Finding the perfect place to retire involves considering multiple factors that contribute to overall quality of life. Our comprehensive analysis evaluates Nebraska communities based on 5 key criteria: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly rating. Each of these elements plays a vital role in determining which towns offer the most comfortable, engaging, and accessible retirement options.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Nebraska’s best towns for retirees. The Overall Retirement Score encompasses numerous factors including safety, healthcare accessibility, cost of living, and community engagement opportunities.
Here’s the list.
17. Hyannis Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.06
- Walkability: 17.67
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 38.82
- Vibrant Score: 3.32
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Hyannis
Hyannis earns its place on our list with an impressive Overall Retirement Score of 97.06. While its Walkability score of 17.67 suggests residents will need vehicles for most errands, the town offers moderate cultural amenities with an Urban Sophistication score of 38.82. The low Vibrant Score of 3.32 indicates a quiet, peaceful atmosphere that many retirees prefer. Transit options are limited, with no public transportation infrastructure reflected in our data. The median home price in Hyannis is approximately $135,000, making it an affordable option for retirees seeking a tranquil rural setting.
16. Greenwood Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.12
- Walkability: 20.43
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 85.02
- Vibrant Score: 6.72
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Greenwood
Greenwood boasts a strong Overall Retirement Score of 97.12, paired with a surprisingly high Urban Sophistication rating of 85.02. This indicates excellent access to cultural amenities despite its small-town character. With a Walkability score of 20.43, some destinations may be reached on foot, though a car is still necessary for most activities. The Vibrant Score of 6.72 suggests a quiet lifestyle with occasional community events. Public transportation data is unavailable, indicating limited transit options. The median home price in Greenwood is approximately $167,000, offering good value for retirees seeking cultural enrichment in a peaceful setting.
15. Dunning Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.14
- Walkability: 20.85
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.49
- Vibrant Score: 0.34
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Dunning
Dunning offers retirees a peaceful retreat with its Overall Retirement Score of 97.14. The extremely low Vibrant Score of 0.34 indicates an exceptionally quiet environment, perfect for those seeking tranquility. With a Walkability rating of 20.85, some limited errands may be possible on foot, though most activities require transportation. The Urban Sophistication score of 34.49 suggests modest cultural amenities. Public transportation appears unavailable based on our data. The median home price in Dunning is approximately $95,000, making it one of the most affordable options on our list for retirees prioritizing peace and quiet.
14. David City Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.24
- Walkability: 39.23
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 52.57
- Vibrant Score: 22.02
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About David City
David City stands out with a strong Overall Retirement Score of 97.24 and the highest Walkability rating among our top towns at 39.23. This means many daily errands can be accomplished on foot, a significant advantage for active retirees. The Urban Sophistication score of 52.57 indicates good access to cultural amenities, while the Vibrant Score of 22.02 suggests a moderate level of community activity and events. Transit data is unavailable, indicating limited public transportation options. The median home price in David City is approximately $145,000, offering excellent value for retirees seeking a more walkable community with moderate amenities.
13. Arthur Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.35
- Walkability: 17.64
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 51.37
- Vibrant Score: 0.26
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Arthur
Arthur earns a notable Overall Retirement Score of 97.35, making it an excellent choice for retirees seeking exceptional peace and quiet, as indicated by its extremely low Vibrant Score of 0.26. The Walkability rating of 17.64 suggests most errands require a vehicle. Despite its tranquil nature, Arthur offers surprisingly good cultural amenities with an Urban Sophistication score of 51.37. No public transportation data was available, indicating limited transit options. The median home price in Arthur is approximately $110,000, making it an affordable option for retirees prioritizing a serene lifestyle with access to moderate cultural amenities.
12. Waterloo Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.41
- Walkability: 28.20
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 84.97
- Vibrant Score: 13.21
- Transit-Friendly: 21.81
About Waterloo
Waterloo offers retirees an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 97.41 combined with outstanding cultural amenities reflected in its Urban Sophistication score of 84.97 – one of the highest on our list. With a Walkability rating of 28.20, some destinations are accessible on foot. The Vibrant Score of 13.21 indicates a moderately active community with some events and activities. Unlike many towns on our list, Waterloo does offer some public transportation options with a Transit-Friendly score of 21.81. The median home price in Waterloo is approximately $185,000, representing good value considering its exceptional amenities and retirement-friendly environment.
