The city of Lawrence is considered a multicultural gateway city. It is known as having been a planned industrial and textile-manufacturing center during the 19th century, and was incorporated as a town in 1847. It officially became a city in 1853. The name “Lawrence” is in honor of Abbott Lawrence, a Boston industrialist. Prior to that, the area that is now Lawrence MA was occasionally referred to as “Merrimac,” “Essex,” and even “New City.”
One major historical incident Lawrence is known for is the 1912 “Bread and Roses” textile strike. It was a landmark in labor history, with thousands of immigrant workers protesting the harsh factory conditions they were forced to work in and the low pay. Today, Lawrence is widely known as the “Immigrant City,” as it has long been a destination for immigrants. There is now a large Latin American community living in Lawrence MA, which shapes its current culture.
Is Lawrence MA a good place to live? As with many post-industrial cities, Lawrence has its challenges. But there are many good aspects to living in Lawrence MA. It has a strong history and sense of community, it is culturally diverse, and residents can access larger metro areas like Boston relatively easily. If you enjoy living in an area with plenty of culture and character, then living in Lawrence MA might be a good choice for you.
Where Is Lawrence MA?
Lawrence is in Essex County in northeastern Massachusetts, on the Merrimack River. It is part of the Merrimack Valley region, and borders other Essex County, Massachusetts cities like the City of Methuen to the north, the Town of Andover to the west, and the Town of North Andover to the east. From Boston to Lawrence MA, the trip is about 30 miles, making living in Lawrence MA, and commuting to Boston feasible.
Lawrence MA Population & Demographics
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of people living in Lawrence MA is 89,143, an impressive increase of 16.7% since 2010. The population density is 12,863.35 people per square mile. This significant population increase over the last decade is a reflection of its growing Latino community living in Lawrence MA.
Notable people from the city of Lawrence
There are plenty of notable people from, associated with, or currently living in Lawrence MA. Some include Pulitzer Prize winning poet Robert Frost, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, and composer Leonard Bernstein.
Demographics
- 46% men vs 54% women
- Median age: 35.5 years
- The racial and ethnic composition of residents living in Lawrencee MA is
- White 13%, Asian 2%, Black or African American 2%, and two or more races 1%, Hispanic 82%
- Foreign born residents: 46.5%
- Median household income in Lawrence MA: $58,079 — about 72% lower than the MA state median household income, which is $99,858
- Educational attainment: High school grads: 71.5% and Bachelor’s degree or higher: 15.3%
Lawrence Massachusetts Crime
Wondering “Is Lawrence MA safe?” Lawrence’s overall crime rate is 1,406 per 100,000 people, which is well below the national average of 2,324 per 100,000 people. This means residents living in Lawrence MA experience fewer crimes than in many places across the country.
As for violent crime, Lawrence’s rate is 55.9% higher than the State of Massachusetts crime rate, and 35.8% higher than the country. While the violent crime rate is higher than both the MA and U.S. averages, property crimes, which usually affect more residents daily, are lower–15% lower than the state and 54.7% lower than the country.
For many residents living in Lawrence MA, this means more peace of mind when it comes to their homes, cars, and other personal belongings.
To ensure continued safety while living in Lawrence MA, the city is protected and served by 162 dedicated police officers. For more safety information when living in Lawrence MA, visit the Lawrence MA police department website.
Cost of Living in Lawrence MA
If you’re wondering, “Is living in Lawrence MA expensive?” the answer is mixed. Living in Lawrence MA is relatively expensive; however, some may consider it to be affordable living when compared to large cities like Boston.
According to the Cost of Living Index, the cost of living in the Boston Metro areas is about 46.5% higher than the national average. And per the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four in Essex County MA would have to earn $136,942 per year to live comfortably.
Typical Lawrence MA Living Expenses
Per Numbeo, you will pay the following prices for everyday items in Andover MA, which is one of the towns bordering Lawrence. Also included is the cost of average Lawrence MA utilities, according to Doxo.
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- One dozen eggs: $3.72
- Milk (Regular, 1 gallon): $3.60
- Chicken fillets (1 lb.): $6.22
- Average Lawrence MA utilities per month: $774, which is about 37% above the national median.
