When families consider relocating, the conversation often circles around the same set of two or three states that dominate “best of” lists. Yet, a closer analysis of recent economic and lifestyle data reveals a compelling, if unexpected, contender emerging from the rolling grasslands of the Great Plains: Nebraska. Often overlooked as merely drive-through country, the Cornhusker State is quietly putting up numbers that should make any parent pause. According to recent data released by FinanceBuzz, specifically in their analysis of cities offering a fresh start, Nebraska—anchored by the performance of its capital, Lincoln, which may be the best place to raise a family in Nebraska—presents a trifecta of affordability, lifestyle quality, and community vitality that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s United States.
1. Affordability, Cost of Living, and the Best Place to Raise a Family in Nebraska
I’d say, for a family, one of the most persuasive reasons to live in Nebraska lies in its exceptional housing stability and affordability. At a time when housing costs eat up a punishing percentage of the average family’s income, Lincoln appears to be, according to FinanceBuzz, a sanctuary of financial sanity. In the site’s comprehensive breakdown of U.S. cities, Lincoln earned a “Housing Score” of 17.3, which significantly outperforms many major metros and traditional favorite locales for families where housing has become more of a crisis than a comfort. This high score isn’t just an abstract number; it reflects a reality where mortgages are manageable, and rent doesn’t cannibalize the college fund. In fact, the data points out that downtown apartment rents in Lincoln are the second-lowest in the entire country.
Outside the capital, the state offers even more aggressive incentives for families willing to embrace small-town life. In tiny Curtis, a town of just over 800, the local government has implemented a program offering free lots of land to those willing to build a single-family home. For a young family looking to put down roots rather than just pay a landlord, this level of accessibility is practically unheard of elsewhere.
2. Quality of Life in Nebraska
Beyond affordability, Nebraska offers a lifestyle quality that defies the “flyover country” stereotype. FinanceBuzz awarded Lincoln a “Lifestyle Score” of 17.9, eclipsing better-known cultural hubs like St. Louis and Cincinnati, which scored 15.6 and 15.5, respectively. This data point challenges the assumption that affordability comes at the cost of culture or amenities. A Lifestyle Score this high suggests that families in Nebraska are not just saving money; they are enjoying a rich, balanced existence. This metric accounts for the intangible but vital aspects of daily life—the ease of the commute, the availability of parks, stress levels, and the general livability of the state. For a family, this translates to more time spent together and less time navigating the logistical nightmares that plague more congested regions.
3. Unique Cultural or Lifestyle Benefits of Nebraska
Finally, the demographic data paints a picture of a state that is vibrant, youthful, and forward-looking, rather than stagnant. Contrary to the image of an aging rural population, the data reveal that Lincoln has the highest rate of residents aged 19 to 34 in the country, at nearly 25 percent. Further, with more than 11 percent of the population enrolled in higher education—the second-highest rate among the cities analyzed by FinanceBuzz—the community is defined by energy and intellectual curiosity that benefits growing children.
The “Peer Population” score of 14.0 indicates that new families will find themselves surrounded by peers—other young professionals and parents at the same stage of life. This fosters a built-in support system and a community dynamism that is often missing in expensive, transient coastal cities. When you combine this youthful energy with the state’s aggressive “free land” initiatives in towns like Curtis, which also includes a potential $1,750 cash incentive for families, it becomes clear that Nebraska is not just accepting families; it is actively recruiting them.
The data is clear: Nebraska, with its stability and affordability, is a top place to raise a family. With one of the country’s most attractive housing markets, combined with a lifestyle score that outpaces traditional cultural hubs, the Cornhusker State offers an antidote to the high-cost, high-stress grind of coastal or dense urban living. The numbers—from Lincoln’s youthful energy to Curtis’s free land initiatives—paint a picture of communities investing in their future. Before resigning yourself to another year of exorbitant rent, consider a scouting trip to Nebraska. Explore the schools, walk the neighborhoods, and discover whether the “Good Life” is the fresh start your family has been waiting for. Start your Cornhusker State adventure with a visit to Only In Your State’s itinerary planner…