Old west small town meets growing metropolitan city
In the heart of Nebraska, Grand Island maintains its economic base with an array of factories and commercial sites alongside shopping and entertainment destinations, many with an international influence. The name harkens back to its origin in the early 1800s when a small island was formed by a channel that branched off the nearby Platte River. Now home to 53,000 and growing, factories employ more than 7,000. “We’re a manufacturing town, and the manufacturing sectors mirror the larger United States and Nebraska,” says Brad Mellema, executive director of Visit Grand Island. “That cosmopolitan nature really adds to the vibe of our community. And we’re very cosmopolitan, even for a small city. You can get Mexican, Guatemalan, Cuban and African food, all within a short walk from each other.” Along with about 130 restaurants from which to choose, locals also benefit from abundant recreation, with museums, golf courses and a public gun range.
The Nebraska State Fair recently relocated to Fonner Park in Grand Island.
The name harkens back to its origin in the early 1800s when a small island was formed by a channel that branched off the nearby Platte River.
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Housing market and major industries
The median home price is $260,000, a little more than half of the national average. New Traditional, bungalows and ranch-style homes line neighborhood streets. Home prices are fairly consistent throughout the city, with the exception of downtown's higher concentration of older homes in need of repair. Plots of land are also for sale, mainly along the outskirts of Grand Island.
The most prevalent industries are manufacturing, distribution and agriculture. Grand Island is home to the corporate headquarters of Hornady Manufacturing, one of the leading ammunition manufacturers in the country. The city is also the site of the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center.
Major industries like Hornady Manufacturing provides employment opportunities inside of Grand Island.
Abundant plots of land ready for home development can be found along the outskirts of Grand Island.
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Parks, golf courses and museums
Grand Island maintains 34 parks with spots focusing on both active and passive pursuits. Some of the most popular are Stolley Park, Pier Park and Hall County Park. The centerpiece of Island Oasis Water Park is a wave pool with adjacent slides, a lazy river and a sand volleyball court.
Managed by Hornady Manufacturing since mid-2024, Heartland Public Shooting Park is billed as one of the largest such public facility in the Midwest, with areas for rifle, pistol and archery practice. An RV park is also nearby. The Stuhr Museum provides a glimpse into the lives of Nebraska settlers and Native Americans dating back to the early 1800s. The Nebraska State Fair recently relocated to Grand Island. “We’re an event-driven city, in many ways,” says Mellema.
Grand Island residents will find several popular parks to enjoy the outdoors including Pier Park.
Island Oasis Water Park in Grand Island is an exciting summer escape with a wave pool and several slides.
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Vibrant downtown dining
Grand Island has more than 100 dine-in facilities with a mix of fast food, casual diners and upscale restaurants throughout the city. Most dining can be found downtown, also known as the Railside District, and along Merchandise Mile along Highway 281. Here, locals will also find big box stores and chains. The Railside District features antique shops and locally owned boutiques. “25 years ago, you couldn’t give away a building downtown. Today, it’s hard to find one to buy at any price,” says Gordon Coble, a broker with New View Real Estate. “Now, the downtown Railside has a pretty vibrant scene with tons of breweries and eateries. If you go down on Fourth Street, there’s a wide variety of different ethnic foods.” Fourth Street Fridays celebrate international restaurants, including Mexican, Salvadoran and Asian food.
Wave Pizza Co. is one of 100 plus dine-in facilities around the City of Grand Island.
The Grand Island Railside District features local favorites such as Big Red Treats.
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The Grand Island Public School District
The Grand Island Public School District serves the city. Scoring a C-plus on Niche, the district operates 15 elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school. “The school district reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the city,” says Mellema. “They address 15 to 20 languages natively spoken among children that attend our school system.” The district also has a technical program, Career Pathways Institute (CPI), that ties to the local manufacturing industry, offering certificates to multiple trades.
