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.
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.
A restored theater and casual dining anchor downtown
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.
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.
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.
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
