ÐÓ°ÉPro

The Cornhusker State offers an affordable, enjoyable Midwestern lifestyle. Whether you’re on the hunt for a , well below , moving for work, or to be closer to family, Nebraska has plenty of room for you. 

Looking to move to small-town Nebraska? Start by getting a quote from ÐÓ°ÉPro.

While Nebraska tends to see the in its larger counties, The U.S. as a whole has witnessed more people than ever leaving bigger cities and moving to small towns. Over the span of 2020-2022 alone, the U.S. saw over 2 million people leave some of the biggest cities and retreat to more suburban areas. 

Aside from the affordability perks and strong economy, Nebraska is a place with many interesting museums, art galleries, and festivals to explore and experience. The state is also home to a variety of stellar educational opportunities at institutions like the .

The natural beauty in Nebraska never gets old, as places like and provide some spectacular scenery, along with the opportunity to engage in some fun outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

Big Cities vs. Small Towns in Nebraska

Nebraska gives a lot of credit to its big cities like Omaha and Lincoln, as they truly have bustling and vibrant spirits of their own with lots of opportunities and fun things to do. Residents of these cities are in much closer proximity to some of the state’s best festivals and events, restaurants, and more of a variety of job opportunities. These cities do have their fair share of certain drawbacks, however, which include less diversity than in other major American cities, higher tax rates, and higher rates of crime overall. Here are some of the perks of living in one of the best small towns in Nebraska:

Even though housing prices and the cost of living in big Nebraska cities are still a lot more ideal than other cities in the U.S, small towns in Nebraska offer even better housing and cost of living expenses.

Some of the best art communities exist in Nebraska's small towns.

Because of the various colleges and universities in the state, some of the most lively and vibrant places in Nebraska are happening in the smaller towns.

Some of Nebraska’s small towns are still in close enough proximity to the larger cities, so residents can still easily enjoy some of those attractions.

Small Towns in Nebraska - FAQ

Q: What is the smallest village in Nebraska?
A: With a population of just above 2,600 Valentine is among one of the smallest villages in Nebraska. 

Q: What is the small town by Omaha?
A: The small town of Gretna is only a 30 minute drive away from Omaha.

Q: How many small towns are in Nebraska?
A: , which include 147 cities and nearly 400 villages.

Best Small Towns in Nebraska

Coastals can refer to much of the Midwest, snottily, as “flyover country.” They couldn’t be more wrong. The Midwest is full of hidden gems, and the small towns in Nebraska are no different. , communities tend to be tight knight, and Nebraska is famed for its friendly residents. Events, festivals, and other community gatherings are common. 

We’ve taken the liberty of hunting down the best small towns in the state to give you a head start if you’re planning to make a move. Remember, The U.S. Census designates a small town as one with a population under 5,000. We’ve decided to expand that to include towns with a population of up to 15,000 to expand your options. Keeping that in mind, here are just a few of the best small towns in Nebraska.

Gretna, Nebraska
(Source: )

1. Gretna, NE

Average rent (one-bedroom):

Average home value:

Great for:

Being close to Omaha already means there are things to do, but Gretna is home to a variety of fun activities that you can't always find in the bigger cities.

One of its most popular spots is its — a beautiful retreat designed to help people strengthen their faith. Aside from being a place for religious events, it also serves as a great venue for family gatherings and church-related activities.

If you’re looking for more touristy attractions to experience, check out and .

2. York, NE

Average rent: N/A

Average home value:

Great for:

The small college town of York in Nebraska is known for its classic Nebraska charm, and is great for families. Most notably, locals can attend , which is home to . It’s open to all ages, and the kids can even see the interactive Little Kingdom exhibit to participate in an archaeological dig or “shop” in the Roman market area!

A variety of other attractions are also located in this area, including a . Families will never have a difficult time finding something entertaining to do!

3. Beatrice, NE

Average rent (all home sizes):

Average home value:

Great for:

The small town of Beatrice has been ranked as one the , as it encompasses some of the greatest perks the state has to offer, which include interesting history spots and some great cuisine!

If you’re a fan of history, then you might have already heard of this town located near , which was created to preserve the first homestead.

Locals love eating at , and it’s even known as the self-proclaimed best restaurant in Southeast Nebraska. If you're up for a drink afterward, serves up some great beer and wine options.

Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering, Nebraska

4. Gering, NE

Average rent: N/A

Average home value:

Great for:

In Nebraska's westernmost region, the town of Gering can be found at the foot of Scotts Bluff. was used by people in the past traveling the Great Plains for centuries. Gering is also often considered one of the ghost towns in Nebraska, as an apparition is rumored to appear during the end of July or beginning of August.

