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.”
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
