Is Lincoln, NE, a Good Place to Live? 5 Pros and Cons

Nestled within the coronary heart of the Nice Plains, Lincoln, NE, stands as a charming metropolis that blends historical past, pure magnificence, and Midwestern appeal – drawing consideration from these looking for a well-rounded residing expertise. Whether or not you’re considering shopping for a house in Lincoln, NE and at the moment searching listings on Redfin otherwise you’re taking a look at renting an residence within the metropolis, it’s essential to weigh the professionals and cons that include calling Lincoln, NE, house. 

On this article, we’ll dive into the varied aspects of life in Lincoln, unveiling the distinctive benefits and potential challenges of residing on this thriving neighborhood. By exploring the professionals and cons, you’ll achieve worthwhile insights to assist make an knowledgeable choice about whether or not Lincoln, NE, is an effective place to reside for you.

Execs of residing in Lincoln, NE

1. Vibrant cultural scene

Lincoln boasts a vibrant cultural scene with a wealthy tapestry of arts, music, and theater. The town is house to quite a few artwork galleries, reside music venues, and a thriving theater neighborhood. Residents can immerse themselves in a various vary of cultural experiences, from native artwork displays and reside performances to music festivals and neighborhood occasions. With the Haymarket District and the historic Railyard as hubs of exercise, there’s at all times one thing thrilling occurring in Lincoln’s cultural sphere.

“Lincoln is a tremendous place to reside as a result of it has the facilities of a bigger metropolis whereas sustaining the sense of neighborhood of a smaller city, particularly close to the south aspect,” explains Indigo Bridge, a neighborhood bookstore, cafe, and neighborhood area highlighting tales written by and for underrepresented communities. “The distinctive a part of this neighborhood is the truth that you will discover companies that you just wouldn’t be capable to discover anyplace else, like Grateful Bread, Pepe’s Bistro, Meadowlark Cafe, and Planted and Co. Much more than that, the neighborhood usually comes collectively to take care of each other with fundraising and cultural occasions.”

2. Reasonably priced price of residing

One of the crucial interesting elements of residing in Lincoln is its reasonably priced price of residing, which is at the moment 8% decrease than the nationwide common as of Might 24, 2023. In comparison with nationwide averages, utilities, on a regular basis bills, and housing costs are comparatively low, permitting residents to stretch their budgets additional. The truth is, the median sale value for a house in Lincoln was $285,000 in April 2023, nearly $125,000 lower than the nationwide median sale value. 

3. Thriving restaurant scene

Lincoln is house to a thriving restaurant scene that caters to numerous tastes and preferences. Whether or not you’re a meals fanatic, a connoisseur of worldwide delicacies, or just on the lookout for a memorable eating expertise, Lincoln gives a big selection of culinary choices. From farm-to-table eateries to ethnic eating places, fashionable cafes to superb eating institutions, there’s something to go well with each palate. 

The town takes satisfaction in supporting native companies, and lots of eating places showcase domestically sourced elements, highlighting the area’s agricultural abundance. Meals festivals and occasions additional improve the eating scene, permitting residents to take pleasure in a wide range of flavors and uncover new culinary delights. With its ever-growing assortment of eating places and eateries, Lincoln supplies a vibrant culinary panorama that guarantees pleasant culinary adventures for residents and guests alike.

mother and daughter eating lunch together at restaurant

4. Abundance of issues to do

Dwelling in Lincoln means by no means working out of issues to do and discover. Nature fanatics can discover the expansive community of parks, mountain climbing trails, and scenic spots, having fun with actions resembling biking, birdwatching, and kayaking. Lincoln additionally boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with artwork galleries, museums, and theaters showcasing native and worldwide expertise. Sports activities fanatics can cheer on the College of Nebraska-Lincoln’s athletic groups or take part in varied leisure leagues. Moreover, town hosts quite a few occasions and festivals all year long, such because the annual Lincoln Arts Competition and the Lancaster County Tremendous Honest, celebrating music, meals, and cultural heritage.

“Lincoln has a ton of inexperienced area,” shares Nebraska Brewery and Vineyard Cross, the state’s solely move the place you may expertise over 200 breweries, wineries and extra. “From our state parks and trails to our outside venues there are many issues to do exterior. Lincoln additionally has an excellent bar scene. You possibly can stroll and discover one thing totally different at each cease from Haymarket all the best way to ‘O’ Avenue. As well as, there are at all times occasions downtown which might be made for everybody and accessible.”

5. Handy location

Lincoln’s geographical location gives a singular benefit for residents. Located within the coronary heart of the Midwest, town enjoys a central place that gives handy entry to different main locations. With its proximity to Interstate 80, touring to close by cities and states is comparatively simple. Whether or not you’re planning a weekend getaway, visiting household and buddies, or embarking on a enterprise journey, Lincoln’s location makes it a handy place to begin. 

Moreover, Lincoln advantages from a well-connected transportation infrastructure, together with a regional airport with direct flights to main hubs. This accessibility permits residents to get pleasure from the advantages of a thriving metropolis whereas additionally having the flexibleness to discover neighboring areas with out intensive journey commitments. 

The city's location makes Lincoln a good place to live

Cons of residing in Lincoln, NE

1. Harsh winters

One of many notable challenges of residing in Lincoln is the cruel winter local weather. The town experiences chilly temperatures and vital snowfall, which may make each day commutes and outside actions tougher in the course of the winter months. Snow elimination efforts assist mitigate the affect, but it surely’s essential to be ready for winter climate situations and plan accordingly.

2. Restricted public transportation

Lincoln’s public transportation system is comparatively restricted in comparison with bigger metropolitan areas. Whereas town does have a bus system, the routes and frequency of service might not be as intensive as in another cities. This may make commuting and getting across the metropolis and not using a personal car more difficult, notably for these reliant on public transportation.

3. Allergy symptoms

Lincoln, NE, might current challenges for people that suffer from allergic reactions. The town is thought for its seasonal allergens, resembling pollen from bushes, grasses, and weeds, which may set off allergic reactions and hay fever signs. Throughout sure instances of the 12 months, notably spring and fall, allergen ranges might be excessive, inflicting discomfort for these with sensitivities. 

The choice to maneuver to Lincoln will depend on particular person preferences, priorities, and private circumstances. By rigorously evaluating the professionals and cons, you may decide if Lincoln aligns together with your life-style and gives the alternatives and facilities you search. 

woman blowing her nose with a tissue at home

4. Excessive climate situations

Aside from the cruel winters, Lincoln can be susceptible to extreme climate situations resembling thunderstorms and tornadoes in the course of the spring and summer time months. Whereas town has efficient emergency response techniques in place, residents want to stay vigilant and ready for extreme climate occasions.

5. Excessive taxes

One of many potential drawbacks of residing in Lincoln is the comparatively excessive tax burden. The town and state impose varied taxes, together with earnings taxes, property taxes, and gross sales taxes. Whereas taxes are essential to fund public companies and infrastructure, the upper tax charges in Lincoln in comparison with another areas can affect residents’ funds. Property taxes, particularly, generally is a vital expense for owners. 

It’s essential for people and households to rigorously think about their price range and monetary objectives when assessing the affect of upper taxes. Nevertheless, it’s value noting that tax charges and the perceived affect might range relying on particular person circumstances and comparisons to different areas.