Fairbury is a rural Nebraska city that features a historic downtown
Fairbury is a quaint city of about 4,000 in the southeast corner of Nebraska near the Kansas state line. Anchored by the iconic Jefferson County Courthouse, the community features a charming downtown district that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Residents enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle as well as community parks and local schools. “It's go an old-time vibe,” says Jayne Kracke of Kracke/RE Keller Williams, who has sold several homes in Fairbury. “It’s a quiet community with a rural atmosphere, but it has grocery stores, a Walmart and restaurants. It has everything you need.”
Housing variety offers "Midwest home values"
Homes are typically built on moderate-sized lots along an easy-to-navigate grid of streets. Several streets in the heart of the community feature red brick and a canopy of mature trees. Ranch-style homes away from downtown offer more spacious lots. “There are some newer developments on the edges of town, but there’s a lot of historic homes,” Kracke says. Bungalows and multi-level Victorians stand out among the older housing stock. Prices range from well under $100,000 for smaller homes to more than $500,000 for homes with acreage. “Midwest home values,” Kracke says. “You get a lot for what you pay for.” Residents can expect a wide range of temperatures and conditions. Temperatures can rise above 100 during hot, humid summers and drop below 0 during cold, snowy winters.
Stores, restaurants surround iconic courthouse square
Downtown has been the heart of the community since it was founded more than 150 years ago. The commercial district compromises 10 blocks and is home to more than 100 buildings. The oldest are near the courthouse square. A collection of independent shops and restaurants can be found along the district’s red-brick streets. Downtown is also home to the Bonham Theater, which opened in 1926. The venue, which shows first-run movies, closed briefly in the early 2010s. Grassroots efforts resulted in it reopening five years later. Ray’s Apple Market and Walmart are north of downtown.
City Park is an active recreational complex that hosts events
A few blocks west of downtown is City Park, the center of community activity. A softball complex with four ballfields, a volunteer-built playground and a seasonal aquatic center are featured amenities. The Fairbury City Park Trail Loop is the newest amenity. The park hosts community events, including its signature July 4th Flea Market. The festivities draw hundreds of vendors. The event starts with a Shriners Parade and ends with a fireworks show. McNish Park features a 9-hole disc golf course. Crystal Springs Park is a nearby waterfront green space that spans 73 acres. Its main spring-fed lake is stocked with hundreds of trout each year.
Three community schools make up the Fairbury district
Fairbury Public Schools, which serves about 900 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, earns a C-plus from Niche. Younger students can attend Central Elementary and Jefferson Intermediate, both rated B-minus. Older students can attend Fairbury Junior/Senior High, rated C-plus. Fairbury High offers clubs and organizations dedicated to subjects as varied as farming, government and performing arts.
Easy access to I-80 and Lincoln
Jefferson County Health & Life is a regional hospital in the community. Several highways in and around the community provide travel within Jefferson County and to larger municipalities. “There’s easy access from Fairbury up to Interstate 80, which takes you all over,” Kracke says. Lincoln, about an hour’s drive, and Omaha, the state capital, are both located along I-80. Fairbury has a municipal airport, but the closest commercial airport is Lincoln’s, about 70 miles north.
Written By
Matt Pallister
