Lawrence Apartments and Rentals

Located just 25 miles north of Boston, the small town of Lawrence offers residents the best of both worlds. Known as the “Immigrant City,” Lawrence is a multicultural town with a very high percentage of foreign-born residents and a large industrial core. Today, 35 percent of the economy is driven by manufacturing even though a large chunk of the industry has moved south or overseas.

Lawrence is a tight-knit community of residents who are always dedicated to improving the town. Those seeking Lawrence apartments for rent have easy access to high-quality healthcare and a plethora of arts and culture activities. According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Lawrence is just less than 77,000 residents.

Lawrence was incorporated in 1847 as the final and most ambitious of the planned textile-manufacturing cities in New England. The early development of the railroad system played a part in growth of major industrial communities such as Lawrence. The American Industrial Revolution led to new companies all over the city, including the Essex Company, which was chartered in 1845. The company was created to build a dam and canals on the Merrimack River to provide waterpower for the textile mills. Over the years, the industrialization in the area allowed streets to be laid out and houses and parks to be built.

Between the 1950s and 1970s, Lawrence went through an urban renewal that resulted in entire neighborhoods being demolished. Neighborhood associations began to clean public areas, set up watch groups and developed partnerships that brought together residents of diverse backgrounds.

Today, the town’s history is represented by the large mill buildings lining the Merrimack River, the clock and bell towers, and the Great Stone Dam. Similarly, the Lawrence Heritage State Park is 23 acres of historic preservation of immigrant workers and life in an urban mill town.

There are plenty of opportunities for employment in Lawrence and its surrounding towns. Some of the major employers of the area include Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Seacoast Lock and Safe Co., 3M Touch Systems and Gem Group Inc.

Many residents living in Lawrence apartments attend school at one of the colleges or universities nearby. The University of Massachusetts, Middlesex Community College, Salem State University and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design are all located close by. Harvard University, located in Cambridge, is also only a short drive away from Lawrence.

Living in Lawrence is slightly more expensive that much of the country. According to Best Places, the overall cost of living is 14 points higher than the national average, food is 14 points higher and utilities are 30 points higher.

According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average cost of rentals in Lawrence is $876.

There are a few historical attractions located throughout Lawrence, including the Immigrant City Archives Inc. Known as Immigration City, Lawrence has rich historical significance to community and its development. The Great Stone Dam is another main attraction for residents and visitors of Lawrence.

The largest festival in Lawrence is centered around one of the most historic events, the Bread and Rose Strike. To celebrate the ethnic diversity and labor history of the town, the Bread and Roses Festival happens each year with a variety of music and dance, poetry and drama, ethnic food, historical demonstrations, and walking and trolley tours. The festival happens each year on Labor Day at the site of the strike that happened in 1912.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Lawrence, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.