$196,222Average Value$131Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
Central City provides a rural setting with nearby conveniences
As the seat of Merrick County, Central City is named for its central location within the vast expanse of Nebraska farmland. Though less than 3 square miles in size, the city of 3,000 also offers abundant recreation and an established downtown featuring a selection of independently owned businesses. “It’s small-town living here,” says Kendra Kuhn, a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker who has four years of selling experience in the area. “However, we get the benefits of being located just 20 minutes away from Grand Island’s major retailers.”
Central City’s tree-lined streets and family homes showcase a welcoming community.
A vibrant mural in Central City celebrates the town’s rich agricultural heritage and community spirit.
1/2
Recreation includes pickleball, swimming and Platte River fishing
Community parks and the nearby Platte River offer plenty of outdoor adventure. South Park has a playground and several athletic facilities. The newest addition, Central Park, has a skate park, pickleball courts, a playground and more. Kernel Field hosts adult baseball and softball teams from across the region. Central City Swimming Pool offers a day or season pass, and the State Theater, which appears on the National Register of Historic Places, fills up for weekend showings. Brader Park offers miles of wildlife along the Platte River, about 12 miles south. Hiking trails wind through the park and along the waterfront, with spots for swimming and fishing for bluegill, largemouth bass and more.
Locals can go see a movie at the State Theater in Central City.
The Platte River near Central City offers scenic beauty and outdoor adventure.
1/2
Housing options span decades and suit a wide range of buyers
Homebuyers will primarily find single-family homes in Central City. Bungalows and ranch-style homes fill most of the community, with build dates stretching from the early 1900s into the 2020s. “It’s all over the board,” Kuhn says. “We have older homes, newer homes and at all price points. We pretty much have something to fit anyone’s needs.” Mature trees shade sidewalks that run throughout the bulk of the community. Most homes have driveways, and centrally located properties feature back alleyways that provide access to detached garages for additional storage. Depending on size and condition, homes typically sell between $100,000 and $300,000.
Bungalows are a popular home style in Central City, offering residents timeless design and cozy living.
Well-kept homes in Central City combine classic style with modern comfort.
1/2
Shopping includes essentials in town and big-box in Grand Island
The community’s downtown area offers a combination of independently owned businesses and restaurants. Prairie Creek Vineyard & Winery is the second-largest winery in the state. “Prairie Creek is a big deal and more of a destination spot,” Kuhn says. “We also have a really good local coffee trailer, Holy Grounds, that’s open almost daily.” Central City Mall for groceries and Dollar General are available in the community. Grand Island, about 20 miles southwest, offers big-box stores like Walmart Supercenter and Kohl’s
Residents can grab a glass of wine at Prairie Creek Vineyard in Central City.
Central City locals can get coffee at Holy Grounds food truck.
1/2
Cental City High School students can earn college credits
Central City Public Schools serves the community. Niche gives the district a B rating. Central City High School offers dual enrollment courses for juniors and seniors in partnership with Central Community College. The high school is also home to the district's community tornado shelter. The area falls within tornado alley, with peak season typically stretching through June.
Central City Elementary School is convenient for local families.
Central City High School is located on the south side of town.
1/2
The community gathers for seasonal events
Lone Tree Days has brought neighbors together for 150 years. The annual staple occurs over a weekend in early July, with events ranging from a classic car show to an Independence Day parade, which draws large crowds. “When I walked in the parade, I passed out thousands of popsicles, if that says anything about how many people came,” Kuhn says. Other Central City Area Chamber of Commerce events include Holiday Family Fun Day in early December and Parade of Goblins around Halloween.
Major highways are accessible close to home
U.S. Route 30 passes through the community, linking residents to Grand Island, 22 miles south, home to the Central Nebraska Regional Airport. The throughway also leads 41 miles northeast into Columbus. State Route 14 is also accessible from within the area, alongside Merrick Medical Center.
U.S. Route 30 runs through Central City, connecting residents to neighboring cities.
Central City residents can fly out of Grand Island's Central Nebraska Regional Airport.
1/2
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Photography Contributed By
Rebecca Askin
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gayle Minert,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Central City, NE sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Central City, NE over the last 12 months is $215,000, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This 4-bed, 2.5-bath, 2.5 story home offers a combination of historic charm and functional living. Not lacking space or storage with generous living areas, spacious bedrooms and flexible bonus areas throughout. The inviting layout offers room to gather, work and relax, while preserving the craftmanship and character that makes this home truly special.
Discover this rare opportunity to own 425 +/- acres located in the heart of Merrick County, Nebraska, nestled up next to the stunning Platte River. This unique piece of land not only provides a picturesque backdrop but also combines grazing potential with a recreational paradise, making it an ideal investment for those seeking both beauty and functionality. This prime parcel of land is perfect
Located just 2.5 miles east of Central City in Merrick County, Nebraska, this exceptional property presents a rare opportunity to build your dream rural home or expand your existing farm portfolio. Offering open tenancy after the second hay cutting this year, the land is ready for new ownership and fresh ideas. One of the standout features is the 60x80 Cleary building, constructed in 2000, which
Echo Hawk Lake is a fantastic waterfront lake property with a 35+/- acre fully stocked lake including soft sugar sand beaches and clear aquifer fed water. Perfectly located to enjoy the tranquil peace and outdoor lake life with abundant wildlife in the area. Whitetail deer pass through daily, while waterfowl are calling overhead and the occasional fish jumping out of the water makes this property
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
