Living in Lincoln, Nebraska: 18 Things to Know About Star City

Heard of Star City? The origins of Lincoln’s nickname might be hazy, but the reasons to move here definitely aren’t. With average home values significantly lower than the national average, the University of Nebraska nearby, and Fortune 500 companies planted around town, it’s easy to see why people love living in Lincoln, Nebraska. Is it a good city to move to, though?  We’ve compiled this list of 18 things to know about living in Lincoln, Nebraska, so you can decide that for yourself. Let’s dive in!

Lincoln at a Glance

• Population: Just over 300,600
• Median age: 34 years old
• Average home value: $285,700
• Average rent: $1,300
• Location: Lincoln is located in the southeastern part of Nebraska, approximately 60 miles southwest of Omaha. In total, the city’s land area is about 101 square miles.

18 Things to Know About Living in Lincoln, Nebraska

You might look at affordability, great job opportunities, and national rankings and think, “This has to be good to be true.” It definitely isn’t, but that doesn’t mean Lincoln is perfect. Just like with any city, there are going to be cons — so here’s everything you should know about moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, before you start packing your bags.

1. The Cost of Living in Lincoln, Nebraska

While Lincoln may not be the most affordable part of the state, living here is still much cheaper than other major metros around the U.S. Its cost of living score comes in at 92.6 — 7.4 percent lower than the national average index of 100 and 5.5 percent higher than the state average.

How does that translate into salary, though? Here’s a quick breakdown according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator: 

• A family of four with two working adults would need an annual income of about $109,400 before taxes to cover living expenses. 
• A couple with no children and both partners working would need an annual income of just $60,300 before taxes to meet their basic needs.
• A single adult would need an annual income of $42,600 before taxes.

Of course, this is different from the amount you need to live comfortably, which SmartAsset states can be assessed with this formula: 50 percent of your salary goes toward basic needs; 30 percent toward entertainment; and 20 percent toward paying off debt, saving, or investing. Here’s the breakdown using that formula:

• A family of four with two working adults would need an annual income of almost $219,000 to live comfortably
• A single adult would need an annual income of around $85,000 to live comfortably.

Homes values in Lincoln, Nebraska, average $285,700 — a whopping $82,000 below the national average.
(Source: Thuy An via Facebook)

2. The Lincoln Housing Market Is Affordable

Whether you’re on the hunt for a historic Renaissance Revival or a modern ranch-style home in a newer neighborhood, you can find it all in Lincoln. And you won’t have to break the bank to get it. The city’s average home value sits at just $285,700 — a whopping $82,000 below the national average.

3. Rentals in Lincoln Are Also Pretty Affordable

Need temporary lodging while you hunt for your forever home? Don’t know if you’re going to settle down quite yet? Maybe you just don’t want to be a property owner. No matter your reason for renting, Lincoln’s market offers affordability without sacrificing your space. 

You can find everything from spacious studio apartments to larger three-bedroom units in Lincoln, each with its own distinct style that reflects the city’s history and architectural significance. The best part? The city’s average rent sits at $1,300 for almost 940 square feet.

4. Lincoln Has Top-Notch Neighborhoods

Whether you crave the hustle and bustle of Downtown or the quiet of a suburban neighborhood, the best places to live in Lincoln, Nebraska, have something for everyone. 

Downtown Lincoln

Downtown Lincoln is booming with lots of young professionals and college students — plus it boasts accessibility and a host of entertainment options right outside your door. Enjoy the beautiful historic buildings, high-rise apartments, and abundant local shops, all near the mainstay entertainment opportunities of venues like Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Hartley

Those looking for small-town rural living not far from the city should look into Hartley. Perfect for families, you’ll find plenty of shopping centers nearby and great opportunities to get outside. Woods Park offers flower gardens, a ballfield, sand volleyball court, and the FitLot Fitness Park. At Peter Pan Park you’ll find a playground, trails, and picnic areas perfect for the entire family to enjoy. 

