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Lincoln, NE

Frequently asked questions

Lincoln, NE

Lincoln is the capital city of the U.S. state of Nebraska and the county seat of Lancaster County. The city covers 100.4 square miles (260.035 km2) with a population of 294,757 in 2023. It is the state's 2nd most populous city and the 73rd-largest in the United States. Lincoln is the economic and cultural anchor of a substantially larger metropolitan area in southeastern Nebraska, the Lincoln Metropolitan and Lincoln-Beatrice Combined Statistical Areas. The statistical area is home to 361,921 people, making it the 104th-largest combined statistical area in the United States.

Lincoln was founded in 1856 as the village of Lancaster on the wild salt marshes and arroyos of what became Lancaster County. Renamed after President Abraham Lincoln, it became Nebraska's state capital in 1869. The Bertram G. Goodhue–designed state capitol building was completed in 1932, and is the nation's second-tallest capitol. As the city is the seat of government for the state of Nebraska, the state and the U.S. government are major employers. The University of Nebraska was founded in Lincoln in 1869. The university is Nebraska's largest, with 26,079 students enrolled, and the city's third-largest employer. Other primary employers fall into the service and manufacturing industries, including a growing high-tech sector. The region makes up a part of what is known as the greater Midwest Silicon Prairie.

Designated as a "refugee-friendly" city by the U.S. Department of State in the 1970s, the city was the 12th-largest resettlement site per capita in the country by 2000. Refugee Vietnamese, Karen (Burmese ethnic minority), Sudanese and Yazidi (Iraqi ethnic minority) people, as well as refugees from Iraq, the Middle East and Afghanistan, have resettled in the city. During the 2018–19 school year, Lincoln Public Schools provided support for about 3,000 students from 150 countries, who spoke 125 different languages.

Lincoln has an area of 99.050 square miles (256.538 km²), of which 97.689 square miles (253.013 km²) is land and 1.361 square miles (3.525 km²) is water, according to the United States Census Bureau in 2020.

Lincoln is one of the few large cities of Nebraska not along either the Platte River or the Missouri River. The city was originally laid out near Salt Creek and among the nearly flat saline wetlands of northern Lancaster County. The city's growth has led to development of the surrounding land, much of which is composed of gently rolling hills. In recent years, Lincoln's northward growth has encroached on the habitat of the endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle.

The Lincoln Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of Lancaster County and Seward County. Seward County was added to the metropolitan area in 2003. Lincoln is also in the Lincoln-Beatrice Combined Statistical Area which consists of the Lincoln metropolitan area and the micropolitan area of Beatrice. The city of Beatrice is the county seat of Gage County. The Lincoln-Beatrice combined statistical area is home to 363,733 people (2021 estimate) making it the 104th-largest combined statistical area in the United States.

Lincoln's neighborhoods include both old and new development. Some neighborhoods in Lincoln were formerly small towns that Lincoln later annexed, including University Place in 1926, Belmont, Bethany (Bethany Heights) in 1922, College View in 1929, Havelock in 1930, and West Lincoln in 1966. A number of Historic Districts are near downtown Lincoln, while newer neighborhoods have appeared primarily in the south and east. As of December 2013, Lincoln had 45 registered neighborhood associations within the city limits.

One core neighborhood that has seen rapid residential growth in recent years is the downtown Lincoln area. In 2010, there were 1,200 downtown Lincoln residents; in 2016, there were 3,000 (an increase of 140%). Around the middle of the same decade, demand for housing and rent units began outpacing supply. With Lincoln's population expected to grow to more than 311,000 people by 2020, prices for homes and rent costs have risen. Home prices rose 10% from the first quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2016; rent prices rose 30% from 2007 to 2017 with a 5–8% increase in 2016 alone.

Health and wellness are paramount in Lincoln, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Bryan Health stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Good Life Fitness, Anytime Fitness and LP Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Lincoln, such as the Wilderness Park Trails and Holmes Lake Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Lincoln, NE are Nebraska State Capitol, Sheldon Museum of Art, and International Quilt Museum.

Population: 294,757 (2023). ZIP codes: 68501-68510, 68512, 68514, 68516-68517, 68520-68524, 68526-68529, 68531, 68542, 68544, 68583, 68588. Area code(s): 402. Elevation: 1,186 feet (362 meters). Area: 96.194 square miles (249.83 km²).

FAQs

What is Lincoln, NE well known for?

Lincoln is home to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, the Nebraska State Capitol, and plenty of other interesting and historical attractions. Through the decades, the city has been a political hub, a foodie haven, and a center for culture in Nebraska. Its eclectic mix of college town locales, upscale restaurants, artsy experiences, and outdoor adventure makes it a must-visit.

Is Lincoln, NE a nice place to live?

Lincoln is in Lancaster County and is one of the best places to live in Nebraska. Living in Lincoln offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Lincoln there are a lot of bars, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Lincoln and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Lincoln are above average.

Is Lincoln, NE expensive to live in?

Lincoln, Nebraska's cost of living is 8% lower than the national average. Lincoln's housing expenses are 20% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 14% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 2% lower than the national average. Lincoln has grocery prices that are 6% lower than the national average. Healthcare in Lincoln is 8% higher than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lincoln

Bryan Health 

Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department 

Good Life Fitness

Anytime Fitness 

LP Fitness

Wilderness Park Trails 

Holmes Lake Loop

Nebraska State Capitol

Sheldon Museum of Art

International Quilt Museum

NP Dodge

Niche

Payscale

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