Overview
Lincoln, the capital of Nebraska, is located in Lancaster County and is known for being an outdoor lover’s haven. Retirees that are seeking a big city surrounded by farming and ranching around are sure to appreciate Lincoln.
Climate & Geography
Lincoln has a humid continental climate. Summers are hot while winters are cold and dry, and the average annual precipitation is roughly 30 inches of rainfall.
Lincoln is the second-most populous city in Nebraska. Salt Creek and the Saline Wetlands are to the north of the city, and the majority of the land is composed of gently rolling hills. Omaha, the state’s largest city, is approximately 60 miles northeast.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
For outdoor recreation, active adults frequently take a stroll and ride bikes through Sunken Gardens, Pioneer Park Nature Center, and Holmes Park and Lake.
There are museums and zoos scattered throughout the city as well. Residents can attend football games at Memorial Stadium and basketball games at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Additionally, there are a large amount of brewing companies and wineries, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has art exhibits and cultural events.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The average home cost in Lincoln is below the national average. Nebraska has one of the lowest costs of living in the country.
Almost all forms of retirement income are fully taxed in Nebraska, including military pensions and Social Security benefits. However, Railroad Retirement benefits are not taxed. Retirees over the age of 65 may be eligible for a homestead exemption to help with the state’s high property taxes.
Health Care
The Lincoln metro area scores well on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 21 communities in the country.
There are three high performing hospitals, as rated by U.S. News, within 10 miles of Lincoln. They are Bryan Medical Center, Lincoln Surgical Hospital, and CHI Health Nebraska Heart. Bryan Medical Center is regionally ranked and rated high performing in seven adult procedures and conditions, Lincoln Surgical Hospital is rated high performing in hip and knee replacement, and CHI Health Nebraska Heart is rated high performing in four adult procedures and conditions.