Aside from this prominent national monument, Gering also offers so many activities for nature buffs of all ages. There are plenty of parks and recreation facilities in the region, like Riverside Park, where visitors can explore the . features exhibitions that have showcased the works of famous artists such as Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.

5. Nebraska City, NE

Average rent: N/A

Median home sale price:

Great for:

Nebraska City is home to , so it’s no surprise that many of the town's popular activities involve trees! is filled with excitement and fun. If you’d rather stay on the ground, you can always hike the , which features scenic views and rustic timber bridges. options are a great opportunity for kids to learn while exploring the area around them.

is also a great place to explore history in the area, as the facility features two stories of hands-on exhibits and interpretive displays.

6. McCook, NE

Average rent (all home sizes): N/A

Average home value:

Great for:

A fun fact about the small town of McCook is that it is known as the , which proposes to establish a nature preserve for bison! It is also home to many outdoor activities, at places like and . The serenity of the local draws in many campers each year.

There are various shopping opportunities in McCook — whether you choose to go Downtown or take a day trip to nearby large cities like Kearney and North Platte.

7. Ogallala, NE

Average rent: N/A

Average home value:

Great for:

The small town of Ogallala . It is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to call home, as there are plenty of opportunities to hunt, fish, and even hike. One of the most popular activities in the area is visiting .

Lake McConaughy is the largest body of water in the state. During the summer season, it is very popular for people from all around the state to visit this place. You can enjoy various activities such as swimming, boating, and camping at this lake.

Besides the lake, the town of Ogallala also has various attractions like the . This museum is located on Front Street, which is modeled after an old west town street. In addition to art galleries and a , the town also has many historic sites. Some of these include and the .

8. Seward, NE

Average rent (all home sizes): N/A

Average home value:

Great for:

Ranked #1 on Niche’s list of “” is Seward. It’s a great place for people searching for plenty of culture and entertainment opportunities close to home. on Main Street is a highlight in the area — your classic old style hotspot.

The town of Seward is most widely known for its , however. In 1979, Congress even proclaimed it “America’s Official Fourth of July City-Small Town USA.” The festival includes a parade, live entertainment, fireworks, a craft show, and great food of course!

Seward is also often considered as , as your chance of being a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 118. Seward is also safer than almost 60% of other U.S. neighborhoods.

9. Red Cloud, NE

Average rent: N/A

Average home value:

Great for:

Red Cloud is situated near the Kansas border, and is the inspiration for some of the most influential works of American literature during the early 20th Century that — thanks to Willa Cather — put Nebraska on the map.

As a child, lived in Red Cloud. Today, the Willa Cather Center offers . The town's quaint brick streets are home to many historic buildings, such as the , which was built in 1885. There is also always something fun happening in Red Cloud as the town hosts various festivals each year such as the and .

The Niobrara River in Valentine, Nebraska
(Source: )

10. Valentine, NE

Average rent (all home sizes): N/A

Average home value:

Great for:

Located on the South Dakota border, the town of Valentine seems to be in the middle of nowhere with little to offer. However, it’s #15 on Niche’s list for “.”

Valentine offers a variety of fun outdoor activities for people of all ages, like kayaking on the scenic Niobrara River or visiting — one of the best in Nebraska. Locals also love visiting the and exploring and . 

11. Aurora, NE

Average rent: N/A

Average home value:

Great for:

Located outside Grand Island, the small town known for its beautiful brick-lined streets and historic homes. The town square is also home to the , which was constructed in 1895.

In Aurora, residents have many opportunities to learn about the area's history by visiting the , which features an agricultural exhibit and a replica 19th-century schoolhouse. is another popular spot to visit.

12. Chadron, NE

Average rent: N/A

Average home value:

Great for:

The small town of Chadron is located in Nebraska's northwestern corner, and it's easy to drive to areas like the to explore the Great Plains, and with its remarkable landforms and natural beauty.

The town of Chadron was named after Louis Chartran, a fur trader. Just East of the town you can find the Museum of Fur Trade, which was established on the site of an original trading post established by the American Fur Co. in 1837.

See How ÐÓ°ÉPro Can Help You Move to One of the Best Small Towns in Nebraska

After you’ve found your ideal home in one of Nebraska's lovely and vibrant towns, let ÐÓ°ÉPro help get you there. They will provide you with a portable storage container that you can pack and load at your own pace. Once you're ready to move, the crew will pick it up and deliver it to your new residence. One month's storage is included in the price of the container, so you can easily organize your move without a rush!