Lawrence Real Estate
According to Redfin, the Lawrence MA median home price is $540,000, with an average of $314 per square foot. This seems like quite affordable housing when one considers that the Boston median home value is $850,000. The Lawrence housing market is very competitive, with homes selling in about 21 days. Hot homes sell for about 9% above list price, and in around 12 days. If you’re thinking of living in Lawrence MA, be sure to search available Lawrence MA homes for sale and act fast if you find one that catches your eye.
Rent in Lawrence MA
According to RentCafe the average rent in Lawrence MA is $2,287 per month for a 943 sq. ft. apartment. This is well above the national average of $1,755 per month, yet still below the average rent in Massachusetts, which is $2,920. Renter-occupied households in Lawrence sit at about 70%, which means it could be a competitive rental market that contributes to higher rent costs. If you plan to rent while living in Lawrence MA, be sure to start researching apartments for rent in Lawrence MA now.
The Best Lawrence MA Neighborhoods
Is Lawrence MA a good place to live? Yes, it is if you’re looking for an area a bit more affordable than Boston that is still close enough to larger cities. And if you’re planning on living in Lawrence MA, you’ll of course want to know which are the best neighborhoods.
Colonial Heights – Family-Friendly, Near Schools and Shopping
A quiet, suburban-style neighborhood, Colonial Heights Lawrence MA is in southeast Lawrence near Andover. It boasts many well-kept, single-family homes on spacious lots and a friendly community vibe. Residents enjoy convenient proximity to schools, amenities, and major roadways. And there are plenty of options for shopping and dining along Route 114. Colonial Heights is a nice place to live for families and professionals alike.
Mount Vernon – Family Friendly Environment, Welcoming, Quiet, and Safe
A peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood in Lawrence known for its clean streets, friendly atmosphere, and a strong sense of community. Homes are primarily single-family houses or small apartment buildings, and many are older. Nearby amenities include Mount Vernon Park, which has a playground, baseball fields, and more, and Den Rock Park, which is perfect for nature walks.
There are plenty of grocery stores and local Lawrence MA restaurants nearby, and larger retailers are not too far away. Overall, residents describe this as a quiet, safe, and welcoming neighborhood that is ideal for families with children. Living in Lawrence MA is especially nice in the Mount Vernon neighborhood.
Lawrence MA Weather and Climate
According to the Köppen classification, Lawrence climate is humid continental, which is typical for the region of the southern Merrimack Valley. When living in Lawrence MA, expect warm summers with highs of 86℉, and cold winters with lows of 23℉.
Does it snow in Lawrence MA? Yes, it does. Lawrence MA snowfall is about 52 inches per year, well above the national average of 28 inches per year. Lawrence MA annual rainfall is around 48 inches per year, slightly more than the national average of 38 inches per year. When living in Lawrence MA, you can also expect some wind. During the spring months, wind gusts can reach up to 30 mph.
If you’re considering living in Lawrence MA, you should consider a visit first. The best time to visit Lawrence is the months of June, July, and August.
Things to Do in Lawrence MA
Living in Lawrence MA offers several things to do and many nice parks to enjoy. But before we get into Lawrence MA attractions, let’s discuss shopping options. Market Basket Lawrence MA is a family-owned market that is popular for groceries, baked goods, flowers, and more. If you enjoy discovering fun treasures, then the Lawrence Flea Market is the place to be. And if you need to purchase personal care products or have a prescription filled, you’ll want to head to CVS Lawrence MA.
Lawrence Heritage State Park
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An urban park and history museum housed inside a 1840s boarding house. The visitor center features exhibits on the city’s industrial past, immigrant workers, and the famous 1912 Bread and Roses strike. Surrounding the museum are walking trails, picnic areas, and plenty of green space along the Merrimack with places for boating, fishing, and general outdoor time. This is a great place to visit when living in Lawrence MA.
1 Jackson St, Lawrence, MA 01840, 978-794-1655
Geisler Memorial Pool
Living in Lawrence MA means having access to this outdoor public pool that is open daily during the summer. This facility offers restrooms, showers, and lockers. There are lifeguards on duty, and there is a pool lift for visitors who need it. This is an excellent city amenity and one of the better Lawrence MA activities for kids.
