Nebraska has fantastic cities with plenty of things to do and places to visit. The housing costs are also lower than the national average. But each city has its pros and cons. So, let’s look at the best place to live in Nebraska.
Apparently, every person has individual preferences. Like, some prefer a smaller town, while others like city life and all the amenities that come with it. But, no matter what kind of place you want to live in, Nebraska has exactly the right city for you.
What is the Best City in Nebraska
Nebraska has many cities you can choose from. And the cost of living, along with the crime rate, is low too. However, the specifics will depend on the city. Here’s my pick of the top 10 places to live in Nebraska.
1. Omaha
Omaha is one of the most popular cities in Nebraska. It’s located in the middle of America and has a population of about 509,178. And all those people (possibly you) will have many things to do.
There’s a great art and culture scene. Moreover, the food is excellent as well. Omaha might be the best city in Nebraska if you’re looking for a modern place with all the essentials. For example, there are many reputed schools.
This city has over 150 public schools, parks, and gardens. For curious minds, the Omaha zoo, museums, coffee shops, and bars are great for education and entertainment.
If you’re living in Omaha, Nebraska, you can enjoy the peace of a small city yet enjoy all the benefits of a large one. It’s a two-for-one deal. And that’s always a good thing.
The Old Market, which has been there for 50 years or so now, is also a historical place. Both residents and tourists can enjoy the art and culture here.
2. Papillion
This county is located in the suburb of Omaha. Papillion constantly ranks high as a place to live in Nebraska. It has lush greenery and beautiful housing.
You can choose a traditional style home. Or you could embrace the modern houses that have been constructed. Papillion was founded in 1870. Back then, it was a small and simple railroad village.
Over the years, it has advanced to have many schools, restaurants, banks, and more. All the modern things any person or a family could need are available. It’s also one of the wealthiest cities in Nebraska too. The average annual income is over $90,000.
3. Lincoln
You can only have a round-up of the best places to live in Nebraska if you mention Lincoln. It’s the state capital, after all.
Lincoln ranks high as one of the best places to buy property in. Home prices are reasonable as well. The median house value is about $169,000.
The best part, however, is that plenty of listings are available. This is because it’s the most developed city in Nebraska and has a higher population. About 292,657 people call Lincoln home.
There are tons of great job opportunities as well. So, if you’re looking for a great place to live, consider Lincoln.
You’ll also be covered as far as things to do goes. There are museums, zoos, and more. Families with kids will love the high-quality education system. Lincoln also has reputed universities like the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
4. La Vista
La Vista might have one of the smallest populations among the Omaha suburbs. It’s home to only over 17,000 people. Yet, it saw significant growth in the past decade. Also, there are good schools and a prosperous commerce industry.
You won’t be bored in La Vista either. There’s a city hall, an extensive library, and recreation centers. Education in La Vista is also good, courtesy of the Metropolitan Community College.
Another good thing is residents of La Vista have easy access to Omaha and all its attractions. Driving to Omaha takes only 15 minutes.
5. Wayne
Wayne is great for people who love living in a cozy area with friendly people. That’s because everyone in Wayne is very welcoming. There’s a strong sense of community here. A good community is sort of the central theme of Wayne.
Renting in Wayne is very cheap too. You can get a decent place to rent for over $500 a month. Those who love eating and drinking will love the local cafés and restaurants. The excellent food and the community make each experience richer.
6. Gretna
Gretna provides easy access to the interstate and highly-rated schooling system. And, of course, the community and people are also very nice. The population in Gretna is very small too. So you’ll love living here if you prefer living in low-population areas.
There are only about 5,000 residents. However, don’t assume that the city lacks amenities. It has everything you would need for a whole and happy life. Most of the exciting things are on the main street.
Housing in Gretna is suitable as well. Properties are well-maintained. You can live in Gretna and still work in a big city like Omaha. Commuting in and out of here is relatively easy.
Moreover, top attractions include youth community centers and sports activities. Sports like football, swimming, and baseball are very popular amongst residents of Gretna.
7. Norfolk
This small town is an amazing place to live. Additionally, the neighbors are close and do activities regularly together. Norfolk is known for its sense of strong community values.
Its main industries are retail, wholesale, manufacturing, education, and farming. If you work in any of those fields, you’ll find Norfolk quite the place to live. Most of the exciting activities happen in downtown Norfolk.
There are plenty of locally owned shops and restaurants. Moreover, this place has a community calendar with all the upcoming events. The weekly farmer’s market is quite fun.
It’s about 112 miles northwest of Omaha and has around 25,000 people living there. If you like living in a city area, this might not be the best place.
However, if you like taking things slow and enjoying rich communities, Norfolk is a fantastic place to live in Nebraska. In addition, this small town in Nebraska is also one of the safest in the state.
