9 Of The Best Affordable Towns To Retire In Nebraska
Known for its wide-open prairies and endless skies, Nebraska is a state with a rich frontier history and some lesser-known gems, such as Beatrice and North Platte. The state's welcoming vibe is ideal for retirees looking for a strong community in which to spend their golden years.
From various national monuments offering breathtaking scenery and endless outdoor recreation to antique shops and boutiques providing ample shopping opportunities, retirement in Nebraska is fun, comfortable, and active.
But that's not all. Nebraska is one of the most affordable states for retirement, with a median home value of $267,000, according to Zillow. The state has roughly 77,000 square miles of stunning prairie and farmland, and its economy is largely dependent on agriculture. This makes Nebraska an ideal retirement location for retirees who love the idea of quiet farm life and aren't afraid of a four-season climate. The list below highlights Nebraska's best retirement towns.
Beatrice
This small town is located in the southeastern corner of Nebraska, along the banks of the Big Blue River. Beatrice has a median home value of $180,000, and its proximity to the Homestead National Historical Park makes it an ideal destination for history lovers. Beatrice's rugged history is evident in its other attractions, such as the Chautauqua Park Tabernacle and the exhibits at the Gage County Museum. Golf is a popular pastime in Beatrice, as evidenced by its many courses, including Hidden Acres Golf Club and Beatrice Country Club.
For a relaxing spa day, retirees will be eager to check out the services at Natural Vibes Wellness, with spa services, fitness classes, and good food.
North Platte
Considered one of the most affordable cities in Nebraska, the thriving city of North Platte has 23,000 residents and is sandwiched between the green banks of the North and South Platte Rivers. The Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park is one of the city's most popular attractions and showcases the home, life, and legacy of the famous Buffalo Bill.
The enormous rail yard is another popular attraction, with the Golden Spike Tower a great spot to watch trains come and go. South of the city, in nearby Bignell, is the famous Sioux Lookout. The attraction depicts a member of the Sioux tribe in traditional regalia, and designates the highest point in Lincoln County.
Wine lovers can relax at a tasting at Feather River Vineyards, or catch a show at the North Platte Community Playhouse. With a median home value of $203,000, North Platte is a great choice for retirees who want the fun and convenience of a city while staying within a budget.
Scottsbluff
With a median home value of $175,000, Scottsbluff is a solid choice for retirees searching for a budget-friendly Nebraska town. The town is located just east of the Nebraska/Wyoming border, and boasts stunning riverside views of the North Platte River. Golf is a major attraction for Scottsbluff's retired population, with stellar courses in the area, such as Monument Shadows Golf Course and Scottsbluff Country Club.
There are also wonderful historical attractions nearby. The Legacy Plains Museum highlights the significance of the North Platte Valley and the Oregon Trail. Scotts Bluff National Monument boasts gorgeous prairie views and offers hiking, camping, and biking year-round. Forgotten Memories Antiques provides an excellent shopping experience.
Alma
This cute little farmtown sits just north of the Nebraska/Kansas border, with a population of just over 1,000 residents and a median home value of $185,000. But for retirees seeking the charm and quiet of a small town, Alma doesn't disappoint.
The most notable attraction of Alma is its location on the shores of Harlan County Lake. Highway 183 crosses the lake on a bridge and leads to the Alma Vista Overlook & Peckerneck Horse Trail, which is good news for retirees interested in riding and owning horses. Golfers looking for a quick weekend game will enjoy Alma Municipal Golf Course. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Old Republican City ruins, which are just a few minutes' drive away in the neighboring town of Republican City. Lastly, Alma has several restaurants that locals love, including KJ's Cafe and Main Street Pizza.
