9 Best Places To Retire In Nebraska
Nebraska is known as the Cornhusker State for the crop that grows plentifully there. Nebraska is not only known for its corn, however. Nebraska is known for its low cost of living, relaxed retirement environments, and beautiful rolling hills. Nebraska is home to some of the most beautiful prairies and valleys in the United States. What makes this even better is the trails for cycling and hiking included in many of these prairies. Seniors will appreciate how comfortable and inviting the great Cornhusker State can be.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is a smaller Nebraska town that is the perfect place for retirees looking to save money in their retirement. Gothenburg boasts some of the cheapest housing costs out of any retirement town in Nebraska! According to Realtor.com, the median sold home price is only $140,000, which is almost $300,000 below the national average! Additionally, Gothenburg harbors an A- rating on CrimeGrade.org. This low housing cost and sheltered environment do not mean this town lacks amenities! Gothenburg Health Facility offers high-quality healthcare for the residents of Gothenburg. The town sits along the Platte River, just a short drive from the nearby Jeffrey, Midway, and Johnson Lakes. Each of these water venues provides an array of walking and hiking trails around the bodies of water in addition to opportunities for fishing and other forms of water fun!
West Point
West Point is an ideal destination for a retiree looking to enjoy the serenity of the prairie life. While West Point could be considered a prairie town, there are still varieties of activities available for retirees. Neligh Park allows seniors to appreciate this one-of-a-kind prairie environment by exploring its hiking trails. The park garners fishing opportunities with a camping ground if you want to take a load off. The town of West Point is safer than the average Nebraskan town due to its low rate of violent crime. Home prices in West Point, like every other Nebraskan town, are far below the national average, with the median home price being $267,000. For being in a somewhat secluded area, West Point provides an exceptional healthcare option at the world-renowned Franciscan Healthcare network.
Ogallala
Ogallala is a senior-friendly Nebraskan town perfect for those who love history and the great outdoors. Ogallala has a senior population of 25%, allowing seniors to connect. Housing is extremely affordable, with the median home price being $168,000. This is almost $300,000 below the national average! For those who love the outdoors, Ogallala rests on the shores of Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala. The lakes offer a combined 30,000 acres of water where residents can boat, fish, or swim. The beaches are the perfect spot to spend an afternoon under an umbrella. There is no need to travel long distances for quality healthcare as Ogallala Community Hospital is conveniently near. History fans will find Front Street and the Cowboy Museum to be the ideal places to learn about the history of the once-brutal frontier town of Ogallala.
Papillion
Just outside of Omaha is the popular town of Papillion. With a population of 24,000, Papillon is a close getaway from the bigger city of Omaha that still features all the amenities a retiree could want. Since Omaha is nearby, seniors have a plethora of quality healthcare facilities to choose from. CHI Health Midlands is a decent healthcare option in Papillon, but if you want more specialized care, then you take a short drive to CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha. There is plenty to do outdoors in Papillion, including taking a walk or hike at the Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area. This park features 450 acres of hiking and biking trails with plenty of fishing opportunities for able fishermen. Papillon is a very secure town with a violent crime grade of an A- on CrimeGrade.org. With home prices well below the national average, Papillon is a strong contender for an ideal retirement destination.
Seward
Seward is a town known for its safety and for its welcoming community. It receives an A+ rating on CrimeGrade.com, making it a comfortable oasis for those looking to retire. With a population of just under 8,000, Seward provides a quaint and accessible atmosphere for seniors. The town is adorned by incredible wildlife and features a beautiful prairie ecosystem perfect for exploration. The Smith Creek Wildlife Recreation Area spans 20 acres and includes designated camping zones, allowing residents to enjoy the nearby wildlife. Near the campground, visitors can also explore the historic Smith Creek Dam and reservoir, which include excellent opportunities for scenic photography. Additionally, Seward is home to a conveniently located medical center. Memorial Hospital serves the community, offering high-quality healthcare to all residents.
Beatrice
Beatrice is a town that is well acquainted with retirees and provides ample opportunities for an active lifestyle. Beatrice’s population is comprised of 22% seniors. The seniors in Beatrice find Homestead National Historical Park an intriguing environment in which to explore the local ecosystem while learning about Beatrice's pioneer history. The site gives its visitors walking trails that put you in the footsteps of some of America’s most trailblazing pioneers. Residents also enjoy strolling through the scenic lake ambiance of Rockford Lake State Recreation Area. Here, there are ample fishing opportunities for fishermen of all skill levels. Home prices are well below the national average. The median home price is only $200,000. Beatrice is home to Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center, which is only a short drive from downtown.
Chadron
Chadron is a picturesque town in Nebraska that offers numerous outdoor activities for retirees. Chadron is home to three beautiful parks, each with its unique charm. The Nebraska National Forest is open year-round and features winding bike trails for cycling enthusiasts. The Pine Ridge National Recreation Area includes a campground surrounded by scenic rolling hills and mountains. Additionally, you can visit Chadron State Park, which is Nebraska’s oldest state park. The housing market in Chadron is favorable, with median home prices currently around $230,000. This is about $200,000 below the national average! The Chadron Community Hospital is also in town, providing high-quality emergency services. Chadron houses a good mix of young and older populations, as the median age is 26.
Kearney
Kearney is a well-rounded town with many positive attributes. For one, Kearney boasts a housing market with median home prices $100,000 below the average price of a home. There are plenty of outdoor recreation activities that will keep anyone occupied. Residents enjoy strolling through the historic Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, where they can not only explore a variety of trails but also learn about the history of Kearney. War Axe State Recreation Park is another popular park in town that features 9 acres of land and 16 acres of lake, which can turn any day into one that is full of fun. Crime rates in town are below average, making Kearney a secure place to relax as you enter your golden years.
Wahoo
Wahoo touts itself as a secure retirement town that is renowned for affordable housing prices. Crime Grade awards Wahoo an A+ rating for extremely low property crime rates. Retirees in Wahoo often do not worry about locking the front door because of how safe it is! In addition to this low crime rate, median home prices are only $210,000, making Wahoo budget-friendly for many retirees. In terms of recreation, Lake Wanahoo provides fishing and boating on the lake while featuring disc golf and hiking trails on land. Saunders Medical Center is only 1.4 miles away and gives high-quality healthcare with special programs for seniors.
Why Retire in Nebraska?
Whether it is affordable home listings or picturesque scenery, the Cornhusker State has plenty to offer you as you enter retirement. Median home prices in Nebraska are almost always below the national average. In conjunction with this, crime rates are always low, providing a comfortable environment for residents. Even if corn is not your first choice vegetable, Nebraska gives enticing opportunities for anyone's retirement.
