$255,307Average Value$147Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Crete’s economy centers on farming, food and education
Crete is a small community less than 30 miles from Lincoln. Many are drawn here for employment at Nestlé Purina, Smithfield Foods, Doane University and Crete Area Medical Center. "It's still a huge farming community as well. So, you have those salt-of-the-earth people there," says broker Nicole Zalesky, who has over 20 years of experience and co-owns Zalesky Realty & Auction. The town was settled as early as 1860, when the Bickle family built their log cabin on the east bank of the Big Blue River. The introduction of the railroad and its local university fast-tracked its evolution. Crete has several registered historic districts, including Doane University and its downtown area, where several buildings are marked by an 1888 embossment.
Doane University campus features historic buildings and green spaces.
Crystal’s Bakery adds local flavor to Crete’s Main Street district.
Farmers market brings fresh produce and local goods to downtown Crete.
1/3
From 1800s charm to character-rich new construction
Home styles span 100 years. "We have your big beautiful two-and-a-half-story historical homes that have been here since the early 1900s to the late 1800s. And then you have your basic ranch-style homes built anywhere from the 1940s to the 1990s," Zalesky says. "And now you're getting more of your newer, character-building [custom] type of homes as well." Burlington Estates is a relatively new addition to the city with a mix of single-family homes and townhouses. The College Hill neighborhood showcases Victorian-style residences, Colonial Revivals, Craftsman bungalows and other classic forms of architecture from Crete’s earliest chapter. Homes closer to town exist on suburban and city-style lots, while those on the outskirts can be on acres. The area's median sales price is around $312,000, higher than the state's figure.
Victorian-style homes and Craftsman bungalows line College Hill neighborhood.
Single-story ranch-style residence reflects Crete’s traditional housing design.
1/2
Families gather at parks for sports, swimming and seasonal events
Tuxedo Park is the largest green space and home to the local fairgrounds, where festivities are held every July. Spanning 96 acres, it's a popular spot for camping along the Blue River and encompasses diverse outdoor recreation. Families cheer from the stands during the season as local leagues play at the park's softball complex and baseball field. Families and their kids gather at the playground on the park's southern side; its northern portion offers a range for trap and skeet shooting. Trails weaving through the park grounds draw skiers during the winter. Other city parks include Wildwood Pool, where people practice their laps and play tennis, and Armory Park, with its soccer and flag football fields. College Heights Country Club features a 9-hole public golf course.
Tuxedo Park sign marks the entrance to the city’s largest park.
Playground at Tuxedo Park offers space for kids to explore.
Armory Park sign welcomes visitors to the sports fields.
Armory Park offers open fields for soccer and flag football.
1/4
A restored theater and casual dining anchor downtown
Crete's historic downtown area showcases Italianate and Art Deco-inspired buildings. A cornerstone of the area is The Isis Theater, which opened in 1926 and debuted fresh renovations in 2024. Today, it's a popular spot to catch a movie, including the occasional free screening. The dining scene is casual. Locals can dine on comfort food at 9th Street Bar and Grill at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant is one of several spots to get south-of-the-border fare. Crete Foodmart, Super Latina Market and a meat store specializing in wagyu beef provide grocery options. Retailers include Crete Ace Hardware, New Beginnings Thrift Store and the yarn store Wool & Whimsy.
Isis Theatre stands as a cultural landmark in Crete’s downtown.
Guests enjoy hearty meals inside 9th Street Bar and Grill in downtown Crete.
1/2
Pioneer Days lets students learn in a living history setting
Crete Heritage Society maintains the original Bickle family homestead. An old, one-room schoolhouse is on the grounds. It hosts Pioneer Days annually, where fourth graders gather to learn in a historic setting dressed in old-fashioned garb. "Crete also has a big pumpkin festival in October and Cinco de Mayo is huge here," Zalesky says. "It just seems like they have a little something going on all year." Sunday worship is also an important event. Despite Crete's relatively small size, over a dozen churches are here.
Students can pursue higher education without leaving town
Students attend Crete Public Schools, a small district that participates in school choice. Crete Elementary School covers kindergarten through second grade and earns an A on Niche. Third through fifth graders head to Crete Intermediate School, scoring a B rating. Crete Middle School also gets a B, and Crete High School maintains a B minus. The high school broke ground on a new sports complex in 2025 that will be used by various teams, including football and track. Doane University provides a close-to-home option for higher education, ranking No. 21 for Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Crete Elementary School serves students in pre-K through grade 2.
Crete Intermediate School serves grades 3 through 5.
Crete Middle School educates students in grades 6 to 8.
Crete High School serves grades 9 to 12 and has a new sports complex.
1/4
Lincoln is less than 30 miles away via Highway 33
Nebraska Highway 33 passes through Crete, connecting the city to the broader area, including Lincoln, less than 30 miles away. Saline County Area Transit provides public transportation, offering door-to-door services scheduled in advance.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Pasha Chichagov
Video By
Taylor Noll
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Eric Lemke,
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 Crete, NE sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Crete, NE over the last 12 months is $265,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This all brick, 4+1 bedroom, 3 bath home offers an open-concept layout with large rooms and main floor laundry with sink. Enjoy the finished double attached garage, covered deck, and private backyard with mature shade trees and underground sprinklers. A perfect blend of comfort and function in a peaceful setting - don't miss this one!
A one-of-kind! Modern Luxury and thoughtful design define this custom-built home. An open floor plan with abundant natural light and high end finishes throughout. The main level features the kitchen with a center island to entertain and seamlessly flow into the living and dining area. The primary bedroom with private bath and walk in closet is on the opposite side of the house from the other two
3-bedroom, 1-bath home with a parking pad and storage shed. Convenient layout with main living spaces on one level. Whether rental income or first time homebuyer, this home provides a practical and affordable option. Appliances included.
Your Move-In Ready Investment! This custom-built ranch on 5.14 acres in southwest Lancaster County is a rare find. Not only does this 4,440 sq. ft. home offer sustainable luxury with an 11 kW solar system and a geothermal heat pump, but it also provides immediate value. A recent appraisal shows the home comes with over $100,000 in built-in equity—a significant advantage for the next owner. Enjoy
Spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offering over 2,200 finished square feet above grade, situated on a generous corner lot with alley access. Property needs full renovation throughout, but features permanent siding, tall ceilings, original trim work, and a partially finished basement. The layout and separate staircases offer potential for conversion back to a duplex. Detached garage and landscaping
Discover your dream home in a tranquil cul-de-sac in one of Crete’s most desirable neighborhoods! This one-owner meticulously maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bath home boasts sunset and water views from a renovated 70-foot deck. Surrounded by mature trees and professional landscaping, it offers a private oasis perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Just 25 minutes from Lincoln, this retreat blends
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.