Ogallala
With a fun name to match its welcoming vibe, Ogallala sits just north of the South Platte River and offers outdoor recreation, great food, and rich culture rooted in its frontier heritage. Crandall Creek Golf Club is perfect for golf enthusiasts. Ogallala's Petrified Wood Museum is one of the town's most popular attractions and showcases the charming folk art of 93-year-old twin brothers, Howard and Harvey Kenfield. For more historic charm, the Mansion on the Hill transports visitors back into the Victorian days on the Nebraska frontier.
Ogallala's median home value is $210,000, making it a solid choice for retirees looking for a fun town on a budget. The town is just south of Lake McConaughy, which is Nebraska's largest body of water and offers endless water sports, such as boating, fishing, and paddling. For a bite to eat, retirees will enjoy local hotspots such as Driftwood and Second Chapter Brewing.
Valentine
When it comes to outdoor recreation combined with a welcoming, small-town vibe, Valentine offers a lot. This northern Nebraska town with a memorable name has a median home value of $217,000 and a population of approximately 2,600. Valentine is situated just a few miles from the Nebraska/South Dakota border and is a peaceful, quiet town perfect for retirees looking to leave the fast-paced city life behind.
Every August, the Cherry County Rodeo comes to town. Northeast of Valentine is the Fort Niobrara Wilderness, with endless biking, camping, and hiking opportunities along popular trails like Fort Falls Trail. The popular Cowboy Trail spans the Niobrara River in the Borman Bridge Wildlife Management Area.
Deer Park Country Club and Frederick Peak Golf Club have the picturesque greens that every golf enthusiast enjoys.
Nebraska City
Nestled alongside the Nebraska/Iowa border along the shores of the Missouri River, Nebraska City has it all. Its city convenience paired with small-town charm is perfect for retirees who want to spend their golden years in a welcoming, affordable place with plenty to do. The Wildwood Historic Center showcases a historic Victorian country home built in 1869, and freezes time so that visitors can see how a well-to-do family in the late 1800s lived everyday life.
Nebraska City has a great downtown shopping center, with charming boutique shops such as CRUSH Boutique, Apple House Market, and the Antique Shoppe, where most retirees can find the perfect something for their home or loved ones.
Fremont
Just a few miles northwest of Omaha, Fremont is a comfortable suburb with a median home value of $244,000. It's best known for its river views, as Fremont is just north of the Platte River and the Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area. Water recreation is popular in Fremont, as locals and visitors alike enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming. Many gorgeous parks along the river provide ample opportunity for scenic walks and jogs, such as Luther Hormel Memorial Park and Fremont State Recreation Area.
But it's not just outdoor recreation that makes Fremont such a great place to retire. Indoor attractions include cultural hotspots like the Louis E. May Museum, located in an Italian Renaissance-style house built in 1874. Gallery 92 West, run by the Fremont Area Art Association, is where local artists can thrive, including retirees looking to flex their creative talents.
Lexington
Where do military tanks, homemade vintages, and antiques come together? Lexington. This central Nebraska town has a median home value of $203,000. The Dawson County Historical Museum offers a peek back in time with artifacts from Lexington's history.
Bargain John's Antiques has all sorts of odds and ends, helping retirees find that perfect something for their homes. Retirees can relax and enjoy the town's lush scenery at Mac's Creek Winery & Brewery, where they can sip handmade local vintages or local brews. History lovers will find hours of fun at Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles, where they can see tanks, Jeeps, and other military vehicles on display. When the grandkids come to visit, there's no end of fun to be had at the Dawson County Children's Museum and the nearby Kearney Area Children's Museum (located just 40 minutes east of Lexington in Kearney).
For Comfortable, Adventurous Golden Years, The Towns On Our List Never Disappoint
Every retiree is different and may want different things out of their retirement years. That's what makes the towns on our list so attractive. Whether retirees are searching for outdoor recreation near a large body of water or prioritize cozy museums and downtown shopping, there's something to love in each of the towns we listed.
From state parks to antique stores to culture-rich museums showcasing Nebraska's proud heritage, these Nebraska gems offer everything seniors could want in retirement.
