Lawrence retirees enjoys four distinct weather seasons; winters can be cold with temperatures in the 20s and 30s  and with up to six inches of snow each month; summers bring temperatures in the 80s and 90s.  Humidity averages 72%.  Many people here seem to enjoy talking about the weather!  And tornados are something to consider when thinking of retiring to Lawrence.  Overall, the city has a 148% higher risk of tornado activity than the rest of the country, but one has not directly stuck Lawrence (although one came close in 1952 and 1966) since records have been kept.

This is a fairly safe city; the crime rate is slightly higher than the national average, but the majority of crimes are property-related.   

With lots of flat terrain, Lawrence is a great spot for bicycling, but for those who do not want to bicycle and/or would prefer not to drive will be happy to know that Lawrence has a very good bus system.  Residents age 60 or better ride for 50 cents.

Founded in 1921, the Lawrence Memorial Hospital is a 173-bed not-for-profit facility and is the center of medical care.  It has an expanded cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation center, an expanded oncology department and a new heart center.  In March 2009, LMH completed a three-year $45 million expansion which included new facilities for emergency and surgery and additional space for intensive care and critical care. A new 18-bed wing was added which allowed the hospital to convert semi-private patient rooms to all private.

The Lawrence Senior Center (785-842-0543) is located downtown and provides various workshops, classes, lectures, trips, tax assistance, legal help, caregiver support and more.  It serves those age 60 and above.

A number of volunteer opportunities are available for Lawrence retirees.  Many can be found through the Roger Hill Volunteer Center, a group that actively matches potential volunteers with local opportunities that include working with kids and animals, helping the environment and working in the arts.  And KU sponsors the New Generation Society, a not-for-profit organization "devoted to providing educational, social, volunteer and philanthropic opportunities for its members, who mostly consist of retired professionals and their spouses."  

Overall, Lawrence has a lot to offer retirees, but it also has a few drawbacks.  There are some complaints about the traffic in town, and the weather is not to everyone's taste.   The political climate may be too liberal for some, and the town may be too youthful for others.    Lawrence is a lively place, but it does quiet down in the summers when students go home for a few months.

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