7 Best Towns In Nebraska To Retire Comfortably
When you think of Nebraska, images of wide-open prairies, rolling sandhills, and the winding Missouri River might come to mind. From strolling through vibrant farmers’ markets to exploring the rugged beauty of state parks, there is plenty to do for both visitors and residents. That said, this Great Plains state is also a fantastic retirement destination, offering a welcoming pace of life and a strong sense of community.
Whether it’s the endless outdoor opportunities along scenic byways or the low cost of living that makes daily life more affordable, there are many benefits for seniors. In fact, the state’s median home value of around $280,000 as of August 2025 makes it an affordable destination for homebuyers. Moreover, small towns shine, offering a quaint reprieve while still being within reach of amenities like hospitals, senior centers, and retirement homes.
Ogallala
With a median home value of under $220,000, buying a home in Ogallala is around $60,000 cheaper than the average home in Nebraska. To this end, retirees on a budget flock to the town, and around 25% of locals are over the age of 65. There are also plenty of facilities to ensure locals have a comfortable life here, such as the 18-bed critical access Ogallala Community Hospital, known for its great staff and services. Moreover, Keith County Senior Center is a draw, featuring a social network, daily activities, special events, etc.
Those who want to head out for some fun in Ogallala can visit Lake McConaughy. This 35,000-acre reservoir is a few minutes north, offering great sites for sunbathing, camping, and hiking along the water. Back in town, Mansion on the Hill is a historic landmark where locals can tour and learn about local tales. Lastly, local seniors can end their evenings at Second Chapter Brewing with a beer before watching a show next door at the Prairie Theatre.
Seward
As the county seat of its namesake county, Seward is a town that has it all when it comes to amenities. This community of 7,600 is home to various medical facilities under Memorial Health Care Systems, including the Memorial Hospital, Seward Family Medical Center, and Bryan Urgent Care. From robotic surgery to regular checkups, retirees can rest assured about their healthcare needs. Along with this, the median home value is approximately $300,000 as of August 2025, just over the state median and $70,000 below the national average. If this seems too steep, alternatives like Kinship Pointe offer independent and assisted living options with monthly payment plans.
If the amenities check out, Seward has even more in the way of activities. Seniors looking to enjoy an evening out with their mates can choose from one of many bustling spots, like Junto Winery and Bottle Rocket Brewing Co. From drinking some beer to tasting unique wines, these spots are perfect for chit-chatting. On the other hand, one can delve into the past at the Nebraska National Guard Museum, showcasing the region’s rich military tales. Last but not least, retirees interested in teeing off should head straight to the Seward Community Golf Course. With nine holes of green grass and four sets of tees throughout 60 acres, it is an ideal way to spend your golden years.
Nebraska City
Seniors looking for a green escape from urban living should add Nebraska City to their list of options. This town in eastern Nebraska is known as the home of Arbor Day, a day focused on planting trees and promoting greenery. To this end, locals can spend time at the Arbor Day Farm, a 260-acre expanse with fun activities like a one-hour Discovery ride through the farm, seasonal events like fall apple picking and Friday Night Classics film series, and even exploring the historic 52-room Arbor Lodge. After spending hours (or even days) at the Arbor Day Farm, one should check out the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center. This establishment lies along the river and boasts three floors of exhibits, memorabilia, and more on Lewis and Clark’s expedition. As night falls, locals retreat to eateries like The Keeping Room or the Wagon Wheel Bar for a fun time.
While being out and about is sure to be lively in Nebraska City, your time at home will be just as exciting. This is thanks to the median housing value of around $200,000, a steal compared to the state average of $280,000. Thus, buying your dream home is a realistic goal here. The town also has a public transportation system covered by Blue Rivers Public Transportation, offering assistance with advance reservations as well as some regular routes. As for healthcare, the town’s CHI Health St. Mary’s has been around since the 1900s, offering diabetes education, emergency care, radiology, and more.
Broken Bow
The county seat of Custer County in central Nebraska, Broken Bow, presents seniors with a comfortable yet quaint community. Home to 3,500 residents, the town is far from major cities, so seniors can relax during their golden years. That said, it doesn’t lack amenities, such as the Melham Medical Center. This healthcare facility has various specialties available, from speech therapy to nuclear medicine, with additional services like an ER and independent living apartments. For more advanced care, one can stay at Brookestone View for long-term, short-term, and rehab living services. The site offers spacious rooms with a television, meals, and a common gym. Those who want to buy their own home are also in luck, thanks to the median home value of $165,000 as of August 2025.
