Raise Your Family in Kearney, NE
Find a fun, safe, affordable and inviting community in Kearney.
Not only does Kearney, NE, mix storybook small-town charm with fun, diverse activities, but it is also safe, clean, friendly and affordable. In other words, settling down and raising a family in Kearney is a no-brainer.
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Kearney, NE, Offers Phenomenal Education Options
Kearney Public Schools provides an outstanding learning environment for 5,800 amazing students and is supported by a dedicated staff of 800 compassionate individuals across 15 schools. Kearney not only offers a stellar public education system, but it also allows families to consider exceptional private schools.
“Kearney’s K-12 education is truly exceptional, preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world,” says Derek Rusher, president and CEO of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce.
Kearney is a community with a strong emphasis on education and values the growth and development of its young people.
Trevor Lee, Executive Director of the Development Council of Buffalo County, says the city’s largest cohort is the 20-24 age group, as the University of Nebraska at Kearney is here. However, there has also been a spike in the 35-40 age group – aka “the returners,” or those who left for college in their 20s and are now returning to Kearney.
Kearney, NE, is Clean, Affordable and Fun
“We’ve got safe, clean city streets, historic buildings and beautiful parks, and [we] are generally very family-oriented,” Lee says.
And it’s affordable. Transportation costs are 18% lower than the national average, housing costs are 25% lower than average, the cost of food is 27% below average and health care is 30% below average, Lee says.
“We have two tremendous hospitals and two specialty clinics, a 210,000-square-foot indoor sports complex that’ll be under construction soon, and we’re not far away from being in the wilderness,” Lee says. “It’s a sanctuary.”
Lee notes that Nebraska has miles and miles of rivers, making fishing, kayaking and other water activities popular pastimes during warmer months. Plus, the already-bustling city has an exciting future ahead, with several investment projects underway.
“There’s a lot of vibrancy and revitalization happening,” Lee says.
“Every weekend, there’s something to do, especially with parks and recreation. There is something for everybody here.”
Kearney, NE, is Safe and Full of Life
“I’ve been a Nebraska girl my whole life,” says Kearney resident Charlie Wuehler. “I’ve been here for five years and am definitely a lifelong resident after this. It’s the kind of place where you can ask for help and get a smile and a helping hand. For the size that we are, our police force is incredible, and you always know your neighbor down the street.”
At roughly 34,000 residents, Kearney retains that small-town feel.
“It’s growing but it still has those local core values,” Wuehler says.
Wuehler notes that Kearney puts a lot of work into making sure the city is clean and safe. Its parks, in particular, are widely loved – Yanney Heritage Park, Harmon Park and Cottonmill Park are all draws for outdoor recreation, family time and events. Kearney also boasts several golf courses, a few community pools and miles of hiking and biking trails for weekend adventurers.
“We’re seeing continual growth as a college town,” Wuehler says. “We’re always getting new resources, and our downtown association is amazing. They care about what goes into our community.”
Find Fun Around Every Corner in Kearney, NE
Downtown offers plenty to see and do, from local boutiques and mom-and-pop stores to regular events, like the Taste of Downtown, the Costume Crawl and Cruise Nite, which is one of Kearney’s largest annual attractions. Also found downtown, is an array of restaurants and bars featuring live music, the Children’s Museum, hockey games showcasing the Tri-City Storm and the Merryman Performing Arts Center, which brings national and homegrown talent to the stage.
Smack dab in the middle of the action downtown is The World Theatre, a former vaudeville theater that was renovated into an affordable, historic entertainment destination.
“We try to keep a nice mix of entertainment,” says Mark Treadway, executive director of The World Theatre. “We’ve got live music and comedians and unique programming, like Kearney’s 150th birthday party.”
Held in June 2023, this celebration featured face painting, games, food, live music and the showing of a silent film.
Perhaps the best thing about The World Theatre is that it provides fun at an affordable rate.
“We keep tickets for basic movies around $5 apiece to keep things affordable,” Treadway says. “As well as our concessions, which are around $1 each. We want to keep that traditional, affordable atmosphere for everybody.”
Get to Know Kearney, NE
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