Top Ten Best Places to Live in Nebraska

Located in the middle of the country, Nebraska is often overlooked in the conversation about states to visit and places to live. But the state is far more than just prairie and pickup trucks. In fact, a realtor in Bellevue NE has dedicated his life to helping others find a home here. Realtors in Nebraska have a lot to offer anyone looking to invest in real estate in Nebraska. From stunning national and state parks to shopping, dining, entertainment, a thriving metro system, and a beautiful enclave, the state offers many things to enjoy. There are many cities and communities to consider when moving to Nebraska, each with its key features and amenities. Take a cross-country road trip hundreds of miles from your home to several small towns to learn more about the best places to live in Nebraska!

1. Omaha

Some people think Omaha is the best place to live in the world! From villages to sprawling parks and gardens, the Omaha area has a lot to offer. Located on the banks of the Missouri River, the city has many attractions, including the Omaha Zoo, Lauritzen Gardens, the Children’s Museum of Omaha, and the Omaha Performing Arts Center. In addition, Omaha has some of the best local restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, bars, shopping, and other amenities in the state. Residents and visitors alike can step back in time at Old Market, Omaha’s oldest and finest neighborhood. Cobblestone streets line historic buildings with numerous shops. Omaha truly offers the best of both worlds: a small-town feel with big-city amenities, nightlife, and a family-friendly atmosphere, as well as gleaming new buildings towering over beautiful parks and green spaces. With a population of 486,051 (2020), Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska. Omaha offers a mix of historic buildings and new homes in a variety of styles and price ranges. For more Omaha lifestyle and amenities, check out Omaha’s trendiest neighborhoods.

2. Papillion

Papillion has grown from a small railroad village founded in 1870 to one of the most important suburbs of the Omaha metropolitan area. It regularly appears on Nebraska’s “Best Places” lists because of its livability, affordability, education, and environment for raising a family. With a population of just over 25,000, this mid-sized suburb has a charming downtown filled with restaurants, shops, small businesses, and plenty of green space to explore with your family. Papillion includes Werner Park, the park features walking trails, baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, large pavilions, playgrounds, and large fishing ponds. Papillion has several highly rated schools including two secondary schools and six primary schools. Papillion homes range from traditional charming historic buildings to new homes and apartments. With a median household income of $90,000, Papillion is one of the wealthiest cities in Nebraska.

3. Lincoln

Compared to other cities in the state, Lincoln is not only a great place to live but has also been ranked as one of the best places to buy a home in the country. Lincoln was highly rated for several reasons, including relatively affordable housing prices, excellent schools, great job opportunities, and an overall family-friendly lifestyle. With a population of around 300,000 people, there is plenty to do in this metropolis. Lincoln is home to many popular destinations for all ages, including the Sheldon Museum of Art, the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, the Lincoln Children’s Museum, the University of Nebraska State Museum, and the Sunken Gardens. Lincoln is home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (the state’s oldest university). The university is consistently ranked among the best research universities in the country and ranks in the top third of all public and private universities. Of course, the university is responsible for the thriving sports culture in the city, especially during the Husker Games in the fall. Lincoln’s real estate market, which includes both old and new homes, is promising and stable. The median home price in Lincoln is $169,800, below the national average of $217,500. This makes shopping in the marketplace very affordable for potential investors.

4. Kearney

For those looking for a small-town atmosphere with lots of amenities and attractions, Kearney is the place to be! Located about two hours west of Lincoln, Kearney is Nebraska’s fifth-largest city and one of its fastest-growing, with a population of about 35,000. Kearney is known as the crane capital of the world, as a million sandhill cranes migrate to the Platte River Valley each year from mid-February to mid-April. There are many green spaces and parks in Kearney and its surroundings. Residents love the community and family atmosphere that Kearney offers. They feel connected to their neighbors, enjoy participating in local events, and support the city’s many small businesses.

