Nebraska for retirement? (Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island: homes, promotional, transfer)

[silverwing]

Just an idea that Spouse and I are kicking around.....

We were transferred from our native Midwest (St. Louis and Kansas City areas are where we are each from originally) to North Carolina 20 years ago. This has been a great area as far as mild winters, being close to the beach and mountains, yadda yadda ... but in thinking about retirement and our plans for those years, we're kinda thinking about moving back to the middle of the country. Cost of living is one factor. It's definitely on the rise here, vs what our Midwest family members deal with. And we also have a strong wish to see the western part of the country. We've been all up and down this side: colonial Virginia, Civil War history, antebellum Georgia, Washington DC, the touristy parts of Florida - done all that. Now, we want to go out west, but the distance from this part of the country, and the cost of traveling there and back will probably be outside our means if we stay here in the east. So, we've thought about setting up a central base. And we want to be closer to our families, but not too close, if ya know what I mean .

Nebraska seems to pop up as a favorable option to us, only where? We don't want Big City. Everyone goes on about Charlotte and Raleigh as the place to live in this state, while those are the places we avoid like the plague. We live in a rural area now, while still being within 30 minutes of shopping and good medical care. So, it seems that being on the same side of the state as Omaha and Lincoln would be our best fit, yet not too close to those cities.

Can anyone recommend towns that would be good for folks who are now eligible for AARP but not so old that we are scoping out nursing homes? We intend to be active seniors; traveling and being social; but know that the years ahead will also have a greater focus on more regular doctor visits and the inevitable nostrums. And, we'll have a less flexible income to live on, as well.

[SCGranny]

I can't help you around Omaha and Lincoln areas. But I can tell you that the small community hospital in Valentine is excellent, efficient, and - coming from SC - VERY inexpensive. There are a lot of things to do if you like socializing; there are trail rides and town gatherings, church bazzars and plays and skits and Old West Days and... even the cattle auctions are fun! Folks come into town for 50 miles for these things, and a lot of the smaller towns have their own little festivals and gatherings. The children are polite and decent for the most part, and wear their pants properly belted at the waist. The local restaurants have really good food at reasonable prices. There isn't a whole lot of the Applebee's/Outback/Olive Garden mindset; the food is really wholesome (the Bunkhouse has a bean soup to die for!); steaks, prime rib, huge hamburgers with fresh fixin's, roast beef and gravy like Gramma used to make. Not a whole lot of seafood of course. There is a Pizza Hut, Subway, and McDonald's in town. Socializing at the bar means watching Huskers football in season, or some nights just playing darts, cribbage, and poker. No Wal Mart for 150 miles, but some great local stores and store owners who will accomodate your needs or tell you someone who will.

I got tired of 'cultural diversity' that was just another excuse for folks who didn't want to work and who lived generationally on the dole. The folks here work 10 to 16 hours a day and don't see a thing wrong with it - but just as they work hard, they play hard, too! They are funny, friendly and warm, but aren't 'up in your business' - they'll leave you alone if you want to be left alone!

[kallen101]

I think Waverly is a great city... I wouldn't mind moving there myself. Although... I'm not sure how close is too close to Lincoln for your... another option might be Seward or Milford... both great places as well... which are further out then Waverly is.

[roots'nbulbs]

You might check out Kearney. It has several "sides" to it: 1.) It exists in an agriculture based area and is populated with farmers as well as white-collar workers. (2.) It holds a University and, therefore, offers excellent cultural events as well as youthful food and fun and shopping and biking trails and parks and museums.....and, a major medical network....and, attractive neighborhoods.... (3.) Its location on I 80 will, easily, take you to all points West--or--Omaha and Lincoln for more fun--about 2 hours on the road. Denver--about 6-7 hours, on the road.

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by kallen101

I think Waverly is a great city... I wouldn't mind moving there myself. Although... I'm not sure how close is too close to Lincoln for your... another option might be Seward or Milford... both great places as well... which are further out then Waverly is.

...or Ashland...

[GraniteStater]

The best smaller towns in Nebraska are Kearney and Nebraska City. Both have a decent amount of amenities. Kearney has the university and Nebraska City is not far from Omaha. Both locations would be a good choice for retirees.

[Flat Water 1867]

If you want to be within a reasonable commute to Omaha/Lincoln but still want small town life in the Eastern part of Nebraska, I highly recommend you check out Nebraska City. Best small town in the entire state, in my opinion. Hope you make the move back to the happy side of the Mississippi River!

[V1VrV2]

Since everyone is making their pitch for favorite small Nebraska town, I'll add mine.

I spent 10 years living in Aurora in the South Central part of the state and -- risking sounding like a Chamber promotional flyer -- it is a surprisingly up-and-coming, progressive, yet wholesome community that really has a lot going for it. You mention you like travel and Aurora's location is ideal since it gives you easy access to the Interstate and to larger communities like Grand Island, Hastings and further away, Kearney. The drive to Lincoln is an hour and the trip to Omaha can be made just inside of two. Of course, having the interstate nearby means you can get pretty much anywhere with minimal hassle.

The town itself has a lot going on for a small community and, in recent years, they've done a great job expanding and recruiting businesses through aggressive economic development efforts. That means that unlike other smaller communities, Aurora seems to be growing and adding businesses and residents instead of contracting. For me, that's the biggest selling point since it means the community will be vibrant for years to come.

Here's some links to check out for more information. Of course, let me know if you have any specific questions and I'd be happy to help!

AuroraNebraska.com

City of Aurora

AuroraNewsRegister.com

[margotmacomber]

My husband and I are both from the midwest but spent the last 25 years in NC, military. We are retiring to Loup City. Great school for our teenager,close to Kearney and Grand Island. Nice community.