10 Tucked-Away Treasures to Retire in Nebraska

Early morning on a dirt road, with hills and cornfields, near Seward, Nebraska.
© Bill Chizek/Shutterstock.com

Written by Stephanie Harper

Updated: November 15, 2023

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Thinking you might retire in Nebraska? There are plenty of cities and towns in this Mid-west state to consider for retirement. Nebraska is a popular state with a population of almost 2,000,000 people. Their state bird is the western meadowlark, and the state flower is the goldenrod. Since Nebraska is so affordable while offering such a lovely quality of life, settling down in one of its towns for retirement makes all the sense in the world.

10 Tucked-Away Treasures to Retire in Nebraska
Nebraska has something special to offer every retiree.

The people of Nebraska prioritize historical culture, education, and an ample number of job opportunities. First time homebuyers, young professionals, and college students are among the many flocking to Nebraska. For folks who are specifically ready to retire, the places in Nebraska that offer the most relaxation, allure, and quiet are worth exploring. These are some of the top locations to think about.

Columbus

Aerial View of the small Town of Columbus, Nebraska

This family-centered town is Colombus, Nebraska.

©Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.com

Columbus, Nebraska has a population of more than 16.7% of people who are over the age of 65. The median home value goes for $145,500. Within a year-long period, only 28 violent crimes were reported. There are five hospitals located within 25 miles of the city. Columbus is thought of as a family-centered town since there are tons of things to do for people of all ages. This includes recreational parks, lakes, and camping zones. Anyone who love fishing will also be able to find what you’re looking for in Columbus since there are plenty of spots to throw out a fishing line. A lot of the businesses and restaurants in Columbus are locally owned and the community interactions tend to be abundantly friendly.

Grand Island

Aerial View of the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island, Nebraska

Homes in Grand Island go for around $140,800 for folks with plans to retire in Nebraska.

©Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.com

Grand Island, Nebraska has about 14% of residents who are over the age of 65. You’ll be able to find a home that costs around $140,800 in this city. Just like in Columbus, there are five hospitals located within 25 miles of the city. Retirees who aim to enjoy a quiet life will appreciate the relaxing bliss that Grand Island has to offer. Some of the enjoyable things to do in Grand Island include visiting lush golf courses, dining at restaurants, watching shows and live theaters, and observing creations at art galleries. One stop you absolutely can’t skip out on while visiting Grant Island is the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center. It’s a place retirees can repeatedly visit if they choose to move there on a permanent basis.

North Platte

Aerial View of North Platte, Nebraska in Winter

The town of north Platte has historical richness.

©Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.com

North Platte, Nebraska has around 17.6% of their population at an age range of 65 or older. The median home value is $118,900, which is incredibly affordable compared to alternative options. The Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park and State Recreation Area make North Platte one of the best places to spend time with all of its historical richness. Retirees who adore horseback riding will also be able to find that in North Platte. The North Platte River at Dusty Trails is the most popular horseback riding trail in the entire area.

Scotts Bluff

Scotts Bluff National  Monument in Nebraska, spring scenery in sunset light

Scotts Bluff doesn’t offer crowd-causing attractions for quieter people who retire in Nebraska.

©marekuliasz/Shutterstock.com

As a retiree in Nebraska, Scotts Bluff is certainly a wonderful place to think about. 17.2% of the population is older than 65 years old. You’ll be able to find a home for $116,600 in Scotts Bluff, which makes a lot of sense since it steers clear of too many popular tourist attractions. Aiming for a calm and quiet life in retirement is easy to do in this wonderful town since tourists don’t have too many reasons to stop by and make a commotion. There are a handful of historical sites, museums, and art centers to be enjoyed, though. The Interstate Canal Bridge is one of those noteworthy historical sites to visit.

Seward

Early morning on a dirt road, with hills and cornfields, near Seward, Nebraska.

Only around 7,000 people live in Seward.

