8 Best Small Towns In Nebraska For Retirees
For most people, the allure of trading city life for the tranquility of a small town becomes increasingly irresistible as retirement approaches. If you, too, want to retire in a small town, your dreams of a serene retirement destination can become a reality in Nebraska. Besides vast, picturesque cornfields, The Cornhusker state boasts rolling dunes, rugged terrains, and lush pine forests, providing retirees with diverse landscapes to explore. Add in affordability and thriving small-town communities, and Nebraska is ideal for post-retirement living. These are the nine best small towns for retirees in Nebraska to help you identify a perfect retirement town.
Aurora
Aurora is a small town and the county seat of Hamilton County, Nebraska. Open fields and lush green spaces surround the town, including parks like Refshauge Park, which features recreational amenities perfect for retirees, such as a nine-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, and picnic shelters. Like most Nebraska towns, summers are warm and humid, while winters are snowy and windy.
Aurora is deeply rooted in history, and according to legend, they stole the Hamilton County Courthouse to become the county seat of Hamilton. The Courthouse now sits beautifully preserved in the town's main square and is a notable historical attraction. Besides the Courthouse, Aurora has its museum, The Plainsman Museum, where you can explore the town's history.
Typical of small towns, Aurora boasts a welcoming community with centers like the Bremer Community Center hosting events and recreational activities for residents. Additionally, the town has affordable housing options, including retirement communities, and offers a cost-effective living environment with affordable healthcare thanks to facilities like the Memorial Community Health on 7th Street. If you'd like to engage with the locals, the town's main square is an excellent place. It features many locally-owned restaurants and shops, such as Scotty's and Lilie Jack Boutique, where you can meet and mingle with Aurora locals.
Bennington
Bennington, located about ten miles northwest of Omaha's metropolitan area, provides a charming, small-town atmosphere while ensuring seamless access to modern amenities. It was initially known as Bunz Town, but the name was later changed to Bennington after a town in Vermont when the Missouri Valley Road was extended to the area.
Despite its small size, Bennington boasts plenty of green spaces for unwinding, such as the 5.4-acre Hanover Falls Park, perfect for walking and relaxation, and the Bennington State Recreation Area, which offers retirees a tranquil haven for nature exploration thanks to its well-maintained walking trails, and the beautiful Bennington Lake.
As with most small towns for retirees in Nebraska, Bennington has a close-knit, friendly community where local traditions like the annual Bennington Daze Festival bring together the young and the old. The town also treasures its historical roots and has well-preserved 19th-century buildings along Main Street, where local shops like The Crafty Corner showcase unique artisanal crafts and the town's unique character.
The Bennington Community Center hosts numerous social events, including exercise groups perfect for retirees, while the Fontanelle Forest Nature Center offers senior-friendly trails and bird-watching opportunities. Bennington residents enjoy easy access to medical care thanks to modern healthcare centers such as the CHI Health Immanuel and Nature's Touch Wellness Center, a popular, holistic, alternative healing facility. Additionally, its proximity to Omaha unlocks seamless access to world-class healthcare facilities. Most neighborhoods within the town feature planned housing communities, such as the Bennington Manor Apartments for retirees, which makes access to quality housing relatively straightforward. And with a climate that embraces all seasons, Bennington offers something for everyone year-round.
Blair
If you'd like to enjoy small-town charm without giving up urban conveniences, Blair is another small town in Nebraska that might fit you. It's only half an hour from Omaha yet gives you a taste of rural Nebraska thanks to its location in the Loess Hills, where rolling hills, serene woodlands, and the beautiful Missouri River Valley envelop it. As a result, this small town boasts immense natural beauty and a wealth of green spaces, including the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, where retirees can enjoy wildlife sightings, bird watching, hikes, and walks while taking in beautiful river vistas along the Missouri River.
However, natural beauty isn't the only thing it has to offer. Rich in history, Blair houses the Washington County Museum, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, and Joslyn Art Museum. Blair Historic Downtown District boasts well-preserved 19th-century buildings, unique shops, and restaurants like Fernando's Café & Cantina and Butch's Deli, known for American classics. Residents assemble annually to celebrate local traditions, such as the Blair Gateway Festival, allowing retirees and new residents to experience the town's vibrant culture while the Washington County Senior Center and Blair Family YMCA host senior-friendly events.
Blair residents enjoy world-class healthcare at the Blair-based Memorial Community Hospital, while the Blair Holistic Health Center is perfect for those seeking alternative healthcare. Blair's cost of living index is 90.3, lower than the country's average, meaning housing costs, healthcare, and other utilities are reasonably affordable. Blair has a four-season climate season like most Nebraska locations, including hot, humid summers and chilly, snowy winters.
Cozad
If you'd like to retire in a tiny town where everyone knows everyone, Cozad is the best small town for you in Nebraska. This hidden gem is nestled in the Great Plains of Central Nebraska, just north of the Platte River, and as a result, exudes a rural, Nebraska atmosphere, characterized by parks such as Veterans Memorial Park offering walking trails, picnic areas, and is home to the Robert Henri Historial Walkway. The 100th Meridian passes through this town that also houses a museum dedicated to this unique trait. Also, Johnson Lake, just a short drive away, provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying the peaceful waters.
The small town of Cozad boasts an illustrious history as the home of renowned artist Robert Henri, whose influence is celebrated at the Robert Henri Museum. The main town area is steeped in local charm, featuring quaint shops and delightful eateries like Runza, where retirees can savor classic Nebraska fast food. The Cozad Community Wellness Center offers senior-friendly fitness programs and wellness activities, while the Cozad Community Health System ensures reliable medical care.
