Scottsbluff questions (Omaha, Lincoln, Gering: live, garden, moving to)

[PattiAnn]

My husband and I are considering moving to the Scottsbluff area. I saw some pictures that were several years old of how low the rivers and lakes were in that end of the state. How bad is the drought? Is the water coming back up?

Also does anyone have an opinion of medical care in the area? I was told that we might want to go to Denver for medical care which seemed extreme.

[tpabes]

The drought is better, but out west (Scottsbluff is still struggling). As of right now the water is coming back up, but it will take several years of good snowpack in the mountains to fill lakes in Wyoming, the onto Nebraska. Timely and good rains like we had over most of Nebraska will help too, to cut back on irrigation, although out near Scottsbluff is more ranching. Overall I would say things are looking up concerning the drought, especially concerning where we were about a year ago. What I know about medical care is that Scottsbluff has a regional medical center for there area, so I'm guessing they offer a decent amount of services. Going to Denver would be for more complicated matters, I'm guessing. It is no different than any other out state city in Nebraska, who would get sent to Lincoln or Omaha for more specialized or complicated matters. If I remember right Scottsbluff is also connected to Cheyenne and Poudre Valley (Fort Collins/Loveland) in some way, so you might not get sent clear to Denver for more specialized care. In my opinion Scottsbluff/Gering is one of the prettiest areas of the state and with it being a regional hub, it has quite a bit to offer for a "metro" (for lack of a better term) its size.

[mattpoulsen]

For the size of the city Scottsbluff has an excellent hospital. My wife will actually be there this summer doing a rotation. Like tpades said, Denver is where you would go for more serious matters.

I'll also second tpade's opinion on the area's beauty. I would say its the most or nearly the most scenic place in Nebraska.

[itsMeFred]

Another vote for the quality of Scottsbluff Regional. It's an excellent hospital and has a lot of big-city services/clinics (though many of them come in on set dates, rather than being permanent fixtures)

The drought is still holding on in the panhandle. However, unless you're in the business of growing grass or crops, it won't make a whole lot of difference to you.

I love the 'Bluffs area. I woudn't hesitate to move there.

[PattiAnn]

Is recreational water accessible? Out here in AZ where I am if you are handicapped or can't walk far you can forget the local water (Lake Mead) which is what we moved here for. It's way down.

Also what about gardening? In most areas would you be able to garden without bringing in a lot of garden soil or planter mix? Do they 'ration' outdoor water use?

[tpabes]

Well Lake McConahgy in Ogallala is probably your closest lake in Nebraska (not sure about Wyoming), it is also down below normal levels, there are some people on this form who have been out there so they can better answer your accesibilty questions.

Again not sure, since I don't live out there, but here in central Nebraska the most rationing you get is that you can only water your lawn every other night.

[awoods2]

Originally Posted by PattiAnn

Also what about gardening? In most areas would you be able to garden without bringing in a lot of garden soil or planter mix? Do they 'ration' outdoor water use?

The soil in Scottsbluff is just fine. Some would say it is some of the best soil in the world.

Outdoor water use is rarely if ever rationed, and if it is it is only for a day or two (due to things like broken water mains, wells being worked on ect.) When it really gets bad the city might ask (very nicely) people to limit water use.
Adam

[PattiAnn]

Would anyone recommend Nebraska Life or NebraskaLand as good magazines to get a feel for the area? Any other suggestions for reading material? What about a good gardening reference book for the area? Not sure what zone that would be.

[tpabes]

Not to familar with those magazines but I'm guessing reading on wouldn't hurt. You can also read the paper online, to give you an idea of what is going on:
Star-Herald - Star Herald - Front Page

I found a place called Village Garden Center in the yellow pages, here is there site:
Home

Hope that helps!

[awoods2]

Originally Posted by PattiAnn

Would anyone recommend Nebraska Life or NebraskaLand as good magazines to get a feel for the area? Any other suggestions for reading material? What about a good gardening reference book for the area? Not sure what zone that would be.

Nebraska Land and Nebraska Life are both good reads. This area would be a zone 5 or 4 depending on which map you use.
Adam