©Bill Chizek/Shutterstock.com

A small town like Seward, Nebraska is ideal for retirees who don’t want to be surrounded by too many strangers as they’re trying to settle down. There are only around 7,000 people living in Seward due to the fact that there isn’t a lot of entertainment going on in the area. But just because Seward steers clear of major entertainment, it doesn’t mean there won’t be anything to do while living there. One of its biggest events takes place on Fourth of July every year when the residents link up to host a massive party. Around 40,000 people show up in Seward to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with the locals.

Aurora

Aurora. Nebraska. USA

The crime rate in Aurora is amazingly low for seniors who retire in Nebraska.

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There are about 5,000 people living in Aurora, Nebraska. The reason the population is so small is that this town simply doesn’t offer an abundance of amenities to its residents. This isn’t exactly an issue if you’re the type of retiree who doesn’t want to be bombarded by people. Since the lack of amenities results in a smaller population, the crime rate and cost-of-living are both impressively low. The median home price is 21% lower in Aurora than other small towns across Nebraska.

Omaha

Downtown Omaha shines with the holidays lights.

Omaha has a larger population than other Nebraskan towns.

©Steve O’Donnell/Shutterstock.com

The biggest city in Nebraska happens to be Omaha with 450,000 people residing there. Omaha is a wonderful Nebraskan town to consider if you’re the type of retiree who actually does want to be involved in the hustle and bustle of city life. While Omaha has a larger population than other Nebraskan towns, it’s still a much smaller population than bigger cities like Los Angeles or New York. Some of the lofts you’ll find in downtown Omaha go for less than $100,000. Some of them offer amenities such as fitness centers to keep you active. There are shuttle buses throughout Omaha to help seniors travel to and from grocery stores and other places for errands.

Lexington

A train hauls freight on a railroad across the midwest near Lexington, Nebraska.

The great outdoors is at your fingertips in Lexington for folks who retire in Nebraska.

©Gestalt Imagery/Shutterstock.com

About 10.3% of the population in Lexington, Nebraska is over the age of 65. Buying a home in Lexington is wildly affordable with the median home value landing at $92,400. There are three hospitals within 25 miles of the city, and only 20 violent crimes were reported within the last year. This tranquil city is great for retirees to want to spend time near the water. Some water-centered activities retirees can enjoy include tubing, fishing, and boating. The great outdoors is at your fingertips in Lexington with stunning hiking trails, breathtaking biking trails, and fabulous picnic spots for outdoor meals.

Fremont

Aerial View of the Omaha Suburb of Fremont, Nebraska

The suburbs of Fremont are quaint and welcoming.

©Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.com

Living in Fremont as a retiree means you’ll be near about 17.8% other people who are in your same age range. The median home value in Fremont is 132,700 with five hospitals located within 25 miles of the city. People who prefer to spend all of their time indoors likely won’t find tons of value retiring in a city like Fremont, though. This is a place that makes the most sense if you’re a true outdoor enthusiast. The Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area is where Fremont residents go when they’re ready to experiment with camping, swimming, boating, and fishing. The wildlife in Fremont is pleasant to come across including all of the precious deer. Still, the suburbs of Fremont are quaint and welcoming.

Norfolk

Aerial View of Downtown Norfolk, Nebraska in Autumn

The downtown area of Norfolk is full of charming restaurants and businesses for retirees in Nebraska.

©Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.com

The median home value in Norfolk, Nebraska is 145,400. About 15.1% of the population of Norfolk is over the age of 65. Truth be told, retirees who would rather lounge and relax probably won’t be too impressed by what Norfolk has to offer. This is the type of place that’s best for retirees who want to keep their bodies moving while keeping their minds active. The Cowboy Trail in Norfolk goes on for a lengthy 195 miles. It has a reputation for being one of the most stunning hiking trails a person can lay eyes on. Whether you’re going on a leisurely walk or you’re grinding away for some exercise, the Cowboy Trail is a beautiful backdrop. Another benefit? The downtown area of Norfolk is full of charming restaurants and businesses where retirees can socialize.


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About the Author

Stephanie Harper is a professional writer who graduated from Cal State Northridge with her English degree. She loves writing about animals, travel, and other lifestyle topics.

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