Wichita
Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, combines metropolitan living with Midwestern hospitality. Located along the Arkansas River, this community celebrates its aviation heritage while offering diverse rental options. Current rental trends show one-bedroom apartments averaging $799, while two-bedroom units average $1,005. The rental market includes downtown loft apartments in converted warehouses and residential communities in established neighborhoods like College Hill and Riverside. Old Town, housed in restored 19th-century buildings, features local shops and entertainment venues. As the "Air Capital of the World," Wichita maintains strong ties to aerospace manufacturing through major employers like Textron Aviation and Spirit AeroSystems. The city's outdoor spaces include the expansive Riverside Park and the Sedgwick County Zoo. Wichita State University enhances the northeast area with educational and cultural opportunities. Community events bring residents together throughout the year, with the Wichita River Festival hosting activities and celebrations along the Arkansas River. The Keeper of the Plains statue, standing where the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers meet, represents an important landmark celebrating the region's Native American heritage.
Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska combines Midwestern hospitality with metropolitan amenities in the state's capital city. Home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the city maintains a welcoming atmosphere while offering diverse cultural experiences. The historic Haymarket District anchors downtown with its beautifully restored warehouses, now home to local shops and eateries. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the extensive trail system, including the MoPac Trail, while Pioneers Park Nature Center and Sunken Gardens provide natural retreats within city limits. The housing market remains accessible, with current average rents ranging from $958 for studios to $2,445 for four-bedroom units, showing a moderate annual increase of 2.4%. Lincoln's neighborhoods each offer distinct characteristics, from the expanding downtown district to the tree-lined streets of the Near South and Country Club areas. The University of Nebraska adds to city life through Husker athletics, performing arts events, and academic programs. The Lied Center for Performing Arts and Sheldon Museum of Art showcase the city's dedication to cultural enrichment. The Nebraska State Capitol, completed in 1932, stands as the second-tallest state capitol in the nation, featuring striking art deco architecture. The Telegraph District represents the city's newest development area, while the East Campus neighborhood and Mount Emerald showcase established residential communities with tree-lined streets and historic homes.
Hastings
Hastings is a small city in south-central Nebraska, located about 25 miles south of Grand Island. The entire community exudes a timeless small-town atmosphere, particularly in the historic Downtown district: start your day with a caffeine boost at Blue Moon Coffee Company, or wind down with a cold pint at First Street Brewing Company. The city’s Highlands Park is home to the famous Fisher Rainbow Fountain, a local landmark and the largest water fountain for hundreds of miles around. On the east side, Hastings College and Central Community College serve as cultural hubs for the city and employ many locals. The local rental market features a diverse selection of apartments, condos, and single-family homes, with great options available for any taste, budget, or lifestyle.
