Fremont’s thriving downtown brings new business and tourism
Fremont is the county seat of Dodge County and the sixth most-populous city in Nebraska. Known for downtown shopping and dining, Fremont benefits from a partnership with MainStreet of Fremont. A local affiliate of Main Street America, a nationwide, non-profit organization, it promotes the city's central core and aids in business development. "People from Omaha come here regularly and like to say that Downtown Fremont is similar to Omaha’s Old Market but with parking,” says Lainey Paquette, the Director of MainStreet of Fremont.
The city’s population of nearly 28,000 is growing at a rate of about 2 percentage points every three years. Its largest employers include Valmont Industries, Wholestone Farms, and Methodist Fremont Health, which operates the only hospital in Dodge County. About 40 miles northwest of Omaha, along the Platte River, Fremont was founded in 1856 after establishing itself as one of the earliest railroad towns in Nebraska.
Highway 77 is a major trucking route and it runs through Fremont.
There are many shopping at restaurant choices in downtown Fremont for residents to enjoy.
1/2
A diversity of home styles and buildable lots attracts buyers
While Fremont is a small, semi-rural city with a history of agricultural and industrial employers, its varied home styles is similar to more urbanized Omaha's. The median home price is $250,000, compared to statewide and national figures of $295,000 and $420,400. Prices range from $50,000 for a century-old cottage to $900,000 for estate-style homes on a golf courses or lake.
Fremont has a wide variety of homes for residents to choose.
There are many homes for residents to choose from in Fremont.
1/2
New amenities draw visitors to Fremont city parks
Fremont Parks and Recreation manages 22 parks and sports complexes. More than 5 miles of concrete walking and cycling trails cut through the city, including the 3-mile Ridge Road Trail with a trailhead near the Platte River. Clemmons Dog Park offers an enclosed area of about three city blocks, allowing dogs to play off-leash. The Sidner Ice Arena is part of the Fremont YMCA and one of the Midwest's largest rinks. John C. Fremont City Park, in downtown, will have a new amphitheater in 2025, says Paquette. “The timing is perfect as downtown Fremont was recently certified as a Creative District by The Nebraska Arts Council, which means they are eligible for grant awards to support local artists and galleries.”
Enjoy the outdoors at John C. Fremont Park.
The Ridge Road Trail begins at Hormel Park.
1/2
Fremont schools focus on career readiness
Fremont Public Schools is C-rated by Niche. It serves about 5,200 students, 41% of whom are economically disadvantaged. Fremont Senior High promotes its School-to-Career program by helping students gain work experience. Bergan Catholic School has provided kindergarten through 12th grade since 1950 and 100% of its students graduate, the school says. Midland University, a private Lutheran university, offers bachelor's degrees in more than 35 fields of study and four master’s programs.
Archbishop Bergan Catholic School is known for it's success in sports.
Students love attending Fremont High School.
1/2
Downtown Fremont is a successful Nebraska Main Street
Since 2020, small-business growth has been steady in downtown, including Osteria Kayla and Semo. New retailers on Main Street include My Blue Whimsy and Alotta Brownies Bakery. “We’re the oldest Main Street program in Nebraska,” says Paquette. “We’ve been in business for 30 years and offer tremendous support to our long-standing and new businesses. We sponsor spring and summer events, beautification efforts and significant holiday decorations.”
Residents of Fremont love eating at Osteria Kayla Restaurant located downtwon.
Semo Pasta & Wine is a favorite amoung Fremont residents.
1/2
A mild climate with flood and tornado risks
Fremont’s climate is similar to Omaha’s, with humid summers and somewhat snowy and windy winters. The risk of tornadoes in spring and summer is about the same as in the rest of Nebraska, which is higher than the national risk. While flood risk is statistically minor in Fremont, according to First Street Technologies, the city experienced a flood in 2019 that put much of downtown underwater and closed the city for several days. Twenty-eight properties were total losses, and 246 structures needed extensive repairs. Since 2020, Fremont's rates of violent and property crimes have been lower than state and national averages.