5. La Vista

Founded in 1960, La Vista is a relatively new suburb of Omaha with a population of over 17,000. Since the establishment of the municipality, the sphere of housing construction, educational and recreational facilities, trade, and industry has developed rapidly over the past 20 years. La Vista is a recreation center for all ages with modern facilities, a beautiful library, and other entertainment facilities. Residents of La Vista can easily commute into Omaha, but the city itself also has plenty to do. La Vista is home to several breweries and distilleries, as well as many local restaurants and cafes.

6. Seward

About 15-20 minutes west of Lincoln, Seward is a small town with impressive character. The city of about 7,000 people is known as one of the safest in Nebraska, with a crime rate 60% lower than the national average. Seward is home to the Concordia University of Nebraska, which gives the city a lively campus atmosphere. Seward hosts spectacular 4th of July celebrations every summer, drawing more than 50,000 people. Seward has many attractions, including many local shops and restaurants in the historic downtown area. In addition, Seward’s residential area offers easy access to all that Lincoln has to offer, just a short drive away. Fun Fact: Seward is also home to the world’s largest time capsule, scheduled to be opened in 2025. Mark it on your calendar!

7. Gretna

Located about 22 miles southwest of Omaha, Gretna is a small town of just over 5,000 residents. Although the area has grown steadily over the past decades, Gretna retains its small-town charm and coziness while adding many amenities. In the center of Gretna are rows of beautifully maintained houses from the late 18th century that have survived to this day. A group of early settlers from Scotland named the town of Gretna after the Scottish town of Gretna Green. Today, many people live and work in Gretna because of the easy access to the freeways. Gretna’s well-respected school system and many youth and community activities, including football, baseball, soccer, swimming, and children’s library programs, attract a family atmosphere. With an expanded employment base, a new luxury shopping center, and additional school projects, Gretna residents have plenty to do.

8. Bellevue

Founded in 1855, Bellevue is the oldest city in Nebraska. Bellevue was originally founded in 1822 as a fur trading colony for French Canadian hunters. The name later became the official name of the colony. Bellevue experienced significant population and economic growth in the 19th century, and by 1890 the city was offering cheap building sites. This led to the creation of Fort Crook, which was later renamed Offutt Air Force Base. Today, the air base is home to the US Strategic Command’s 55th Airlift Wing and Air Force Aviation Services. This military presence increased the population and led to the creation of housing, engineering services, stores, and retail facilities for the military. These companies have laid the foundation for a thriving economy and serve today’s community. In addition, the freeway provides direct access to work and recreation in the Omaha and Council Bluffs areas. In 2023, Bellevue is home to over 50,000 people. The city offers many attractions and facilities, it is home to Bellevue University, as well as two thriving public high schools and several public and parochial elementary and secondary schools. Bellevue offers homes of all ages, styles, and prices.

9. Norfolk

Norfolk is a relatively small city in northeastern Nebraska. The city of nearly 25,000 offers a sense of community, with residents finding time to get to know their neighbors and participate in a variety of recreational and town-wide activities. Norfolk town center is full of a variety of local shops and restaurants. In addition, the community calendar is filled with impressive events throughout the year, from weekly farmers markets to live concerts, yoga classes, and wine tastings. Norfolk is the economic center of the six surrounding counties of the region, the city’s main industries include manufacturing, agriculture (livestock and grain), education, retail, and wholesale trade. More than 4,000 people are employed in production alone.

10. Blair

Founded in 1869, Blair is a community located just 40 miles north of Omaha along the Missouri River. Originally chosen as a site for tracks across the river, the town was intended to provide space for industrial and residential development along the railways. The town grew rapidly to include churches, banks, hotels, hardware stores, and more. Blair is known for its community spirit and friendly small-town atmosphere. It is home to many agricultural and service industries and also hosts many visitors to Omaha. Blair makes a popular choice for many families, with excellent schools and accommodations to suit all ages and budgets. 

Need help moving to Nebraska? Contact a qualified real estate agent to learn more about the specific neighborhood you need, a qualified realtor can help you through every step of the home-buying process.