Question about Lawrence, Kansas (Kansas City, Lenexa: housing, rent, jobs)

[Terry Ray]

I've been searching for the "perfect" place for myself. I realize no place is perfect with crime, weather, or traffic. My main concerns are a good university, jobs, and a vibrant music scene (probably the top thing on the list). Ive looked at places like Austin (a little too "yuppie" for me) and Louisville, Kentucky which seems great so far, and now Lawrence. How would you describe the music scene? I sing mostly acoustic alternative songs and was wondering about the open mic scene. I would like to be able to get a job in the business field after graduation. Necessity is the mother of invention so if there are slim pickings in regards to jobs I will work wherever i need to.

[pepinodulce]

I love Lawrence, lived there on and off for about eight years. The school is good and pretty cheap, there's a great music scene, at least there was when I was in college ten years ago. Acoustic alternative would fit right in. I would love to live there again, but I found it extremely hard to find a decent job, so I probably won't go back there. If you were willing to commute to Kansas City you would probably have better luck.

[Terry Ray]

Just curious, about how long is the commute? I commute now about 35 to 40 mins each way for school. Is it longer than that?

[pepinodulce]

Probably about an hour.

[Plains10]

The commute time is around 30-40 minutes to portions of the KC metro area.

[KevK]

The job rich area of KC is Johnson County and it is not all that far away

[rubato]

I live in Lawrence now and am doing everything in my power to get out. It's not my kind of town. But, it sounds like it would work for you. The music scene is definitely there. My hubby commutes to Lenexa everyday and it's only 30 min. each way. If you move closer to the East side of town, there's less of a commute.

[sevdie]

Hi,
I have lived in Lawrence for several years as well and was amusic major at KU. Music is my life and I guess tis is all about perspective..I do not find the music scene as robust as other on this board, but then again I am originally from New York city, so my perspective may be different. It IS there though. There are open mics and bands who get together and play and that sort of thing in downtown Lawrence. It is hard to find a job in Lawrence with residents from neighborhing towns working in Lawrence and commuting back and forth...people who actually live in Lawrence usually have to commute to Kansas City for work. There are plenty of apartments and affordable housing (compared to the places you've mentioned living in) and the cost of living is very decent in my opinion. I hope this helps!

[Terry Ray]

thanks for all the replies everyone

[lizzy22]

I just graduated from KU and moved back to LA. Any time people ask me to describe my time in Lawernce I tell them that there are no words. I had the best time of my life. The music scene is great. plenty of open mic nights on campus and downtown.