Lincoln, NE Area Guide

Originally founded as Lancaster in 1856 on salt marshes, Lincoln was renamed after President Abraham Lincoln and chosen as the state capital in 1869. The Nebraska State Capitol shapes the skyline with its art deco tower, a project that was completed in 1932 and designed by Bertram G. Goodhue. Inside, you'll find murals, mosaics, and sculptures that tell the story of the state. The building is open for tours, and many residents make a point to show visitors the observation deck. The Historic Haymarket District preserves the city's railroad and warehouse roots with brick-paved streets and 19th-century warehouses that have been converted into restaurants, shops, and galleries.

Home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the state capital, Lincoln has cultivated a food culture that blends classic American dishes with international flavors. The historic Haymarket District is a hub of culinary activity, from farm-to-table restaurants to cozy cafes and craft breweries. Neighborhoods like College View, Havelock, and the Near South offer everything from neighborhood diners to international cuisine, ensuring that residents have diverse dining options close to home. The city's growing craft beer culture has helped fuel a full food-and-drink event calendar, with local markets and outdoor festivals drawing large crowds. The Railyard entertainment district is another popular spot, offering a concentration of dining and drinking options in a vibrant, walkable setting.

Most Lincoln residents rely on personal vehicles to get around. Major roadways like Interstate 80, US-77, and O Street provide convenient cross-town access and connect Lincoln to Omaha and surrounding communities. For those who prefer not to drive, Lincoln's StarTran bus system connects many neighborhoods to downtown, the State Capitol, and University of Nebraska Lincoln's City Campus, providing solid public transit for daily commuters. The city has invested in an extensive network of bike paths and trails, including the popular MoPac Trail, which stretches east from the city through the Nebraska countryside. Sidewalks are common throughout most neighborhoods, making walking a practical choice for shorter trips.

Lincoln's park system gives residents plenty of green space to explore. Pioneers Park Nature Center offers hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, and wide-open green spaces. Sunken Gardens in Antelope Park is another local favorite, with stunning floral displays that draw visitors throughout the season. Holmes Lake Park, another regional park, offers fishing, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails around the lake.

Lincoln's extensive trail network, including the MoPac Trail, connects neighborhoods and parks across the city, making it easy to add some outdoor recreation to your daily routine. The trail system weaves through several community green spaces, giving cyclists and walkers a scenic way to get around.

Lincoln, Nebraska offers renters a cost of living that is notably below the national average. Across apartment sizes, the average rent for a studio is $971/month, a one-bedroom averages $1,090/month, a two-bedroom averages $1,334/month, and a three-bedroom averages $1,607/month. The overall cost of living in Lincoln is 6.5% lower than the national average, and the overall housing cost is 23% lower than the national average. Renters can expect to pay 2.2% less for groceries, 6.2% less for utilities, and 3.1% less for transportation.

The Historic Haymarket District, a revitalized warehouse area in the heart of downtown, boasts locally owned boutiques and specialty retailers paired with eateries. The Haymarket Farmers Market draws crowds with its fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local goods. Just east of downtown, the Telegraph District offers another walkable area with independent shops and small businesses.

Lincoln offers a range of shopping options spread across the city to suit a variety of budgets. The Railyard, a pedestrian-friendly entertainment, adds to the downtown shopping experience with a mix of shops and outdoor space. South and east Lincoln are home to established retail corridors along O Street and near SouthPointe Pavilions, where larger shopping centers provide big-box stores and national brands.

Lincoln, Nebraska’s State Capitol, the second tallest in the nation, is an architectural landmark that shapes the city’s skyline. Cultural institutions like the Lied Center for Performing Arts and the Sheldon Museum of Art provide a thriving arts scene, and Pinnacle Bank Arena draws major concerts for events in the heart of downtown.

The city's affordable housing market, straightforward layout, and connected roadways via I-80 and US-77 make getting around simple. From the walkable Telegraph District to the tree-lined streets of the Near South neighborhood, Lincoln has a lot to offer anyone looking to put down roots in the Midwest.