North Platte vs Norfolk (Omaha, Lincoln: apartments, rental, crime)

[Trailhiker]

I would like to here some comparisons between Norfolk and North Platte.

I know both are about the same size. I am familiar with the weather differences. But what about other things?

People - It is often posted on here how people in Western Nebraska differs from Eastern. Does the difference apply to small cities too, or is only noticeable in Omaha and Lincoln? Does one feel friendlier or more welcoming?

City Layout And Look - Is either city laid out better than the other? Norfolk appears to be a square grid with a little extra on the west side. Does one feel cleaner? Are the parks and public outdoor areas better in one or the other?

Crime - Neither one looks like a major crime haven. But does one feel safer than the other?

Shopping/Dining - I don't need a lot of options. But does one seem to offer more than the other?

Cost and Availability of Apartments - Norfolk seems to have plenty of cheap options, but I have had less luck finding info on North Platte, particularly prices. Has anyone had experience finding a place or renting in either one?

Jobs - I will be needing a part time job in the service industry (retail restaurant, hotel) Both places have low unemployment, so I am confident I will find something if I am not too picky. Would one be easier than the other to find something?


I think that's about it. If you have been to both and could offer some comparisons, please let me know your thoughts.

[JustMe_T3K]

Most of your questions are very subjective.

The one thing I can answer is in reference to the low unemployment in Norfolk.

If you want a low paying job and/or a job with parttime hours or want to work 2nd/3rd shift
it will be easy to get a job.

[itsMeFred]

Originally Posted by Trailhiker

People - It is often posted on here how people in Western Nebraska differs from Eastern. Does the difference apply to small cities too, or is only noticeable in Omaha and Lincoln? Does one feel friendlier or more welcoming?

I "know" Norfolk better than North Platte (though I've lived most of my life near one or the other) but I tend to think NP is the friendlier city.

City Layout And Look - Is either city laid out better than the other? Norfolk appears to be a square grid with a little extra on the west side. Does one feel cleaner? Are the parks and public outdoor areas better in one or the other?

Norfolk is laid out better. North Platte was planned by a commissioner on a bender.
Seriously, NP is pretty square. The only really confusing part is the North/South one-ways. But you figure that out in about four days.
Norfolk is pretty straightforward too. Neither is a big enough city to actually be confusing, IMO.

Crime - Neither one looks like a major crime haven. But does one feel safer than the other?

Norfolk has more gang activity. North Platte has the railroad. Crime is a toss-up.

Shopping/Dining - I don't need a lot of options. But does one seem to offer more than the other?

Norfolk, hands down.
They have all the same big chains, and more local places. The mall is bigger, there are more box stores, etc...

Cost and Availability of Apartments - Norfolk seems to have plenty of cheap options, but I have had less luck finding info on North Platte, particularly prices. Has anyone had experience finding a place or renting in either one?

Can't really speak to this one.

Jobs - I will be needing a part time job in the service industry (retail restaurant, hotel) Both places have low unemployment, so I am confident I will find something if I am not too picky. Would one be easier than the other to find something?

Norfolk has several fairly large towns within driving distance. NP, not so much. Ie, you'll have more options in Norfolk just because you'll have more options OUT of Norfolk.
Employment seems to be wider ranging in Norfolk, too, and higher paying. But that's not based on anything specific. Just the feel of the towns and friends and family who live in each.


If I had this choice, I'd choose NP for the above-mentioned friendlier feel and because it's a "western" town. Norfolk is a perfectly fine city, but I left eastern Nebraska on purpose.

[aprilia-ryan]

Hey there I live in NP right now, second time round for that fact,lol. I think its a pretty easy going nice town, Ive heard some people say its hard to be accepted here nut I dont get it....everyone has always been nice and inviting. I live in the nice apartments they have in town no pets allowed. They are the most expensive but they are full alot too ,but always seems to be a 1 bdrm opn. I have a 2 bdrm one bath with washer dryer rental and water included for $630 a month i think.
It is a railroad town so jobs in that aspect are limited but plenty of hotles, gas stations,and fast, plus wally world that stay open all night. They also have the Walmart distribution center here, not sure how often the hire.
If you get a home in town, the tax is retarded high, its insane and what drives most people away. Seems most that retire leave as soon as they can because of the high taxes.
But all in all its a decent place to live ,fairly laid back and slow goin.

[Trailhiker]

Thank you to all for some very helpful information.

Since NP is a big railroad city, do you hear trains constantly, including all night?

If $630 is the price for a 2bd apartment in the nicest complex in NP, then I would most likely be okay on prices there. Which complex is this? $630 is more than I would want to spend, but I only would need a 1bd and it wouldn't have to be in the nicest complex in town.

Is there a certain part of either city I should avoid?

Norfolk may be more appealing for the simple fact that they have more commercial retail and restaurants, which are in the fields I would be seeking part-time work.

Both cities look very nice and have a lot of the things I desire. I will keep obtaining info and obviously visit to decide which one fits me best.

Any additional information would definitely be appreciated.

[aprilia-ryan]

The place I live is called Sandridge Apartments,let me know if ya pick here so I can give you my name so I can score some money,lol. Its located on Phillp and Bryan. There are several other apartments in town but would suggest ya look at them first before commtiitng on them.
As for the trains you wont here anything. Only one crossing remains way out by the airport, well 2..the other is way on other end of town near Hershey. North side of town is a little more run down in areas but no places in town you wouldnt feel safe living.

Your best bet is too visit sometime and just drive around see what they have to offer.

[Notfromne]

Lived in both. Norfolk definitely beats north platte. The standard of living is better, don't have all the transients to deal with and the people are much nicer. Was excepted in Norfolk right away. People actually smile at you and have conversations. Found those in North Platte were rude and didn't have the friendliness you would expect from small town. NP's schools sucked. The kids were bullies. Moved there from AZ and had never experienced anything like it before. I'm glad to be out of there.

[Mr Miker]

A wet cardboard box beats North Platte. I've only been through Norfolk, but I lived in NP from 2000 to 2009 and I consider those years to be nine years that I'll never get back. I'm going to stop typing before my blood pressure gets too high, I hate that place.

[joerose]

Originally Posted by Notfromne

Lived in both. Norfolk definitely beats north platte. The standard of living is better, don't have all the transients to deal with and the people are much nicer. Was excepted in Norfolk right away. People actually smile at you and have conversations. Found those in North Platte were rude and didn't have the friendliness you would expect from small town. NP's schools sucked. The kids were bullies. Moved there from AZ and had never experienced anything like it before. I'm glad to be out of there.

Interesting post...where in AZ did you live? What problems did you have in North Platte, or what problems did your kids have? tia

[Wyomama2]

We were recently in North Platte for the night, it has become fairly run down looking over the past twenty years. It doesn't appear to be thriving. Maybe there is business coming in that I didn't see??