11. Harrison Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.58
- Walkability: 22.01
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.26
- Vibrant Score: 5.49
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Harrison
Harrison secures an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 97.58, making it a top choice for retirees seeking a peaceful environment. The Vibrant Score of 5.49 confirms its quiet nature, while a Walkability rating of 22.01 suggests some limited errands may be possible on foot. The Urban Sophistication score of 31.26 indicates modest cultural amenities. No public transportation data was available, suggesting limited transit options. The median home price in Harrison is approximately $105,000, offering excellent affordability for retirees prioritizing a high quality retirement experience in a serene setting.
10. Elwood Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.67
- Walkability: 13.72
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 60.06
- Vibrant Score: 0.98
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Elwood
Elwood earns an impressive Overall Retirement Score of 97.67, placing it among the top retirement destinations in Nebraska. The extremely low Vibrant Score of 0.98 indicates an exceptionally peaceful environment. While its Walkability score of 13.72 is modest, requiring vehicles for most activities, Elwood compensates with surprisingly rich cultural amenities as reflected in its Urban Sophistication score of 60.06. No public transportation data was available, suggesting limited transit options. The median home price in Elwood is approximately $123,000, offering excellent value for retirees seeking cultural enrichment in a quiet, affordable setting.
9. Ansley – Mason City Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.90
- Walkability: 25.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 52.66
- Vibrant Score: 3.71
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Ansley – Mason City
The Ansley – Mason City area achieves an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 97.90, placing it in the top ten retirement destinations in Nebraska. With a Walkability score of 25.45, some errands can be accomplished on foot. The area offers good cultural amenities as reflected in its Urban Sophistication score of 52.66, while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere with a low Vibrant Score of 3.71. Public transportation data is unavailable, indicating limited transit options. The median home price in the Ansley – Mason City area is approximately $112,000, offering excellent value for retirees seeking a balance of amenities and tranquility.
8. Bartlett – Ericson Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.20
- Walkability: 15.54
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 42.36
- Vibrant Score: 0.29
- Transit-Friendly: 17.46
About Bartlett – Ericson
The Bartlett – Ericson area boasts an outstanding Overall Retirement Score of 98.20, placing it firmly in our top ten. With an extremely low Vibrant Score of 0.29, this area offers exceptional peace and quiet for retirees seeking tranquility. The Walkability score of 15.54 indicates most errands require transportation. The area provides moderate cultural amenities with an Urban Sophistication score of 42.36, and unlike many towns on our list, does offer some transit options with a Transit-Friendly score of 17.46. The median home price in the Bartlett – Ericson area is approximately $98,000, making it one of the most affordable options for high-quality retirement living in Nebraska.
7. Arnold – Callaway Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.27
- Walkability: 19.54
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 43.90
- Vibrant Score: 4.02
- Transit-Friendly: 4.45
About Arnold – Callaway
The Arnold – Callaway area achieves an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 98.27, placing it seventh on our list of best retirement towns in Nebraska. The area offers a peaceful environment with a low Vibrant Score of 4.02, while providing moderate cultural amenities indicated by its Urban Sophistication score of 43.90. The Walkability rating of 19.54 suggests most errands require transportation. While limited, some transit options exist with a Transit-Friendly score of 4.45. The median home price in the Arnold – Callaway area is approximately $115,000, offering excellent value for retirees seeking quality retirement living in a tranquil setting.
6. Bassett Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.34
- Walkability: 13.80
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 40.28
- Vibrant Score: 6.76
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Bassett
Bassett earns an outstanding Overall Retirement Score of 98.34, placing it sixth among Nebraska’s best retirement destinations. The town offers a peaceful atmosphere with a low Vibrant Score of 6.76, while providing moderate cultural amenities as reflected in its Urban Sophistication score of 40.28. The Walkability rating of 13.80 indicates most activities require transportation. No public transportation data was available, suggesting limited transit options. The median home price in Bassett is approximately $120,000, representing excellent value for retirees seeking high-quality retirement living in a quiet, affordable community.
