Nebraska is a peaceful, low-populated state where many families enjoy the outdoor scenery. This article reveals the best places to live in Nebraska to help you make the right choice for you and your loved ones.
As the third-best state to live and raise a family in the United States, Nebraska is known for its large rivers, captivating trees, and extensive crop production. This state is mainly agricultural, and many residents work on farms and cattle ranches.
So, is Nebraska a good place to live? Keep reading to discover a list of the best cities in Nebraska based on living costs, crime rates, housing, and taxes. This way, you will be able to choose a residential area that suits your budget, needs and preferences best.
Papillion
Papillion is an inviting suburb in Nebraska with a population of around 24,000. It is located in Sarpy County, and most residents are conservative. This area houses over 100 schools, providing plenty of private and public options for families deciding to move to Papillion.
Spend your free family time in one of the beautiful parks Papillon offers, or visit the nearby recreational areas for fishing. The city also has many trails for residents who enjoy soaking up the sun and participating in hiking on the weekends.
Living Costs
The median household income in Papillon is higher than the national average, and living costs are 4.8% lower than the US average. Thus, residents can afford groceries, transportation, childcare, healthcare, housing, taxes, and similar expenses without breaking the bank.
Crime Rates
Papillion is one of the best towns in Nebraska due to its low crime rates. Violent crimes like murder and assault rarely happen in this area. Although property crimes are more common than violent crimes, they are still lower compared to the national average.
Housing
The median home value and rent are very close to the US averages. Thus, the majority of Papillion residents own their homes and enjoy the suburban feel this area offers.
Taxes
The value of houses in Papillion is expected to increase in the next few years, which will cause the property tax in Sarpy County to grow.
Chadron
Chadron is one of the smallest towns in Nebraska, but it prides itself on one of the most helpful communities in the state. Its population is slightly over 5,200, and it has a suburban atmosphere and a highly rated educational system thanks to the five best public schools in the area.
The city is surrounded by grassy areas and forest hills, which is perfect for people seeking calmness and more outdoor activities.
Living Costs
Chadron’s median household income is lower than the national average. However, this suburb’s cost of necessities is low, allowing residents to live comfortably and provide security for their families.
Crime Rates
This city’s residents rarely experience crime-related issues. Violent crimes, like physical assaults and robberies, seldom occur in this area. However, the number of motor vehicle thefts calls for enhanced public and property safety in Chadron.
Housing
This sparse suburban area offers lower median house values and rents than the US average. Although most of Chadron’s residents are homeowners, the number of renters is also high.
Taxes
Since Chadron is located in Dawes County, the tax cost depends on the entire area’s rate. This county’s residents are not required to pay sales taxes but may face high median property tax expenses.
Omaha
This city is the largest in Nebraska, with a population of over 489,000. This residential area combines the urban and suburban atmosphere and is located in Douglas County. It provides numerous job opportunities for young professionals and beautiful nature views for people who prefer living a quieter life away from the city chaos.
Omaha is one of the good places to live in Nebraska because it has nearly 300 schools, and its residents don’t have strong political views. For this reason, the community in this area is highly educated and tight-knit.
Living Costs
Omaha’s median household income is close to the national average, allowing families to cover basic expenses. Although the cost of living in this city is lower than the national average, it is slightly higher than the state average.
Crime Rates
Omaha is not the safest city to live in Nebraska. In fact, the number of assaults and thefts is higher than the national average, making the crime rates in this town concerningly higher than other places on this list.
Housing
A more significant percentage of Omaha’s residents are homeowners compared to the number of renters because the housing in this city is 15% lower than the US average. However, the median house value is a bit lower than the national average.
Taxes
The property taxes in Douglas County are slightly higher than those of Sarpy County, despite the significant difference in median house value.
Lincoln
Lincoln is an ideal choice if you are searching for the best cities in Nebraska. It offers fantastic nightlife, numerous hangout spots, and opportunities to connect with the community. This family-friendly town is located in Lancaster County and has a population of over 290,500.
The conservative community in Lincoln is well-educated due to the high-rated schools in this area. Residents enjoy spending their time in nature and soaking up its suburban feel.
Living Costs
Lincoln’s living costs are affordable for most families, as the median household income is close to the national average. Residents can pay for utilities, food, and healthcare to provide stability for their loved ones.
Crime Rates
Safety is a slight concern for residents of this city, primarily due to the high number of thefts that occur in this area. Luckily, the crime rates for violent assaults are less concerning.
Housing
56% of Lincoln residents own their homes, while 44% rent accommodations. Housing expenses are significantly lower in Lincoln compared to the national average.
Taxes
The Lancaster County tax rate also applies to the city of Lincoln. Residents of this area are expected to pay more in property taxes than the state average.
Kearney
The Kearney community kindly invites families, students, and young working professionals, making it one of the best places to live in Nebraska. This suburb is located in Buffalo County and has a population of around 33,800.
Many of the public school establishments in this area are well-rated, providing high-quality education for all residents. Kearney also has many historical buildings and art museums for residents to visit and spend quality time with their families.
Living Costs
The median household income in Kearney is slightly below the national average. However, the cost of living is higher than the state average, which might make it challenging for families to afford all necessities while living comfortably.
Crime Rates
Property crimes are more common in Kearney than violent crimes. Most residents report thefts from their residential areas or motor vehicles.
Housing
Although the median home value and rent are lower than the national averages, housing costs in Kearney are 23.3% more affordable. This is probably why most residents of this city are homeowners.
Taxes
Buffalo County requires all residents to pay their sales and property taxes when they are due without delay. Luckily, the taxes are lower than the state averages.
