Nebraska is known for its stunning scenery and wide-open prairies, but this state has a lot of other great things to offer, too. People often move to Nebraska for its affordability, lack of crime, and educational opportunities. If you're considering making a home in Nebraska, it's helpful to explore the different places to live. This guide will tell you all about Nebraska's safest and most popular cities so you can pick the perfect location for you.
The best big cities in Nebraska
Many people think of Nebraska as a rural state, but it has some excellent big cities, too. They're great for people who love the hustle and bustle of an urban environment.
Lincoln
The capital of Nebraska is a great place to live if you're looking for a convenient lifestyle with a lot of excitement. Lincoln has a lot of practical perks like affordable housing and excellent job opportunities. Though Lincoln's crime rates are a little above state averages, they're still similar to national averages, and they're far better than crime rates in most other major cities.
In addition to being safe and convenient, Lincoln is also fun. It has a great craft beer scene, plenty of live music venues, and gorgeous hiking trails. The town hosts Cornhuskers football games and holds events at Pinewood Bowl Theater. When you live in Lincoln, you even get access to cultural opportunities like museums and art shows.
Omaha
If you want variety, you can't beat Omaha. This busy city has something for everyone. Areas like Midtown and Downtown have a lot of socializing opportunities and cultural events. Meanwhile, spots like Millard and Gretna have low crime rates and excellent schools. Omaha contains delicious restaurants, fun events like the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, and great shopping malls. Since the city is home to a branch of the University of Nebraska, it's a fairly busy town with a lot of college students and young professionals. Omaha also has affordable housing and some of the best job opportunities in the state.
The greatest small towns in Nebraska
For a calm, relaxed experience in a small town, try one of these charming Nebraska towns.
McCook
This petite town has been around since the Victorian era. It was originally a railway town used for shipping products to the foothills of Nebraska, but in modern times, it's popular for its cultural scene. The delightful downtown area has boutiques, art venues, and galleries, and the town is home to Frank Lloyd Wright-designed architecture. Each year, it hosts great events like the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival and a Heritage Day Parade. McCook's surrounded by stunning natural preserves, so you can always enjoy the natural beauty of Nebraska while living in this region.
Papillion
Papillion has all the charm and history of classic small-town Nebraska, but it also has some big-city conveniences, too. It's close to Omaha, so there are a lot of job and schooling opportunities for those willing to commute. However, it's still very quiet, and it has an excellent sense of community. This region has plenty of stunning green spaces including trails, parks, and sports courts. It also contains a walkable downtown with several historic sites and popular restaurants.
The best places to live in Nebraska with a family
Looking for a place to raise a family? Living in Nebraska with kids can be fun and easy if you pick one of these cities.
Chalco
Chalco is an Omaha suburb that contains a helpful blend of convenience and affordability. Its housing market includes a wide range of single-family homes and rentals, so there are options at many price points. The town has excellent public schools and healthcare facilities. Parents also appreciate it for its shopping and recreation opportunities.
Seward
This small town outside of Lincoln is great for families because of its safe environment. It has low crime and is an agricultural community with a lot of opportunities for outdoor fun. Kids can play in the parks and explore the countryside, but Seward's not just a pleasant rural area. It also comes with fantastic public schools and a diverse community.
Kearney
Kearney is a midsized town that consistently receives rewards for its family-friendliness. This city consists of several closely connected neighborhoods with plenty of space for family housing. It has a suburban feel but still makes it easy for families to get to school and community events. Other perks of Kearney include an extremely low crime rate and plenty of work opportunities in the healthcare and manufacturing industries.
