Job opportunities and easy access to the state capital in Beatrice
The former mill town of Beatrice brushes the banks of the Big Blue River, about 40 miles from the capital city of Lincoln. Although partially a bedroom community for Lincoln commuters, plenty of Beatrice's 12,000 residents find a reason to stay put. “The commute is super easy from Beatrice to Lincoln,” says city administrator Tobias Templemeyer. “We also have a number of companies here that are always looking to grow, so people can come here and find good-paying jobs.” As the seat of Gage County, Beatrice also serves as a hub for smaller surrounding communities in southeastern Nebraska.
Beatrice Community Hospital & Health Center employs nearly 500 health care professionals and administrative workers.
The former mill town of Beatrice brushes the banks of the Big Blue River, about 40 miles from the capital city of Lincoln.
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Healthcare and manufacturing jobs are available in Beatrice
Beatrice is located at the crossroads of U.S. Highways 136 and 77, which leads 40 miles north to Lincoln. But in town, Beatrice Community Hospital & Health Center employs nearly 500 health care professionals and administrative workers, and Beatrice State Development Center, a 24-hour residential treatment facility, employs about 50 more. Other nearby industries include equipment manufacturing and food processing.
Blue Rivers Transportation provides on-demand bus service to Lincoln, but the community is mainly car-dependent. Nonstop flights to Chicago and Denver are available from Lincoln Airport.
Compassionate care when you need it most at Beatrice Community Hospital & Health Center.
Other nearby industries in Beatrice include equipment manufacturing and food processing.
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A blend of starter homes and luxury properties at competitive prices
Most of Beatrice’s residential streets are laid out in a grid pattern, with mature trees lending shade to the paved sidewalks. Some homes date to the early 20th century, but it’s also possible to find new and updated builds. Starter homes might cost $120,000 to $200,000, while larger, well-maintained or newly constructed builds fetch prices from $200,000 to $350,000. Custom luxury homes on the community’s outskirts might be priced from $550,000 to $650,000. On average, buyers can expect to spend roughly $100,000 less than in nearby Lincoln. In July 2024, city officials unanimously approved a $10.5 million project to bring nearly 50 new housing units to the area. Additionally, the former Stoddard Elementary School is being converted into a 25-unit apartment complex for senior citizens, with leasing expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
Some Beatrice homes date to the early 20th century, but it’s also possible to find new and updated builds.
Custom luxury homes on the outskirts of Beatrice might be priced from $550,000 to $650,000.
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A fresh start for Beatrice Elementary School
Beatrice Elementary School opened in August 2024 after consolidating several former schools into a state-of-the-art facility. The brand-new school is unrated by Niche. Beatrice Middle School and Beatrice High School both receive a B-minus.
Beatrice Elementary School opened in August 2024 after consolidating several former schools into a state-of-the-art facility.
Beatrice Middle School and Beatrice High School both receive a B-minus.
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Softball tournaments, riverside parks and a golf course
Hannibal Park is a big draw on weekends, when community softball teams gather to compete. The complex includes seven softball fields, six tennis courts, a press box, a concession stand and a training facility with three batting cages. A brick-cobbled road runs alongside Chautauqua Park, a 66-acre green space on the Big Blue River. Visitors can cast a fishing line into the river, hit the disc golf course or pickleball courts, toss horseshoes or simply stroll along the walking trails. Other amenities include three playgrounds, picnic shelters and a duck pond. Nearby, golfers tee off at the semi-private 18-hole golf course at Beatrice Country Club, and the Big Blue Water Park features a zero-entry pool, waterslides and diving boards. Plans are underway for a new aquatic center, tentatively scheduled for a 2029 opening.
Rolling greens stitched into the heart of town at Beatrice Country Club.
Hannibal Park is a big draw on weekends, when community softball teams gather to compete.
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Bakeries, brewpubs and The Black Crow in the downtown area
Specialty shops, bakeries, cafes, wine bars and brewpubs crowd the stretch of Highway 136 that passes through downtown. Diners at The Black Crow tuck into eclectic Mediterranean-influenced dishes in a casually elegant setting. After dinner, folks can catch a first-run flick at Beatrice Movies or a live show at the Community Players theater. North of downtown, chain stores like Walmart Supercenter and Tractor Supply line Highway 77. Runza Restaurant, a local chain specializing in Nebraska’s favorite beef-and-cabbage pocket sandwich, is also nearby.
Drinks, laughs, and memories here at Stone Hollow Brewing Company in Beatrice.
Diners at The Black Crow tuck into eclectic Mediterranean-influenced dishes in a casually elegant setting in downtown Beatrice.
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Home of St. Paul’s Lutheran School
The majority of Nebraskans identify as Christian, and churches in Beatrice serve several denominations. Area parents can also send their kids to St. Paul’s Lutheran School for pre-kindergarten through grade 5.
Beatrice parents can also send their kids to St. Paul’s Lutheran School for pre-kindergarten through grade 5.
The majority of Nebraskans identify as Christian, and churches in Beatrice serve several denominations.
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Tips and practices to offset environmental risks
Like most of Nebraska, Beatrice is in Tornado Alley, where storm watches and warnings are part of life. Because the area is so close to the Big Blue River, flooding can be an issue. However, in 1973, the city began purchasing and removing properties from flood-prone areas, which has helped mitigate the problem. “It does flood occasionally, but we haven’t had a major one for over a decade,” Templemeyer says.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Video By
Conar McDaniel
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On average, homes in Beatrice, NE sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Beatrice, NE over the last 12 months is $775,000, up 186% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
So much to love about this PRE-INSPECTED home! This fabulous 3 bed, 2 bath home sits on a corner lot and has so many updates! The main floor has a large living/dining space, great eat in kitchen, laundry, office, large primary bedroom and beautiful custom bath. Upstairs you will find two more bedrooms, updated bathroom as well as a flex space perfect for a second office or reading/play area.
This well-cared-for 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers an incredible amount of space and comfort in one of Beatrice’s most welcoming neighborhoods. The main floor features a bright eat-in kitchen, a formal dining room, and a large living area perfect for everyday life and special gatherings.Upstairs, you’ll find a second living space, ideal for a home office, reading nook, or play area. And
This adorable 3 bedroom 2 bath home sits on a lovely corner lot and just oozes with charm! Enjoy coffee on your porch in tranquility under the mature trees. You're greeted in the entry way with gorgeous wood! The stairway is a beautiful feature as well as all of the floors! Entry could be used as informal dining area. Lots of natural light throughout. The primary bedroom is on the main
Beautiful, large corner lot in northeast Beatrice neighborhood! Welcome to this 3 bedroom 2 bath home! Enjoy spacious bedrooms with double closets. Informal dining with exterior doors located off the kitchen. Downstairs you will find a unique bar in the vast family room! A non-conforming room with no closet could be transformed to a 4th bedroom with the addition of an egress window. A 3/4
Welcome home to Heartland Flats, a community of apartments in Beatrice, Nebraska. When you reside with us, you will enjoy new, contemporary, open, one and two-bedroom floor plans. Our homes feature kitchens with stainless steel appliances, in-home washers and dryers, and large walk-in closets. We also grant residents access to a convenient fitness center and community lounge. Enjoy ultimate
Welcome to 723 Ella Street, our modern and updated 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment in Beatrice, NE. This apartment features luxury vinyl flooring, ceiling fans, and modern updates throughout. Enjoy the convenience of off-street parking and shared laundry facilities on-site. Small pets are welcome in this pet-friendly community. Experience comfortable and stylish living in this well-appointed
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