Falls City
Nestled in the southeastern part of Nebraska, Falls City derives its name from the Big Nemaha River's "Falls of Nemaha." Although the falls are now part of history due to a river course change, this picturesque town still offers a serene and natural environment. Residents can explore Stanton Lake Park, a tranquil setting featuring walking trails, lush green spaces, and proximity to the Itha-Krumme Memorial Arboretum—a 2.2-acre sanctuary with over 70 plant species, paved pathways, and comfortable benches.
Falls City also boasts an incredible history and is the birthplace of famous author and poet William H. Gass. The downtown area showcases historic architecture and welcomes residents to restaurants like the A &G Family Steakhouse, known for its delectable steaks and opportunities to mingle with local folk.
Seniors with a penchant for sports can enjoy golf at the Falls City Country Club and Kirkman's Lakeview Golf Courses. The town's community activities often revolve around the Lydia Bruun Library, established in 1901, and the Falls City Community Hall, which frequently hosts dances and gatherings, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among residents.
Healthcare needs are aptly met thanks to facilities like the Community Medical Center, Inc., which features 24 single-occupancy patient rooms, a maternity wing, private specialty clinics, and a state-of-the-art surgery suite. Falls City offers diverse housing options, from new homes rental properties to stately Victorian homes, ensuring an array of choices for comfortable living.
Hastings
Hastings is a beautiful city in Adams County, nestled at the junction of the Missouri River and the Denver City Railroads. Once an open plain, Hastings is now primarily agricultural and features vast, fertile farmlands characterized by corn, soybeans, wheat, and cattle rearing. Hastings embraces the beauty of the Great Plains with its rolling hills and lush parks such as the Fisher Fountain Park, home to a scenic lake, and the Brickyard Park, which features walking trails providing retirees with an avenue to outdoor serenity.
Hastings is steeped in history and is renowned as the town that invented Kool-Aid. The city celebrates this invention during the annual Kool-Aid Days festival held every August. It was also once the largest Naval Ammunition Depot in the U.S. It features landmarks like the Historic Downtown District, where retirees can unearth its rich history and explore its cultural heritage.
Unique eateries like Back Alley Bakery add character to the town, while The Adams County Fair and PRCA Oregon Trail Rodeo offer special local events and opportunities for retirees to meet and mingle with the locals. The Hastings Community Theatre promotes a sense of community and is an excellent venue for seniors looking to experience Hastings's cultural engagement.
Hastings boasts healthcare facilities and multiple clinics, such as the Mary Lanning Healthcare Wellness Center. For alternative healthcare, Rosa Maria's Wellness Spirit and Astrology of Healing Center is a great place to check out. Housing is affordable thanks to the Hastings Housing Authority, which promotes adequate and affordable housing for all. The town experiences a pleasant climate and is connected to main highways for seamless accessibility.
Lexington
Originally known as Plum Creek, Lexington is a small town in Nebraska's Dawson County. It's located in the Platte River Valley, just nine miles north of Johnson Lake. Consequently, this small town boasts immense natural beauty and has over 100 acres of recreational green spaces, including an extensive network of hike and bike trails around the lake. Water sports like boating, tubing, and fishing are also prevalent on the large Johnson Lake.
Beyond its natural beauty, Lexington is renowned for its cultural richness, particularly its strong Hispanic heritage, which residents celebrate annually during Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Living here as a retiree promises community engagements thanks to the numerous local clubs and social groups, including the Dawson County Senior Center, where retirees can socialize and engage with other residents.
Residents also enjoy cultural experiences at the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles and the Dawson County Historical Museum. Living in Lexington also guarantees seamless access to quality healthcare thanks to facilities like the Lexington Regional Health Center, a modern healthcare facility, and alternative wellness centers like Holistic Harmony. The median property value in this small town is also lower than the national average. With an average homeownership rate of 54.8%, it's safe to say Lexington offers affordable living and housing costs.
Seward
Seward might be small, but it is one of Nebraska's best small towns for retirees. It's the county seat of Seward County, southwest of Omaha, and has serene landscapes, including lush farmlands and charming, tree-lined streets. The town also boasts a well-maintained, 2.7-mile concrete trail that winds through Seward's scenic east side, making it the perfect venue for hiking or biking on a slow day.
What sets Seward apart is its deep-rooted history and strong sense of patriotism. The town is fondly nicknamed the Fourth of July City for its iconic 4th of July celebrations, which attract up to 40,000 people annually. Additionally, Seward is home to the Nebraska Guard Museum, where you can explore the town's and the country's history. In downtown Seward, seniors can explore unique local shops such as Bonawitz Flower Shop and Art & Soul, which offer artisanal crafts and floral delights. Alternatively, they can participate in community-oriented activities at the Sward Civic Center and the Seward Family YMCA.
The town is home to a large population of seniors. It even boasts amenities that cater specifically to this population, such as the Seward Senior Shuttle, a transportation service dedicated to seniors within the city. The Lied Senior Center also regularly hosts activities for Seward residents over 60. Seward's healthcare needs are met by facilities like the Memorial Health Care Systems, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care.
From the natural beauty of Blair, Falls City, and Seward to the historical richness of Lexington and the vibrant culture of South Sioux City, Nebraska offers retirees endless charming small towns while maintaining access to modern amenities. With quality healthcare facilities, affordable housing, and a sense of community, The Cornhusker State ensures retirees can enjoy their golden years in peace, relaxation, and a strong sense of belonging.