West A

Retirees seeking seclusion without sacrificing fun should consider West A — a western Lincoln neighborhood with some of the best outdoor views at Pioneers Park Nature Center. The local Pinewood Bowl Theater is a must-visit! With community events always happening and a 10-minute commute to downtown, you’ll never find yourself bored.

While Lincoln’s Startran offers bus routes throughout the city, it’s often easier to get around with a car.
(Source: Lincoln Transportation and Utilities via Facebook)

5. Lincoln’s Public Transportation Could Be Improved

If you’re coming from a major metro and grew used to public transit, you might find Lincoln’s offerings lacking — especially compared to other Midwest cities like Chicago and Minneapolis. 

StarTran offers bus routes throughout the city, and even has an app you can buy passes and plan your route through, but you’ll find that it’s much easier to get around with a car depending on the neighborhood you move to.

6. Education Options in Lincoln Are a Plus

Lincoln Public Schools is the second-largest public school district in the state and offers over 70 schools and programs. It’s been ranked by Niche as the No. 1 most diverse school district in Lincoln, the No. 1 best school district for athletes in Lincoln, and the No. 1 school district in Lancaster County.

The city is also home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln — a top 100 public school, according to U.S. News and World Report. The kids can stay home for college. Yay!

7. The City’s Sports Scene Runs Deep

There are a couple of teams to root for as a Lincoln resident, and it’ll be easy to fall in love with them quickly, as they both have tight-knit and loyal fan bases. The Lincoln Saltdogs are the city’s baseball team, and they play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. The Lincoln Stars are the city’s professional hockey team that has multiple Clark Cup championships and an impressive alumni roster.

But the real dedication comes with the college teams. It’s a tradition all over Lincoln — and even throughout the state — to cheer on the University of Nebraska’s Cornhuskers. Better known as the Huskers, you’ll find a sea of red jerseys pretty much year round, but especially during football season.

Expect harsh temperature drops, significant snowfall, and lots of shoveling in the winter.
(Source: Visit Lincoln via Facebook)

8. Look Out for Harsh Winter Weather in Lincoln, NE

For most of the year, Lincoln, Nebraska, weather is relatively mild, with the exception of occasional weather extremes like tornadoes. Things are different in winter, though. And it makes sense considering Lincoln is a major Midwest city. Expect harsh temperature drops, significant snowfall, and lots of shoveling — especially if you’re moving to the ‘burbs. Winter weather might bring about interruptions to daily life, but the city comes prepared. The infrastructure is made to withstand these exact conditions, and plenty of preparations are made ahead of the cold season.

9. Professional Growth Is Easy in Lincoln

The city of Lincoln is known for its steady growth and job opportunities. In recent years, it’s become a hotspot for professionals seeking new opportunities, largely due to the city’s lower cost of living. Pair that with the fact that Nebraska has been dubbed the “Silicon Prairie” — due to the large presence of major tech companies, like Google, Amazon, and Meta — and it’s clear to see that this a good place to find a job.

Some of the best companies to work for in Lincoln proper are Crete Carrier, Duncan Aviation, and B&R Stores, according to a study from Instawork.

10. The Property Crime Rate in Lincoln Is Bad

Unfortunately, Lincoln’s overall crime rate is not great — particularly when it comes to property crime. Compared to national median crime rates, property crime in Lincoln is significantly higher, however, violent crime is actually lower (phew!). According to NeighborhoodScout, your chance of becoming the victim of a property crime in Lincoln is 1 in 37, but only 1 in 269 when it comes to violent crime.

There are plenty of fun community events happening in Lincoln throughout the year, like neighborhood block parties and festivals.
(Source: Visit Lincoln via Facebook)

11. Lincoln Offers a Strong Sense of Community

Community is another huge part of what makes Lincoln a great place to live. The city’s close-knit community is one of its most remarkable characteristics. And who doesn’t want to live in a place where it’s easy to make friends and get to know your neighbors? 

