Lawrence vs Overland Park

I currentl rent an apartment in Overland Park. I love the area but I cannot afford a house there (the houses I like cost $450k but my budget is $350k). I dont move out because of my kids' school.

My high school daughter wants to go to Law School. Since we are not drowning in money, our plan is community college and then KU for both undergrad and Law School. I just figured that I could buy a house in Lawrence since 5 years of college room and board would be about $60k and we could be saving that money.

I must confess that I know nothing about Lawrence. Is it nice and safe as Overland Park? Is the town growing or declining? If I buy a house, would I be able to sell it in 5 years for at least the same price?

We do not plan to live there forever; all we need is for it to maintain its value while my daughter attends college (5 years). After that, we would likely sell the house.