Best suburbs to live in Nebraska
Cities may have the nightlife, but the convenience and affordability of the suburbs are becoming hot as the millennial generation moves into its homebuying phase. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic shook up workplace norms and superheated the housing market, folks have been flocking away from major urban centers.
In Colorado, for instance, lesser-known suburbs outside of Denver such as Boulder have become magnets for young parents, ranking among the biggest destinations for out-of-state millennials who chose to move in 2023. And companies are taking note of the trend as well: Many are establishing satellite offices and new headquarters in less urban areas.
Stacker compiled a list of the best suburbs to live in Nebraska using data from Niche's 2024 Best Places to Live. Niche ranks places to live based on an array of factors, including the cost of living, educational level of residents, housing costs, and quality of schools.
#6. Bennington, Nebraska
- Population: 2,432
- Median household income: $94,444
- Median home value: $312,100 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,198 (31% rent)
- Top public schools: Blue Sage Elementary School (grade A+), Woodbrook Elementary School (grade A+), Arbor View Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Mount Michael Benedictine High School (grade A+), Marian High School (grade A), Creighton Preparatory School (grade A)
#5. Bellevue, Nebraska
- Population: 63,336
- Median household income: $79,839
- Median home value: $211,500 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,141 (37% rent)
- Top public schools: Liberty Middle School (grade A), Portal Elementary School (grade A), Prairie Queen Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School (grade A+), Marian High School (grade A), Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (grade A)
#4. La Vista, Nebraska
- Population: 16,713
- Median household income: $77,748
- Median home value: $222,900 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,183 (45% rent)
- Top public schools: Blue Sage Elementary School (grade A+), Liberty Middle School (grade A), Anchor Pointe Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School (grade A+), Marian High School (grade A), Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (grade A)
#3. Seward, Nebraska
- Population: 7,667
- Median household income: $76,755
- Median home value: $208,400 (62% own)
- Median rent: $932 (38% rent)
- Top public schools: Seward Middle School (grade A), Seward Elementary School (grade A minus), Seward High School (grade B+)
- Top private schools: Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High School (grade A), St. John Lutheran School (grade unavailable), St. Paul Lutheran School (grade unavailable)
#2. Gretna, Nebraska
- Population: 9,019
- Median household income: $117,553
- Median home value: $286,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,357 (23% rent)
- Top public schools: Blue Sage Elementary School (grade A+), Arbor View Elementary School (grade A), Liberty Middle School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Mount Michael Benedictine High School (grade A+), V.J. & Angela Skutt Catholic High School (grade A minus), Omaha Christian Academy (grade B)
#1. Papillion, Nebraska
- Population: 24,016
- Median household income: $104,608
- Median home value: $269,600 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,154 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: Liberty Middle School (grade A), Portal Elementary School (grade A), Prairie Queen Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School (grade A+), Marian High School (grade A), Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (grade A)
This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 40 states.