8. Kearney
The thing you’ll love the most about Kearney is the low commute time. It has the 10th shortest average commute. The average age is pretty low at 32. So, if you’re young, you’ll find plenty of like-minded people to hang out with.
Speaking of hanging out, Kearney has many interesting spots and events. You can savor life and its finer things by visiting the Museum of Nebraska Art. A park is also an excellent place for a family outing.
You could jog and also catch fish. I quite like the housing prices here. The median home value in Kearney is $188,000, with an average household income of over $60,000. It’s the 5th largest city in Nebraska and one of the fastest growing.
9. Blair
Next up is Blair. This town was originally built for railroad employees. However, it quickly developed and now has many amenities. All the essentials, like churches, banks, hotels, and more, are available here.
It even has a 150-acre city park. Perfect for jogging or taking your family out. Speaking of families, you can put your kids in good schools. Moreover, the housing market is healthy. You’ll find a place to rent or buy within your budget.
There’s also a pretty happening main street. You’ll love the small-town atmosphere of Blair. Even though Blair is, at its heart, a small town, access to big cities is pretty easy. If you work in Omaha, commuting won’t be that much of a problem.
However, I suggest you move here if you are financially stable. That’s because Blair ranks high amongst the most expensive cities in Nebraska. The overall cost of living is on par with the state average.
Interestingly, the median rent is just under $800 per month. It’s lower than the Nebraska average. As a result, Blair is an excellent place to stay if you want a temporary place.
10. Ralston
This is one of the most populated places in Nebraska. But it’s pretty close to downtown Omaha. Therefore, commuting won’t be a problem. There are many things to do here as well. You can enjoy the restaurants, theaters, and parks.
There’s also the Ralston Arena which hosts sporting events. Those are always fun. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to participate, though. It hosts ice skating and drop-off hockey events for amateurs.
Cost of Living in Nebraska
The cost of living is a critical metric for choosing where to live. You must remember that averages do not give you a complete picture. The actual cost of living could differ depending on which city you move to in Nebraska.
However, some expenses in this state are lower than the national average. For example, the average cost of living here is 7% lower than the national average.
In contrast, other expenditures like healthcare are slightly higher than the national average. That’s pretty good for those with low income. Housing is one factor that Nebraska has a leg up on. Housing costs are 14% lower than the national average.
As a result, becoming a homeowner is more accessible in this fine state. Here’s a table for some of the top 5 cities’ cost of living cost in Nebraska:
| City | Cost of Living ($) |
|---|---|
| Omaha | 1,704 |
| Lincoln | 1,453 |
| Kearney | 1,900 |
| Norfolk | 2,019 |
Nebraska looks pretty good specifically compared to some of the most expensive states and cities in the US,
For example, the cost of living in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco is $3,723, $2,975, and $3,507, respectively.
Crime in Nebraska: What You Should Know
The crime rate in Nebraska is lower than the national average. It’s 2,340 crimes committed per 100,000 of its residents. The most common crimes in the state are robbery, theft, and burglary.
It also has its share of the four major crimes like rape, robbery, assault, and murder.
This data might sound a bit grim. However, I honestly don’t think Nebraska is an unsafe state. It has a 6% lower crime rate than the national average, which is pretty good statistically.
So, I wouldn’t get turned away by the crime rate if I considered moving to Nebraska. Also, the crime rate depends on the cities as well.
Some of the safest places in Nebraska are Papillion, Blair, and Norfolk. Naturally, the higher the population, the higher the crime rate. That’s an important metric you should think of too.
Must-visit Places in Nebraska
Those who live life need places to visit and things to do. Thankfully, Nebraska is full of them. Many places in Nebraska are just awe-inspiringly beautiful. Each has its own culture and history.
Whether you’re into sightseeing or shopping, or a foodie, Nebraska has something to keep you entertained. Here is a brief rundown of the places you can visit in Nebraska.
1. Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock is one of the most famous places in the state. It’s very scenic and has a lot of interesting history. Located in the North Platte River valley, Chimney Rock gives you a window into Nebraska’s past and how far it has come.
2. Carhenge
This is a unique attraction where classic US cars are arranged in the shape of Stonehenge. It’s a fun and unique place to visit. Apart from the Carhenge itself, there is plenty of stuff to do, like visiting automobile artwork sites.
3. Scotts Bluff National Monument
The Scotts Bluff National Monument is an iconic landmark in Nebraska. If you like history, this place is perfect for you. It has large bluffs that give you a sense of awe. Visitors can also go for a hike.
Wrapping Up
When choosing a city to live in, look for the essentials. Housing, job opportunities, safety, and schools are essentials. The best place to live in Nebraska for someone else might not be appropriate for you.
Therefore, you need to pick based on your needs. Hopefully, this guide gave you plenty of information and statistics to help ease your decision. Nebraska is a beautiful state with friendly people. I am sure you’ll love living here.