While the amenities may bring you to Broken Bow, the activities will make you stay. Seniors interested in learning are sure to spend time at the Boneyard Creation Museum or the Custer County Museum. The former showcases exhibits on creation with a fun dinosaur statue, while the latter is a testament to regional history. For a more active experience, seniors should take a walk through Melham Park, home to a swimming pool, walking trail, soccer fields, and picnic shelters.
Beatrice
Beatrice is a lovely community of 12,000 in southeastern Nebraska. Unlike Broken Bow, this town is less than an hour away from Lincoln, so retirees are always connected to the big city. To this end, over 22% of the local population is above the age of 65, indicating a strong social environment. Seniors in town can spend their time in various ways, such as grabbing a drink at Stone Hollow Brewing Company, known for its delicious tap beers like “Mint” and “Vanilla.” If you’re not into drinking, golf is another hotspot for local retirees, and the 18 holes at Beatrice Country Club await. The par-72 course has a length of 7,169 yards and has been around for over a century. For some more outdoor fun, the local Chautauqua Park is a hotspot, with an RV area, ponds, and walking trails.
Even with so much to see and do, Beatrice remains an affordable community. The median home value of $190,000 beckons homebuyers who want to spend their golden years in their dream home. As for those already here, the local Beatrice Senior Center is open from Monday to Friday, with lunch service, workshops, and regular events such as tai chi, pool, and bingo. If local amenities ever fall short (a rare occurrence), Lincoln is a short drive away. Here, one can seek medical care at the Bryan Medical Center or head out on vacation via the Lincoln Airport.
Chadron
If you’re one for unique activities and adventurous outings, the town of Chadron might be the place to settle down. Located in the Great Plains region, this quaint community of 5,000 has more than meets the eye, with bustling areas like the Chadron State College campus. The 280-acre campus keeps the region full of life with thousands of students and five buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For the more curious seniors, the Museum of the Fur Trade and Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center offer even more opportunities. The latter abounds with exhibits and memorabilia on the author, Sandoz's history, while the former stands on the site of James Bordeaux’s trading post from the 19th century. For the more active retirees, Chadron State Park is always a great place to get some fresh air, and it is Nebraska’s oldest state park.
After spending the day roaming or meeting friends, heading home is sure to be a blast in Chadron, thanks to the affordable median home value of $195,000. Along with this, there are lots of urban comforts in town, like the Chadron Community Hospital, a critical access hospital providing emergency care, rehabilitation services, and more. Getting to the hospital is also easy thanks to Chadron City Transit, which offers transport assistance for medical appointments, banking, etc.
North Platte
North Platte, known for its rich history as a railroad town, offers a peaceful setting for seniors to enjoy their golden years. The community rests along the North and South Platte Rivers, combining outdoor beauty with a rustic charm that feels inviting year-round. Golfers can tee off at the scenic Rivers Edge Golf Course, located right beside the river, for serene views during a round. For something more relaxed, a visit to the Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard, the world’s largest rail yard, offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of America’s rail network. Nearby, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Park preserves the historic home and grounds of the legendary showman, providing walking paths, gardens, and a look into frontier life.
Housing here remains accessible, with a median home value of $210,000 as of August 2025. The town’s median age is about 40, giving it a balanced mix of working-age residents and retirees. Seniors benefit from a robust support network through the North Platte Senior Center, which offers card parties, dances, bingo, educational programs, health screenings, and home-delivered meals. The town is also home to residential facilities such as Linden Estates, which provides assisted living and skilled nursing care.
Settle Down In The Cornhusker State
From the tree-lined streets of Nebraska City to the historic charm of Chadron, Nebraska’s small towns offer seniors a variety of lifestyles to choose from. Each blends affordable housing with essential services like healthcare, senior centers, and recreational opportunities, making day-to-day life both comfortable and fulfilling. Whether it is golfing by the river in North Platte or enjoying lakeside sunsets in Ogallala, there is no shortage of ways to stay active and engaged. With its low cost of living, strong community bonds, and easy access to natural beauty, Nebraska proves that a retirement rich in comfort and opportunity is well within reach.
