David City has a rural charm with job centers and cultural attractions
David City, the seat of Butler County, offers residents a convenient downtown and plenty of single-family homes while being close to plenty of outdoor attractions in Eastern Nebraska. The semi-truck trailer manufacturer Timpte is headquartered in town, and a newly opened, 273-acre soybean processing plant operated by Ag Processing Inc. These jobs and a selection of outdoor amenities serve as a draw to this town of around 3,000 residents. “They’ve got a beautiful town square in the middle of it. It's kind of country living, but at the same time, you're probably 45 minutes away from two major cities in Nebraska,” says Neil Carnes, a Realtor with RE/MAX Total Realty. “They have really good quality schools, low unemployment and a new ethanol plant that is bringing people there. It’s a pretty nice town for the most part.”
Historic homes and new builds that tend to sell quickly
Homes in David City can vary from Four Squares, Victorians, and bungalows built between the late 1800s and the early 1900s to midcentury ranches and newly constructed Traditionals. The median housing price is $260,000, lower than the national median. Prices can range from under $100,000 to $600,000 depending on size, location and age. Properties also move fast, spending around 12 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. Houses are typically on gridded, oak tree-lined streets with large lots. Farms and properties with acreage surround David City.
Carnes says that the town has been attracting a mix of workers and people looking for a more rural lifestyle and “a little slower pace of life.”
Public and private school options for families
Green spaces include City Park, which features sports courts, a campground, a public swimming pool and multipurpose fields. The David City Golf Course is open to the public and features a 9-hole layout and a practice range.
The Thorpe Opera House is a restored downtown theatre that hosts film showings and other events. The Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art is the only gallery in North America dedicated to specifically displaying art related to agricultural themes. The Butler County Historical Museum displays artifacts from the County’s history.
Local events include the annual Butler County Fair, which features multiple carnival games, a car show and live music.
Downtown has restaurants and shops with more options in Columbus
Restaurants are downtown or along 4th Street and feature a mix of chain and local spots. El Centenario on E Street serves Mexican dishes such as burritos and tacos. Don’s Bar, also downtown, serves pizza, wings and sandwiches.
Downtown also has several grocery stores, including Dale's Food Pride and Didier’s, and several independently run shops. More big-box retailers and grocery stores are 25 miles north in Columbus.
Flooding and strong winds are possible
Maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency show a possibility of flooding near local creeks. Tornadoes and storms can be a factor. Carnes says that the wind is powerful in the area.
Highway 15 connects David City to nearby locales
Highway 15 cuts through the town, connecting to U.S. Highway 30 to the north and south to Seward. Omaha’s Eppley Field is 78 miles east. Butler County Health Care Center is on 9th Street.
