6 Budget-Friendly Towns in Nebraska for Retirees

It’s time to say goodbye to the 9-5 grind, the commute, the routine, and finally, take it easy. That’s right; retirement is here. Now the real adventure begins. Perhaps you already have a plan and know how you intend to spend all those free hours. Maybe you have picked your final home, somewhere new, and are ready to relocate. Will you keep working to maintain your vitality or will you take up a new hobby or learn a new skill?

So many possibilities to consider.The most important part of choosing where to retire is its affordability. Money will always be a factor of life. Picking the most budget-friendly town to settle in is a wise investment of time and research. Fortunately, Nebraska has plenty of economically sound towns to review before making your choice. Each has all a retiree might want when enjoying the twilight of their life.

North Platte

With home prices just south of $200,000 and plenty to keep you busy, North Platte might just be your potential new home. Retirees will love the North Platte Retirement Center, where they can find tons of activities geared specifically for seniors, including health programs. If close, high-quality medical care is on your mind, Great Plains Health Hospital is only a stone’s throw away.

The intrepid explorer looking to gain some knowledge about the railroad system can take a tour of the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center, an overlook point where you can view and learn about the world’s largest railyard. The fascination of trains isn’t only for the young. The same applies to the Old West, and you will get your fill of information and wonder at the Cody Park Railroad Museum, a fort and gift at the south end of town.

Norfolk

Ask any local retiree, and they will tell you the same thing: Norfork is a retirement paradise. Adventurous folks take to the outdoors, basking in the sun as they venture to lakes, rivers, and walking trails through a myriad of parks and gardens. The temperature doesn’t get too hot to handle, although the winters can be a little chilly.

There are more than ample medical facilities in case the worst should happen, so rest assured, Norfolk’s first responders are ready for any problem. The grandkids can find countless fun opportunities to stretch their legs and have a blast bowling, playing frisbee golf, and visiting numerous youth centers. Plus, the median home value is quite reasonable, even if it has increased since last year.

Kearney

Called the “Sandhill capital of the world,” we promise you won’t have to trudge up endless dunes to get around. That is tough at any age. The Sandhill, the town motto, speaks of the Sandhill Crane, and retirees who want to dive into ornithology will marvel at the thousands of these majestic birds as they nest and thrive in the area. It’s quite a thing to behold.

Beyond the impressive crane population, Kearney is happy to welcome retirees of all age groups and needs. Retirement facilities and centers with an abundance of features await, and this doesn’t only include those staying on-site. Kearney helps seniors who prefer to be self-sufficient with communities that cater to this particular desire. And all are close to terrific medical care and easy-to-reach shopping.

McCook

From the thriving downtown to the bustling shopping options, the only decision a retiree will need to make is what they want to try first. Whether you live alone, have children with you when you relocate, or expect lots of visits from the family, there is always something to do in McCook. Bowling, movies, shopping, parks, and plenty of water recreation are ready for your enjoyment.

The median home value is around $158,000, a bit lower than the surrounding towns, and local health and wellness services are top-notch, geared toward all ages of physical needs. If you choose to take a jaunt around the country, McCook has its own Amtrak station. Events to keep everyone delighted and invested happen year-round, although they slow a bit in winter. The downsides to living in McCook don’t exist.

Hastings

Nebraska is a great place to retire and little towns like Hastings are one of the reasons why. The town is safe, welcoming, with all the hospitality and charm you might expect from a small town and some of the friendliest locals you may ever meet. Greed has no place here with the home values hovering in the very reasonable $212,000 range, which is lower than even the surrounding states.

Quality medical care is nearby no matter where you are in town. That doesn’t mean it’s a great place to grow stagnant and let the sands of time run out. Far from it. Festivals will wash you in sights and smells as citizens and visitors revel in the foods, games, special events, and laughter that bring a town together and raise the spirits.

Fremont

Welcome to the pinnacle of retirement enjoyment. Some would even call Fremont a retiree’s playground. This might seem silly, but after exploring the town and all it offers seniors leaving the workforce, you will certainly understand. The parks and lakes alone would take a long time to fully appreciate, especially if the outdoors is your favorite environment.

Nearly 1 in 5 citizens are in the senior age range, so you will have plenty of like-minded folks in which to interact and converse. Make new friends and learn a new skill or hobby. Of course, with 20% of the citizenry being seniors, medical care is designed with older health needs in mind, so no need to fear. Senior centers and recreation spaces dot the town as well for your pleasure.

Discover Nebraska: The Logical Choice for Retirement

While it isn’t usually the first choice for those approaching retirement, Nebraska is rapidly becoming the logical choice. Yes, you can go to Arizona or Florida and enjoy the blistering heat or oppressive humidity. Why not consider a different path? Most seniors who have lived in larger cities pick small-town living because of the friendly nature, the good people, and the sense of belonging that cities don’t offer.

An affordable home, health care near and ready to assist at a moment's notice, a collection of senior living centers and facilities positioned and designed to accommodate your new lifestyle, as well as opportunities to learn and grow, even into your older years, all are fantastic reasons why Nebraska is a great place to retire and thrive.