5. Wood Lake Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.54
- Walkability: 13.53
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 33.25
- Vibrant Score: 0.69
- Transit-Friendly: 24.59
About Wood Lake
Wood Lake secures an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 98.54, placing it fifth on our list of best retirement towns in Nebraska. The extremely low Vibrant Score of 0.69 indicates an exceptionally peaceful environment, perfect for retirees seeking tranquility. While the Walkability score of 13.53 suggests most activities require transportation, the town does offer some transit options with a Transit-Friendly score of 24.59 – one of the higher transit ratings on our list. The Urban Sophistication score of 33.25 indicates moderate cultural amenities. The median home price in Wood Lake is approximately $102,000, offering outstanding value for high-quality retirement living in a serene setting.
4. Rushville – Hay Springs Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.57
- Walkability: 20.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.25
- Vibrant Score: 7.98
- Transit-Friendly: 10.53
About Rushville – Hay Springs
The Rushville – Hay Springs area achieves an outstanding Overall Retirement Score of 98.57, earning fourth place on our list. With a Walkability score of 20.92, some limited errands may be possible on foot. The area offers a peaceful atmosphere with a low Vibrant Score of 7.98, while providing moderate cultural amenities as indicated by its Urban Sophistication score of 31.25. Some transit options are available with a Transit-Friendly score of 10.53. The median home price in the Rushville – Hay Springs area is approximately $108,000, representing exceptional value for retirees seeking high-quality retirement living in a tranquil rural setting.
3. Atkinson Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.71
- Walkability: 15.00
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.68
- Vibrant Score: 9.76
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Atkinson
Atkinson earns an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 98.71, securing third place among Nebraska’s best retirement destinations. The town offers a good balance of tranquility and community activity with a Vibrant Score of 9.76. Surprisingly rich cultural amenities are available as reflected in its Urban Sophistication score of 54.68. The Walkability rating of 15.00 indicates most activities require transportation, and no public transportation data was available, suggesting limited transit options. The median home price in Atkinson is approximately $135,000, offering excellent value considering its exceptional retirement quality and amenities.
2. Burwell Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.28
- Walkability: 18.10
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 53.98
- Vibrant Score: 4.82
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Burwell
Burwell achieves a near-perfect Overall Retirement Score of 99.28, placing it second on our list of Nebraska’s best retirement towns. The low Vibrant Score of 4.82 indicates a peaceful atmosphere, while the town offers excellent cultural amenities as reflected in its Urban Sophistication score of 53.98. The Walkability rating of 18.10 suggests most errands require transportation, and no public transportation data was available, indicating limited transit options. The median home price in Burwell is approximately $138,000, representing outstanding value for retirees seeking premium retirement living with good amenities in a tranquil setting.
1. Harrisburg Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.79
- Walkability: 18.30
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 49.76
- Vibrant Score: 0.32
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Harrisburg
Harrisburg earns the distinction of being Nebraska’s best retirement town with an almost perfect Overall Retirement Score of 99.79. The extremely low Vibrant Score of 0.32 indicates an exceptionally peaceful environment, ideal for retirees seeking tranquility. While the Walkability score of 18.30 suggests most activities require transportation, the town offers good cultural amenities as reflected in its Urban Sophistication score of 49.76. No public transportation data was available, indicating limited transit options. The median home price in Harrisburg is approximately $142,000, offering unparalleled value for retirees seeking the highest quality retirement experience in a serene Nebraska setting.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a town’s suitability for retirees based on numerous factors including safety, healthcare access, cost of living, community engagement opportunities, and quality of life. Higher scores indicate better retirement locations.
- Walkability: Measures how easily residents can reach destinations on foot. Higher scores indicate more pedestrian-friendly environments, reducing dependency on vehicles for daily activities. This is particularly important for aging populations who may eventually limit or cease driving.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Assesses the availability and quality of cultural and entertainment options including museums, theaters, restaurants, and educational opportunities. Higher scores indicate richer cultural environments that can enhance retirement with engaging activities and lifelong learning opportunities.
- Vibrant Score: Measures the energy and activity level of a community. Lower scores indicate quieter, more peaceful environments often preferred by retirees seeking tranquility, while higher scores reflect more active, lively communities with frequent events and bustling environments.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates the availability and quality of public transportation options. Higher scores indicate better public transit systems, which can be crucial for maintaining independence when driving is no longer an option for retirees.
References: In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
