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Home ยป 55+ ยป The 10 Best Places to Retire in Nebraska in 2021

The 10 Best Places to Retire in Nebraska in 2021

Nebraska is a great state for retirees who want to stay active and enjoy an exciting life during their golden years. Start your next adventure when you explore Nebraskaโ€™s historic landmarks, scenic byways, and 80 species of wildlife, including elk, pelicans, and white-tail deer.

NewHomeSource identified the top 10 cities to retire in Nebraska. You can find the perfect place to make your new home and start living the life you have always dreamed about.

Top 10 Cities to Retire in Nebraska

Skip Ahead
1. Lexington
2. Beatrice
3. South Sioux City
4.Scottsbluff
5. North Platte
6. Hastings
7. Fremont
8. Grand Island
9. Norfolk
10. Columbus
Common Questions About Retiring in Nebraska

1. Lexington

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10.3%

Median Home Value: $92,400

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 20

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 164

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3

Retirees will find Lexington to be a tranquil place to call home. It is just a few miles from Lake Johnson where you can enjoy boating, fishing, and tubing. Plenty of hiking and biking trails snake around the lake for those looking to explore nature while getting some fresh air. Lexington is also home to Macโ€™s Creek Winery & Brewery for anyone who wants to quench their thirst.  

2. Beatrice

historical courthouse located in beatrice, nebraska

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 22.8%

Median Home Value: $106,600

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 22

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 194

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 1

Beatrice is an ideal place to explore the pioneer history of Nebraska. Museums, historical parks, and national monuments make learning about this great state fun and exciting. You can also find plenty of hobbies including boutiques, pottery, and local theater to keep your schedule full.

3. South Sioux City

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.1%

Median Home Value: $116,200

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 30

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 359

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3

South Sioux City is filled with relics of yesteryear but also has all the modern conveniences youโ€™d expect. Itโ€™s perfect for retirees looking for a new place to learn and discover some of Nebraskaโ€™s unique past. Museums and monuments dotted throughout the city provide education and entertainment for everyone.

4.Scottsbluff

national monument in scottsbluff, nebraska

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.2%

Median Home Value: $116,600

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 54

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 433

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 1

If you are looking for a nice, quiet spot for retirees, look no farther than Scottsbluff. On the outskirts of popular tourist attractions, Scottsbluff lies at the base of a formation of magnificent bluffs and has all the charm of a Nebraska city โ€“ without the hustle and bustle. Youโ€™ll be surrounded by museums and historical sites that you can explore at your leisure. Or if you are so inclined, you can enjoy the art center, theater, and farmers market.

5. North Platte

Buffalo Bill farm near North Platte, Nebraska

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.6%

Median Home Value: $118,900

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 90

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 800

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 1

North Platte brings the Old West out of the pages of history into the modern era. Experience the life of โ€œBuffalo Billโ€ at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park and State Recreation Area. Or you can go horseback riding along the North Platte River at Dusty Trails. Spend your days on the water boating and fishing, or exploring the local brewery, vineyard, and restaurants.

6. Hastings

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.4%

Median Home Value: $119,800

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 46

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 727

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2

Looking for a place where you can enjoy the beautiful open skies? Or where you can learn all about your favorite folklore? Hastings, Nebraska is the place! The Hastings College Observatory and Nebraska Bigfoot Crossroads of America are just two of the attractions that make Hastings a great place to enjoy retirement. There are also recreational parks, museums, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants to suit any taste.

7. Fremont

opera house in fremont, nebraska

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.8%

Median Home Value: $132,700

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 49

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 589

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5

Fremont is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Platte River and Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area allow for fishing, swimming, boating, and camping. Want to get a closer glimpse of a deerโ€™s habit? Hop aboard Brysonโ€™s Airboat Tours and hang on to your hat. On this exciting tour, you will have an excellent opportunity to photograph the incredible scenery and wildlife.

8. Grand Island

bird migration in grand island, nebraska

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.0%

Median Home Value: $140,800

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 239

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,325

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5

Grand Island offers retirees the opportunity to enjoy a quiet life. This city has art galleries, live theater, and golf courses, as well as fun eateries. In the spring, the sandhill crane migration crosses directly above Grand Island, making tours at the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center a must.

9. Norfolk

pond in norfolk, nebraska

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.1%

Median Home Value: $145,400

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 33

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 382

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2

If you want to stay active after retirement, Norfolk is the place for you; the 195-mile Cowboy Trail is great for hiking, biking, and leisurely walks. And the Elkhorn River offers fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boating, and camping. Downtown, The Old Market is bustling with local restaurants and businesses that give Norfolk its down-home charm.

10. Columbus

street view of columbus, nebraska

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.7%

Median Home Value: $145,500

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 28

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 357

Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5

Columbus is a family town, loaded with water parks, lakes, and recreation areas that are perfect for camping and fishing. Retiring here means living in a charming, friendly community full of locally owned businesses and restaurants, along with lots of history.

Common Questions About Retiring in Nebraska

Is Nebraska tax friendly for retirees?

Unlike most other states, it does not exempt Social Security benefits from taxation. Nor does it provide any exemption or deduction for other types of retirement income, with the exception of military retirement income.

Is Lincoln Nebraska a good place to retire?

The cityโ€™s outdoor activities, strong economy, entertainment options and affordability make Lincoln one of the Best Places to Retire. Home to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln is full of youthful energy that attracts young professionals, entrepreneurs and retirees.

City NamePeople Over 65Violent CrimesProperty CrimesAccess to DoctorsMedian Home Price
Lexington10.3%201643$92,400
Beatrice22.8%221941$106,600
South Sioux City13.1%303593$116,200
Scottsbluff17.2%544331$116,600
North Platte17.6%908001$118,900
Hastings17.4%467272$119,800
Fremont17.8%495895$132,700
Grand Island14.0%2391,3255$140,800
Norfolk15.1%333822$145,400
Columbus16.7%283575$145,500
Bellevue13.8%11096116$148,900
La Vista12.8%1918116$154,300
Omaha12.8%2,88417,15218$159,700
Lincoln13.0%1,1238,1907$169,800
Kearney13.5%918105$178,900
Papillion14.4%4043316$189,900

Other Nebraska Resources

2022 Healthiest States to Live In
Top 10 State Parks in Nebraska
How to Build a House in Nebraska
The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Nebraska
2022 Guide to Closing Costs in Nebraska
20 Most Affordable States in 2021
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Nebraska
Top 10 Safest Cities in Nebraska
Jessi Gonzalez author picture
Jessi Gonzalez

Jessi Gonzalez writes on the topics of home-buying, home decor, and home-ownership for New Home Source. She has a degree from Coastal Bend College and is currently enrolled in the English degree program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

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