How is Scottsbluff? (Hastings, York, Gering: fit in, home, theatre)

[soundforlanguage81]

"Scottsbluff however went from 14,732 to 14,692 (-.8%)
and Gering went from 7,751 to 7,645 (-1.7%)

Not that bad but I have to wonder why they aren't experiencing similar growth."



Location, location, location.

No population gain and very minor population loss is fine with me.

[Go Ne]

True, its not significant so Scottsbluff will be fine, once the highway is done I see some growth occurring there.

[SurfOmaha]

Originally Posted by Go Ne

Scottsbluff seems to be the only major city/town thats not growing, atleast in the city limits.
In City Limits pop.
Columbus went from 20,971 to 21,399 (+.4%)
Lexington went from 10011 to 10115 (+1.1%)
North Platte went from 23,878 to 24,079 (+1.1%)
Norfolk went from 23,146 to 23,516 (+1.5%)
The tri-cities have seemed to have boomed in the last 7 years.
Hastings went from 24,064 to 25,343 (+5.4%!)
Kearney went from 27,431 to 30,129 (+ 8.7%!)
and Grand Island went from 42,940 to 44,802 (+3%)

Scottsbluff however went from 14,732 to 14,692 (-.8%)
and Gering went from 7,751 to 7,645 (-1.7%)

Not that bad but I have to wonder why they aren't experiencing similar growth.

Because they are ignored by the rest of Nebraska.

[IsThisOneTaken?]

Originally Posted by SurfOmaha

Because they are ignored by the rest of Nebraska.

Scottsbluff is in Nebraska? I thought they were in some mythical land known as "Wyo-braska?"

Just listen to the radio when you're up that way: "Wyo-braska weather for today..."

[IsThisOneTaken?]

Originally Posted by soundforlanguage81

I remember some talk of this in the 90's, I suppose it would make sense on the government level, but I really like the character of both towns (especially Gering). I'm sure merging the two would definitely take a lot away from Scottsbluff and Gering's individual charm.

Also, if this were to eventually happen would they merge the name? "Scottsbluff-Gering" I suppose a lot of people say it that way already.

We shall see.

This past session, the Legislature passed a bill which would enable cities of their size to merge more seamlessly. They already share quite a few services. Picking a name would probably be the single largest sticking point. Go with Terrytown!!!

[tpabes]

Originally Posted by IsThisOneTaken?

This past session, the Legislature passed a bill which would enable cities of their size to merge more seamlessly. They already share quite a few services. Picking a name would probably be the single largest sticking point. Go with Terrytown!!!

I believe another reason is with the new combined population they would qualify for more grants and government money.

[Firstacts]

As a former mayor of Terrytown I can say the three cities have heir own unique way of sharing space, services and rivalry.

The quality of life in Scotsbluff/Gering (Terrytown apparently is the slash - lol) improved dramatically during the 18 years I lived in the Tri-cities.

I have been gone about three years now, but my family still misses the friends made there. The YMCA in Scottsbluff is a huge asset along with the Monument Valley Pathways that links all three communities. The zoo is small, but worthwhile. Multiple fishing ponds (state record Northern Pike came from Terry's Lake - pardon my promotion of the city - old habits you know).

What I miss most...

Friends, former co-workers, and those who listened to the radio station I managed.
Christmas on the prairie at the Scottsbluff National Monument.
Our church family.
The more natural places to get away and explore.

Perhaps not the utopian dream, but you could do much worse.

Large enough to have more than you really need, small enough to make connections easily.

Perhaps all three communities will one day be one. I do like the idea of Terrytown, but with my background I would have to say it will probably be a name that is seperate from any of the names Scottsbluff, Terrytown or Gering.

I also agree it would help with grants and other expansions.

By the way, next time we go back for a visit - I'm going to Chilis.

Some personal recomends if you go for a visit.

Coffee - Cappuccino and Co. (On Broadway)

Homegrown restaurant - The Woodshed (Just off broadway)

Baked goods - The Bagel Shop (In Scottsbluff and Gering)

Mexican food (Too many good ones to mention)

Wonderful and historic theater (Midwest - downtown).

Lots of history in Gering, lots of commerce in Scottsbluff, one of the best views of the monument - Terrytown.

Seriously I need to stop. Hope this helps in some way.

[stockwiz]

I'm going to drive to Scottsbluff this summer to see what it's like and if there's any jobs. I'm attracted to it's mild winters and proximity to the Black Hills, Denver and the scenic mountains to the west, which of course are one of the large reasons for the mild winters.

Right now I live in an area that's going to be -25F tonight.

I enjoy jogging so I would really be able to take advantage of the warmer temps.

[TODD04]

Originally Posted by Go Ne

Scottsbluff seems to be the only major city/town thats not growing, atleast in the city limits.
In City Limits pop.
Columbus went from 20,971 to 21,399 (+.4%)
Lexington went from 10011 to 10115 (+1.1%)
North Platte went from 23,878 to 24,079 (+1.1%)
Norfolk went from 23,146 to 23,516 (+1.5%)
The tri-cities have seemed to have boomed in the last 7 years.
Hastings went from 24,064 to 25,343 (+5.4%!)
Kearney went from 27,431 to 30,129 (+ 8.7%!)
and Grand Island went from 42,940 to 44,802 (+3%)

Scottsbluff however went from 14,732 to 14,692 (-.8%)
and Gering went from 7,751 to 7,645 (-1.7%)

Not that bad but I have to wonder why they aren't experiencing similar growth.

Because there is not that much entertainment. People even leave to go somewhere else to go shopping! We need more things to do, besides go to bars. Mostly for young adults. [quote]

[FESTER]

I too will be retiring in about 4 years here in Mi.and I have been looking around for a new location. I have never considered western Nebraska, but you have opened my eyes here. Milder winters, lower taxes, small town living, that's what I am looking for. I live in a very rural area now, and I wouldn't want to change that. Michigan is falling apart on all levels. Does Nebraska have a state income tax? This tread has really peaked my interest.