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 higher than the national average, but the majority of crimes are thefts.  Some of these are most likely bicycle thefts since this is a bicycling city (lots of flat terrain).  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 35 cents, which is hard to beat.

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 the next few years the hospital plans a $40 million expansion of its emergency department, ICU and surgical services department.

The Lawrence Senior Center (785-842-0543) is located downtown and offers $2.50 noon meals at the Center or delivered to home, door to door transportation, various workshops, lectures and 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."  Call (785) 864-7825 for more information.

There are some complaints about the traffic in town, and the weather is not to everyone's taste, but overall, Lawrence has a lot to offer retirees.  Those with political leanings to the left will probably feel more at home, but a few more conservatives coming to town could help stir up some lively debates.

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