner program, hospitality training for front-line employees, business retention activities, way finding signage, cross-promotion with other Amtrak communities, brand development, and a series of tax credit seminars to encourage reinvestment in the district.
The Numbers
Population: 90,000
Net number of new jobs: 151
Net number of new businesses: 55
Number of building rehabilitations: 53
Number of new buildings: 9
Vacancy rate when the program began: 18%
Vacancy rate today: 13%
Dollar amount of public investment: $44,800,000
Dollar amount of private investment: $20,600,000
In Their Own Words
Despite the rapid growth of Lee’s Summit, DLSMS, the city, and other organizations have led successful revitalization efforts in the downtown core. A population explosion of 65,000 people over the past 25 years has been a major challenge for the community, but downtown has maintained its small-town charm and preservation ethic. While thousands of homes and subdivisions have been built, historic downtown neighborhoods have thrived because downtown residents were determined to revitalize their own homes and neighborhoods while supporting downtown revitalization efforts.
The strength of these neighborhoods contributes to downtown's success. The $13.5 million downtown streetscape construction project and $18 million city hall and public parking garage clearly demonstrated commitments by the mayor, city council, and citizens to make downtown the heart of our community. This public investment has spurred more than $2 million in private investment just in the last few years.
Twenty new businesses, as well as 18 new lofts, opened during the 18-month construction period alone. Our mayor has been actively engaged in recent discussions about regional transit options in and around the Kansas City metropolitan area. As an early railroad community, Lee’s Summit and its downtown are integral to the success of these commitment to keeping downtown the heart and soul of our city. plans. Our district is a winner because of broad-based public and private support and an extraordinary
bearded_gnome (anonymous) says…
Boltzmann and Staff,
uh again you would be entirely wrong. try looking at my profile.
I am *very* familiar with Berzerkley, school is also known locally as U.C. Broccoli.
you site the high housing prices like that's good, shows your ignorance. first, taxes are incredibly bad all over CA, and in comunities like there it is worse still! it is called the "people's republic of Berkeley" for a reason! the isanity of CA government is multiplied by ten in Berkeley. the general cost of living is bad.
one good thing in Berkley: coffeeshops. otherwise just scrub the whole place. I believe "Code Pink" has a local chapter there.
kansasexile (anonymous) says…
Two of the "college towns" are not towns and shouldn't be on there, Austin and Berkeley, both part of major metropolitan areas. Austin's bigger than Kansas City. I'm surprised Ann Arbor and Santa Cruz aren't on the list. One of my favorites is Flagstaff, but NAU is not a top tier school. Lawrence definitely deserves its listing.