Residents of Fremont can take a drive down highway 275 and visit nearby Omaha in 30 minutes.
Fremont is surrounded by smaller communities and farmland.
1/2
Getting around Fremont
Major highways serving Fremont include U.S. Route 30 and U.S. Route 77. In 2023, the city launched the Fremont Transit Program, which provides wheelchair-accessible transport vans that provide door-to-door service to jobs, doctor’s offices and grocery stores. Eppley Airfield in Omaha is 45 miles east of Fremont, while Lincoln Airport is 53 miles south.
Highway 77 is one of Fremont's major highways.
Roundabouts are common near Fremont.
1/2
Main Street is the event center for the city
Year-round events draw families and tourists to restaurants, art galleries and retailers. The Spring Gallery Walk welcomes local artists and warmer weather simultaneously. Concert in the Park is a series of Thursday night concerts in June, held at John C. Fremont City Park. Crazy Days/Chalk Art Festival in July brings artists of all ages while retailers offer sidewalk sales.
There are several historical markers located in Fremont.
There is a statue honoring the namesake at John C. Fremont Park.
1/2
Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Kevin Franz
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ben Bleicher,
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 Fremont, NE sell after 10 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Fremont, NE over the last 12 months is $209,000.
Welcome to 175 Pershing Road! This beautifully fully renovated ranch features a fresh modern look inside and out. Step inside to a spacious living room filled with natural light, neutral tones, and new flooring throughout. The stylish kitchen showcases sleek white cabinetry, tile backsplash, and marble-look countertops—perfect for cooking and entertaining. This home offers comfortable bedrooms, a
move in ready and full of charm! Step inside this beautifully updated Tri level with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and a spacious 2 car garage. The modern kitchen shines with stainless steel appliances, while the bright sunroom opens to a large fenced backyard- perfect for entertaining, gardening or relaxing evenings outdoors. With stylish updates, an inviting layout, and plenty of room to grow
Welcome to a home where every detail delights! The heart of the house is an updated kitchen with gleaming stainless steel appliances and not one, but two pantries for all your treasures. A grand living room flows gracefully into the dining space, where a built-in wine bar is ready for toasts with friends. Nearly everything has been refreshed roof, siding, windows, HVAC, electrical, and more -so
Wonderful townhome in a prime middle-unit location, move-in ready and fully updated! Enjoy low utility costs with all-electric efficiency. Inside you’ll find a bright open-concept main floor featuring a modern kitchen with new appliances, quartz countertops, stylish cabinets, and luxury vinyl plank flooring. A convenient powder bath is also on the main level. Upstairs, two spacious en-suite
Tucked away on the quiet, tree-lined Fairacres Drive, this picturesque 1.5 story home - featuring 4 bedrooms | 2 baths | and a spacious 2 car 22.5D x 21'W detached garage - has held one family's memories since 1958 ... now it's ready for a new story. Inside, you'll find two inviting living rooms on the main floor filled with natural light, a spacious dining area that seamlessly flows into the
This development ready 8.44 acres +/- parcel is on Fremont's Eastside; and conveniently located close to schools and 275 bypass. This is an ideal property for a developer and is currently zoned AR/UR and proposed to be zoned R2.
Are you dreaming of living in a NEW, virtually maintenance-free apartment? Do you love quiet and spacious living? Are you seeking the perfect place to call home? If so, welcome to Fountain Springs Apartments – the finest in luxury apartment living – located in the heart of Fremont, Nebraska, close to shopping, dining and so much more!Offering one and two-bedroom apartments, Fountain
Centrally located 3 bedroom/3 bath townhome, granite countertops in kitchen, appliances included, spacious backyard, lots of storage space downstairs, main floor laundry hookups.NO SMOKING OR VAPING in the house, garage or on the premises. NO PETSTenants to mow and remove snow.
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.
