Topeka or Lawrence? (Kansas City, Garden City, Pratt: real estate, job market, universities)

[brock2010]

Which city has better job market, cost of living, medical facilities, shopping, things to do? I know a lot of people from Lawrence went to Topeka when I lived there. I haven't been in either city since 1996. That's 23 years and I'm sure a whole lot has changed/happened since then.

[thriftylefty]

Many people just enjoy the best of both cities by working in Topeka and living in Lawrence. I think the job market is going to be better in Topeka . I remember when I was looking for a job in Lawrence in the late eighties and my friends who lived there told me I could get a real good janitor or custodian job because I had a post graduate degree. I don't think it has changed that much

The further you live away from the University in Lawrence the housing is better. It may not be a whole lot cheaper but it will be a little nicer.

[Okey Dokie]

Originally Posted by thriftylefty

Many people just enjoy the best of both cities by working in Topeka and living in Lawrence. I think the job market is going to be better in Topeka . I remember when I was looking for a job in Lawrence in the late eighties and my friends who lived there told me I could get a real good janitor or custodian job because I had a post graduate degree. I don't think it has changed that much

The further you live away from the University in Lawrence the housing is better. It may not be a whole lot cheaper but it will be a little nicer.

This was certainly true in the mid 70s when I lived in Lawrence and worked in Topeka. And nowadays the western edge of Lawrence has moved so much further west (back then, civilization ended at Kasold), the commute wouldn’t even seem like much of one.

[Bert_from_back_East]

I have not resided in either Lawrence or Topeka. However, I imagine that living in Lawrence, especially on the eastern side of town or near one of the major highways, would provide one with more direct access to the relatively robust economies of Johnson and Wyandotte counties. That is not even taking into account the local economies of Lawrence or Topeka. If a resident of Lawrence is willing to commute a little further, then he or she would have access to the enormous economy of Kansas City on the Missouri side of the state line. As you are likely aware, government towns such as Topeka and university towns such as Lawrence often weather recessions better than most small cities or towns that are not anchored by state government offices and/or major research universities. Therefore, I presume that real estate values will likely hold steady in both Topeka and Lawrence, even in the event of a housing market crash. However, in addition to closer proximity to Kansas City and all that entails (e.g., major international airport, professional sports teams, world-class restaurants and breweries, etc.), Lawrence appears to be more naturally beautiful than Topeka with greater forest cover and more rolling hills.

[brock2010]

Thank you all for your comments and input.

[eddie gein]

Originally Posted by brock2010

Thank you all for your comments and input.

I think Lawrence would be hard to beat as it's considered maybe the nicest college town in the great plains region. Conversely, people throw a lot of rocks at Topeka but I'm sure there are nice parts of town in Topeka as well.

[Rivertowntalk]

Topeka has a better job market and the cost of living is lower in Topeka because housing is less expensive than Lawrence. The population of Topeka is declining. If you live in Lawrence, housing is higher, but you could more easily work in Kansas City, or Topeka. Healthcare is better in Topeka as there are 2 hospitals there. Lawrence is okay, but much of Lawrence goes to Kansas City for healthcare and for jobs. The jobs don't pay as well in Lawrence.



There is more to do in Lawrence for shopping and entertainment. Also, there is quick access to Kansas City for more. Might consider the Kansas City area on the west edge as you can work in KC and Lawrence is not far away.

[elkotronics]

I would choose Topeka to rid yourself of some of the college-kid testosterone and progesterone of Lawrence. Topeka was more agreeable to me after visiting both cities.

[brock2010]

Originally Posted by Rivertowntalk

Topeka has a better job market and the cost of living is lower in Topeka because housing is less expensive than Lawrence. The population of Topeka is declining. If you live in Lawrence, housing is higher, but you could more easily work in Kansas City, or Topeka. Healthcare is better in Topeka as there are 2 hospitals there. Lawrence is okay, but much of Lawrence goes to Kansas City for healthcare and for jobs. The jobs don't pay as well in Lawrence.



There is more to do in Lawrence for shopping and entertainment. Also, there is quick access to Kansas City for more. Might consider the Kansas City area on the west edge as you can work in KC and Lawrence is not far away.

Ok so cost of living is about the same then because when I lived in Lawrence, Topeka was cheaper then too. We used to go to KC regularly because I saw a Dr at KU Medical Center.

[HTY483]

Topeka and Garden City are in competition for the dubious honor of the armpit of Kansas whereas Lawrence is a kick ssa college town. No question as to where I'd live.

Edit: I have to throw Pratt into the armpit discussion also.