Small-Town America...in Nebraska? (Omaha, Lincoln: agriculture, budget, travel)

[stotan88]

Hi all,

I'm currently writing a novel, and I'm hoping to have it takes place in a small town where agriculture is the predominant industry in that area. I am looking for that classic "small town America" feel, but I need agriculture to be a big part of the area in order for my story to work. I've looked at several central States but I've yet to find a location that I feel strongly enough about. When (if) I find this location I hope to travel there to gain more information about it, but seeing as I live in Canada, I want to make sure it's the "right" place before I travel all the way over there since my budget is slightly limited.

Any sort of information of attractive small towns in Nebraska (or any other state for that matter) would be great! As well, if I could get some information on the type of agriculture that dominates the area that would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your time,
Dan Goldberg

[tpabes]

Get a Nebraska map, avoid Omaha and Lincoln (although quite linked to ag themselves) and through a dart. All these areas are very ag oriented. Are you looking for a super small town (say under 1000) or a little bigger?

[stotan88]

Originally Posted by tpabes

Get a Nebraska map, avoid Omaha and Lincoln (although quite linked to ag themselves) and through a dart. All these areas are very ag oriented. Are you looking for a super small town (say under 1000) or a little bigger?

probably less than 1000 in population. I really want that community-style town, where everyone knows everyone.

Would you have any suggestions of an attractive/small/comfy small town in Nebraska? And also (sorry to be so demanding ), thoughit isn't necessarily essential to my story, it would help if the county/counties around the town are mainly flat, not a lot of mountains or hilly areas.

Any info at all is greatly appreciated Thanks again!

[tpabes]

For example, a town like Hampton, Ne would work. It is in Hamilton county, fairly flat area, under 1000 people, people know each other. The main business is the Co-op and it is very much a farming community.

Or towns like Paxton, Ne would work and you would get a little more of a ranching experience there over Hampton.

You also asked about other states, you probably could find these towns in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, which would be closer to you for travel budget. Heck you could even probably find it in south central Canada.

[stotan88]

Thank you for all your help! I will definitely check those towns out. According to what you've said, they sound great. However any other suggestions at all by anyone would be more than appreciated

And yes, I was thinking of using Canada at first, but I realized the plot/setting seems to work better if it is in America. Hard to explain, I know, but perhaps you'll read it one day and understand why

[Dave1215]

When you say agrigulturure... do you prefer farming or ranching? if you have a specific interest that might help narrow the part of the state you look at...

Agree with the prior post of throw a dart anywhere other than Omaha/Lincoln or along I-80....

Do you care if its a growing community, stable community, or declining community (as far as population growth of the last decade)... that might also help target a small town.

We can give you a community of 1 or a community of 30,000....

[stotan88]

Originally Posted by Dave1215

When you say agrigulturure... do you prefer farming or ranching? if you have a specific interest that might help narrow the part of the state you look at...

Agree with the prior post of throw a dart anywhere other than Omaha/Lincoln or along I-80....

Do you care if its a growing community, stable community, or declining community (as far as population growth of the last decade)... that might also help target a small town.

We can give you a community of 1 or a community of 30,000....

well I'm thinking the town, though attractive and comfortable, not a lot is going on. A stable community probably, definitely not growing in population. Probably a stable community, not growing in population thats for sure. To give you a bit of a snippet of my tale, one of the characters has a big dream and wants tog et out of the town, since there is not much opportunity there. It has to be a small town, like less than 1000.

As for the type of agriculture, I'd say any sort of crop farming, barley, grains, wheat, etc. Cattle could work as well, but i think crops would be best

[Go Ne]

Plainview NE works well, a little over 1000 but it is a town where people know almost everyone. There are also a few things such as a pool but thats about it, the character could be working at the subway thats in town or something like that.

[Miss Martha]

Have you tried looking in Kansas?

[Dave1215]

fyi... a list of towns in Nebraska that are less than 1,000

also, the State's Department of Economic Development has an actual film office where they help people do sight location... I bet they would be of great help if you email or call them. Here is a link to the State of Nebraska Film Office from the website, phone is 800-228-4307 and email is info@filmnebraska.org

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