50 High St, Lawrence, MA 01841, 978-687-1024
Campagnone Common
The main park in Lawrence is nicely maintained and sits across from City Hall on Common Street. Champagnone Common features a playground and baseball diamond with seating and dugouts. It also has the Robert Frost Fountain near the entrance and several war memorials honoring those who died in the Civil War, World War II, the Spanish-American War, and more. This is a beautiful and fun park for people of all ages living in Lawrence MA.
200 Common St, Lawrence, MA 01840
Additional Lawrence MA Attractions
Find more interesting things to do while living in Lawrence MA at the City of Lawrence Parks Department. And be sure to stay up-to-date on local events with the city’s recreation calendar.
Restaurants Lawrence MA
Restaurants in Lawrence MA are plentiful and offer a wide variety of cuisines. Thanks to the city’s large Latino population, there are also many diverse Latin American dishes to be discovered. But no matter what you’re craving, there is likely an option for it.
Terra Luna
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Terra Luna Lawrence serves an array of Latin American cuisine in a friendly and warm atmosphere. Popular dishes are mofongo, fried and mashed green plantains mixed with ingredients like pork or seafood, and churrasco, a style of South American barbecue. Guests love the drinks and outdoor patio seating when the weather is nice. Terra Luna is a must-try for anyone living in Lawrence MA.
225 Essex St #1, Lawrence, MA 01840, 978-747-7989
Nick’s Place
If you’re looking for pizza restaurants in Lawrence MA, Nick’s Place Lawrence is the best. Not only will you find the best pizzas here, but you’ll also get some amazing roast beef and seafood. You have the option to dine in, but if you prefer to eat at home, there is a convenient drive-thru. This is a local favorite where anything you order is guaranteed to be delicious.
195 Lowell St, Lawrence, MA 01840, 978-655-3973
Salvatore’s Lawrence
One of the best restaurants in Lawrence MA for contemporary Italian food in a casual environment. Enjoy hand-tossed pizzas, the best chicken parmesan, and eggplant parmesan. Have a seat at the bar and order a perfectly crafted cocktail, frosty beer, or a glass of wine. Diners praise not only the food, but also the friendly service. If you’re living in Lawrence MA, then a meal at Salvatore’s is a must.
354 Merrimack St, Lawrence, MA 01843, 978-291-0220
Lawrence Jobs – A Healthy Job Market
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in Lawrence MA is $57,708 per year, and the average hourly wage for someone working and living in Lawrence MA is $28 per hour.
Major employers in Lawrence include Lawrence General Hospital and the City of Lawrence. And while not a major employer per se, New Balance Lawrence is a favorite and is considered one of the best places to work in Lawrence MA. Be sure to check for New Balance careers on the New Balance website.
If you’re planning of living in Lawrence MA, and are looking for local jobs in Lawrence MA, then be sure to search Indeed jobs Lawrence MA, along with the City of Lawrence jobs page on the city website.
Lawrence MA Schools, Educational Opportunities
Public schools in Lawrence MA fall under the Lawrence Public Schools district. Schools in the district include several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, including Lawrence High School. If you will be living in Lawrence MA, with school-aged children, you will no doubt be happy with the excellent quality of Lawrence schools.
Colleges & Universities
In town, there is Northern Essex Community College Lawrence–a satellite campus of Northern Essex Community College. And there are several colleges and universities in neighboring cities and towns, including Merrimack College and Harvard University, about 30 miles away in Cambridge.
For unlimited learning opportunities, be sure to visit the Lawrence Public Library, which offers patrons living in Lawrence MA countless educational resources.
Lawrence MA Statistics & Information
- County: Essex County
- Lawrence MA area: 7.43 square miles
- Lawrence MA zip code: 01840-01843
- Lawrence MA area code: 351, 978
- Lawrence MA elevation: 16 ft
- Lawrence MA time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Lawrence MA: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is about 30 miles from Lawrence MA.
Lawrence MA Map
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Find even more things to do in Lawrence MA, and the surrounding area with this helpful map.
Moving to Lawrence? We’re Here for You!
Living in Lawrence MA is an excellent choice if you enjoy a city with a rich cultural history, cultural diversity, and community spirit. When the time is right and you’ve decided moving to Lawrence is your next step, then the helpful team at Mass Bay Movers is here to help. We offer full-service moving services, including local moves, long distance moves, senior moving, and even packing.
We’re confident we are the best Lawrence movers for the job. Call our Boston moving company today at 978-587-3775.