Throughout the year, you’ll find lots of great events to enjoy that sense of community, like neighborhood block parties and fun festivals. The Lincoln Children's Museum even hosts “sensory evenings” for families who might need it. 

12. Foodies Will Feel Right at Home Here

Out of all the pros and cons of living in Nebraska, one of the biggest pros is the state's history of agricultural success. With over 44,000 farms spanning across the state, fresh ingredients aren’t typically hard to come by. In fact, the state (and Midwest as a whole) spends less on groceries compared to the rest of the country.

Don’t feel like cooking? Don’t worry. Lincoln has a wide variety of dining establishments to choose from, and some of the most popular bars and restaurants include The Green Gateau and LeadBelly. 

13. Lincoln Has a Vibrant Cultural Scene

A city with a rich cultural history, Lincoln is known for its vibrant theater and music scene. It is home to various venues, including Pinewood Performing Arts — a thriving community theater. The Historic Haymarket District and nearby Railyard are also some of the area's most active venues, and they can make for a great family fun day!

If you’re more of an art lover, don't worry. Take a day and visit one of the city’s many museums, theaters, or art galleries. 

Lincoln residents can always find something to do outdoors, as the city has plenty of parks, scenic spots, and one of the best trail systems in the country. 
(Source: Visit Lincoln via Facebook)

14. Nature Lovers Will Love Living in Lincoln

Residents can always find outdoor things to do in Lincoln, Nebraska, as the city has plenty of parks, scenic spots, and one of the best trail systems in the country. 

Lincoln also hosts all kinds of fairs and festivals, so there’s never a shortage of events to attend throughout the year. Some of these include the Lincoln Arts Festival and the Lancaster County Super Fair.

15. Nightlife Is Alive and Well in Lincoln

If you like the nightlife, you’ll have plenty to do in Lincoln. With what might be the longest main street in the world (official measurements are hard to come by), O Street is long considered the city’s nightlife pinnacle. Some local favorite bars to check out: 

• Brother’s: Enjoy daily happy hour and more weekend specials than you can count.
• Sandy’s: A favorite among students, weekly karaoke nights are must-do.

Want to get away from the younger crowds?

• Tavern on the Square: Enjoy the outdoor patio and weekday happy hour when the weather is nice. 
• Zoo Bar: Live music and cocktails are this local legend’s mainstay. And don’t forget about Zoofest — the bar’s annual blues festival.

16. Lincoln Offers the Convenience of Travelling to Other Major Destinations Easily

Situated in the heart of the Midwest, Lincoln offers easy access to a host of exciting places to visit. You’re just a one-hour drive from Omaha and about three hours from either Des Moines or Kansas City. Not bad!

The Lincoln Airport provides access to farther destinations. Unfortunately, despite Lincoln’s central location, flights to either the East or West Coast generally still have layovers. Direct flights are available to hubs like Chicago and Denver, though.

Lincoln is a pet-friendly city with plenty of open spaces and parks where dogs can run free.

17. Lincoln Is a Pet-Friendly City

Lincoln is known as a welcoming environment for pet owners, with a lot of open spaces and freedom for your four-legged friends to explore. There are numerous pet-friendly neighborhoods — meaning minimal restrictions when it comes to renting.

Aside from flexible housing options, Lincoln also has plenty of open spaces and parks where dogs can run free. One of these is Rickman’s Run, with over 23 acres of off-leash space for Fido to burn all that energy off.

18. Living in Lincoln Is Very Different From Living in Omaha

Living in Lincoln and living in Omaha offer very different experiences, despite the cities being located within the same state. Lincoln is better known as a college town, with its stretch of bars and clubs running along O Street and the Huskers offering a constant stream of games to attend. What Omaha lacks in nightlife is easily made up for by a family-friendly city filled with cultural attractions, including art galleries, theaters, and music venues scattered around town. Not to mention the city has played host to the College World Series for the last 75 years.

Here are some of the other key differences: