10 Best Places to Retire in Nebraska

You want to find out the 10 best places to retire in Nebraska? No problem, that’s why we are here; to save you time and trouble.

If you like beef, pork, corn or soybeans (of course not necessarily combined), you’ll feel you are in heaven in Nebraska. This state is a major agricultural producer, and agriculture makes the backbone of the economy here. Although people around the world are trying to run away from agriculture, Nebraska is a perfect proof that agriculture works. According to the latest records, the unemployment rate in Nebraska was 2.5%, the lowest in the entire nation.

However, it isn’t all ideal in Nebraska. There are some issues with this state you should be aware of. First, there is a big issue with so-called “rural flight”. Nebraska has disproportional population density, with 89% of the cities having less than 3,000 residents and hundreds of towns having less than 1,000 residents. Another possible problem is climate, which can vary a lot. In every part of the state seasonal variations of both rainfall and temperatures happen. The summers can get unbearably hot and winters freezingly cold. Of course, there is that thing with tornados, but we don’t want to frighten you more than needed.

In our search for the best places to retire in Nebraska we used state’s 20 most livable places (with a population greater than 5,000) according to Area Vibes. After that, we checked how each of those places stands when it comes to these 4 factors – the number of physicians per capita (100,000), the cost of living, the number of residents aged 65 years and over, and the cost of living. The data were obtained from Sperling’s Best Places and U.S. Census, and we calculated the average ranking for each place, hence making it our unique list of most suitable places for retirees in Nebraska.  And, if gambling and flashy lights are more of your thing, then be sure to check out the 10 best places to retire in Nevada as well.

Now, let’s finally see the list!

10. Papillion

Cost of Living: 1% cheaper than U.S. average

Physicians per Capita: 169

Crime Rates: 29

Residents Aged 65 and Over: 11%

It looks like safety isn’t cheap at all. Considering the cost of living, Papillion is the most expensive place on our list, but also the safest one.

9. Columbus

Cost of Living: 14% cheaper than U.S. average

Physicians per Capita: 99

Crime Rates: 37,1

Residents Aged 65 and Over: 15,3%

Columbus is an agricultural and manufacturing city that relies on cheap hydropower. The city is filled with events through the whole year including weekly auto races from April to September, so you are guaranteed to be amused.

8. Blair

Cost of Living: 13% cheaper than U.S. average

Physicians per Capita: 94

Crime Rates: 32,3

Residents Aged 65 and Over: 15,3%

No, the Blair Witch Project has nothing to do with this quiet city in East Nebraska. Blair is the perfect choice for those wanting a taste of normal American life.

7. Plattsmouth

Cost of Living: 16% cheaper than U.S. average

Physicians per Capita: 83

Crime Rates: 31

Residents Aged 65 and Over: 14,7%

Plattsmouth government is trying hard to upgrade the living conditions in this city, taking numerous investments including $5.7 million worth Senior and Community Center.

6. Nebraska City

Cost of Living: 16% cheaper than U.S. average

Physicians per Capita: 45

Crime Rates: 30,5

Residents Aged 65 and Over: 19,7%

For meeting new people with similar interests, Nebraska City offers a lot of opportunities having the highest percentage of residents aged 65 and over among the 10 best places to retire in Nebraska. For leisure activities there are multiple golf courses, outdoor venues and historical sites.

5. York

Cost of Living: 17% cheaper than U.S. average

Physicians per Capita: 88

Crime Rates: 33,5

Residents Aged 65 and Over: 18,2%

York advertises itself as the city offering “all of the character of a small town with the advantages of a more populated city.” This isn’t far from the truth since the city has a low cost of living, but great facilities and transportation network.

4. Holdrege

Cost of Living: 18% cheaper than U.S. average

Physicians per Capita: 109

Crime Rates: 38,6

Residents Aged 65 and Over: 19,3%

One of the cheapest cities to live in Nebraska, Holdrege is truly a community-based place. The city is well organized and offers lots of cultural activities mainly focusing on performing arts.

3. McCook

Cost of Living: 20% cheaper than U.S. average

Physicians per Capita: 100

Crime Rates: 38,6

Residents Aged 65 and Over: 19,5%

People in McCook live the life with full lungs. There are plenty of happenings through the whole year, from hot air balloon launches to downtown parades and rodeo shows.

2. Gering

Cost of Living: 15% cheaper than U.S. average

Physicians per Capita: 222

Crime Rates: 37,4

Residents Aged 65 and Over: 17,1%

If you want a well balanced place, Gering is a retirement destination for you. The city is rather affordable, has good healthcare, there is a rising retirement community and notable venues to fill your time.

1. Ralston

Cost of Living: 12% cheaper than U.S. average

Physicians per Capita: 479

Crime Rates: 31

Residents Aged 65 and Over: 16,3%

Ralston surely deserves to be on top of our list of 10 best places to retire in Nebraska, being the only city to rank among the top 10 or top 5 in all of our criteria. Ralston is surrounded by Nebraska’s largest city Omaha, from three sides, but remains an independent city. This may be the reason why this city is the perfect retirement destination. You will be close to the large city, but you will feel like you’re in an idyllic small American town.