Lincoln is not just Nebraska’s state capital, it is also home to major companies and the University of Nebraska. "The main industries are the state government, the university, but there’s a big medical presence and also a big manufacturing presence,” says Chris Whitney, a Communications Coordinator for the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. “Unemployment is pretty low here. We hover somewhere between 2% and 3% for the most part.” The Historic Haymarket District, where the story of Nebraska began in a market square, continues to hold economic relevance today. “That area traditionally has a lot more of your local shops; it does have some art galleries, restaurants and things like that, but it continues to build out even from where it is now.” The majority of residents, at 64%, are between the ages of 18 and 64, and with apartments available in the heart of the city and subdivisions or multiacre lots available just outside the hustle and bustle, Lincoln residents have access to a range of lifestyles.
Lincoln has housing types and locations for every individual, from one-bedroom apartments with a monthly rent of $983 downtown to four-bedroom houses on more than 3 acres that list for more than $2.5 million. According to data from the Census Bureau, the majority, at 33% of homes are priced between $200,000 and $300,000. “High in opportunity, with a lower cost of living, and many neat and unique places in the city to explore, Lincoln is a great place to raise a family, it is great right out of college when looking to find a company and begin to build your life out or when retiring,” Whitney says.
Whether seeking a neighborhood grocery store, shopping mall, or local lineup of shops and restaurants, Lincoln offers residents options. Gateway Mall is the largest mall in Lincoln with over 100 stores, including anchor store Dillard’s and smaller storefronts such as Bath & Body Works. When walking through the Historic Haymarket District, locals explore storefronts such as From Nebraska Gift Shop and stop for quick bites and brews at restaurants such as locally owned Leadbelly.
Locals enjoy performances and events across the city, from touring Broadway shows at Lied Center to basketball showdowns and concerts at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Pinewood Bowl Theater hosts a summer concert series and an annual summer musical. Locals are rich with entertainment options between these year-round and seasonal offerings, cultural festivals throughout the year, Jazz in June, Zoo Fest blues concert series, and the city’s other seasonal parades. “High in opportunity, with a lower cost of living, and many neat and unique places in the city to explore, Lincoln is a great place to raise a family, it is great right out of college when looking to find a company and begin to build your life out or when retiring,” Whitney says.
Lincoln Public Schools serves 41,747 school-aged children from prekindergarten through 12th grade. The district earns a Grade of A-minus from Niche and is awarded the rating of No. 1 best school district in Lancaster County. While this school district consists of 41 elementary schools, 13 middle schools and eight public high schools with focus program offerings, Lincoln residents may choose from many private schools. Lincoln private schools include Lincoln Christian School, Pius X High School and Parkview Christian Schools. Located in Downtown Lincoln, the University of Nebraska offers a four-year public education and over 150 undergraduate majors. As a part of the Big Ten Conference, fans expect legendary sports matchups at Memorial Stadium during football season.
Lincoln is home to 137 parks with over 172 miles of trails and 93 playgrounds dispersed among them. Pioneers Park Nature Center extends the average playground fun, easily found throughout the many neighborhood parks, to the trails where local hikers traverse more than 10 miles, catching glimpses of free-range bison. “There’s not only lots of hiking and biking or walking trails out there, but there’s also an amphitheater there that brings in national touring acts called Pinewood Bowl,” Whitney says. “Also in town, there’s Holmes Lake, in the eastern part of the city; it’s a chance to be by the water to go canoeing and paddling.”
Lincoln is a wealth of transportation opportunities. Major thoroughfares include U.S. Route 34 and Interstates 180 and 80. Traversing the city is also convenient with the StarTran bus line, ScooterLNK and BikeLNK, extending travel means beyond personal vehicles to rentable scooters and bikes. “From most parts of the city, if you want to travel from one to the other, then it will take about 20 minutes,” Whitney says. For direct flights and connections to Houston, Chicago O’Hare and Denver International airports, residents can fly out of the Lincoln Airport (LNK), instead of Omaha, approximately 60 miles northeast.
Crime Grade gives Lincoln an overall grade of C when reviewing both property and violent crimes. Total violent crimes occur at a rate of 1.61 per 1,000 Lincoln residents, earning a grade of C-minus from the website. Property crime rates are higher than violent crime rates, occurring at a rate of 21.31 and earning a Grade C-plus.