Central Community College is a two-year public college with three campuses, one of which is in Grand Island. 25 miles south is Hastings College, a private Presbyterian institution with about 1,000 undergraduates.
Central Community College is a two-year public college with three campuses, one of which is in Grand Island.
Walnut Middle is a part of the Grand Island school district that scored a C-plus on Niche.
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Public transportation and major thoroughfares
U.S. Route 30 and U.S. Route 34 intersect at Grand Island, providing access to Lincoln about 95 miles east and to Omaha 150 miles east. Hall County Public Transportation provides on demand ride services during the workweek. Served by two airlines, the Central Nebraska Regional Airport offers flights to Reno, Las Vegas, Laughlin, Phoenix/Mesa and Dallas/Fort Worth.
Environment and climate
Grand Island has a continental climate with warm, clear summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is also prone to severe weather, experiencing five tornados within the past 10 years.
Grand Island has a continental climate with warm, clear summers and cold, snowy winters.
Grand Island is also prone to severe weather, experiencing five tornados within the past 10 years.
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Crime
According to FBI data, the rates of reported violent crime in Grand Island are higher than the Nebraska and national averages. From 2019 to 2023, the rate of property crime reports has also been higher than state and national trends, though 2024 has seen a steady decline.
Written By
Stephanie Davison
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Video By
Tyler Belile
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Grand Island, NE sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Grand Island, NE over the last 12 months is $260,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-In Ready 3-Bedroom Ranch on a Beautiful 1/2 Acre Lot! This immaculate 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home is ready for you to move in and enjoy! Thoughtfully updated and well maintained, it offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Step into the formal living room or relax in the spacious main floor family room, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The finished
This well-kept home is located next to a quiet park. It's convenient central location is near schools and shopping. The main floor features a large living room, two bedrooms, full bath and a kitchen/dining combo. The basement offers an expansive living area and a non-conforming bedroom. All appliances stay. Water heater installed in 2025. Heater and central air updated in 2019. Outside you will
Looking to downsize or invest? Why rent when you can own? Look no further! This cute bungalow is ready for the next owner! Close on it today - move in or rent it out tomorrow! Full winterization updates done in 2023. Lots of cosmetic updates. Fresh paint throughout. One level living with 2 good sized bedrooms, full bathroom, family room, and eat-in kitchen. This well-cared for home also offers a
Sprawling ranch home in prime location to schools, shopping etc. Home features over 1,700 on each level, custom built home, oversized 3 car heated garage, open great room concept, huge master bedroom with heated bathroom floors, 5 bedrooms, 4 bath locations, 1/2 acre fenced-in yard, fully finished basement with wet bar, massive family room, extra storage, kitchen with wood floors and center
Like new home in popular Northwest Area with large lot built by Oseka Homes. House features 4 Beds, 3 Baths, large 3car garage, full finished basement with 4th bedroom, bath, bar area, family room, deck off kitchen, large fenced-in backyard, large master with walk-in closet, kitchen has wood floors and granite center island, eat-in kitchen. Basement bar area plumbed for future wet bar. All
In town acreage. Just shy of 2 acres located just across from Indianhead Sub featuring 4 bedroom home with large 2 car garage, setting on 2 lots backing up to beautiful Cedar Hills Park. Home is one owner family estate. House needs some TLC.
This stunning two-story home offers 4 oversized bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, large gathering spaces, and a huge 22'x20' bonus room outfitted with two 75'' mounted flat screen TV's. This home boast 3,060 square feet of above-grade living space. Situated on approximately a 2-acres spanning two parcels, you’ll enjoy the space and privacy of country living while still being just minutes from all the
Beautifully updated home with modern improvements throughout. Features include updated plumbing and electrical, new water heater (2025), and a new roof on the home and garage (2023) with new gutters. Interior updates include refinished woodwork, newly refinished flooring, and completely updated bathrooms. Enjoy the finished sunroom and a true third bedroom with added egress window. Exterior
This home has only had 2 owners! This well loved home has lots of space. Enter into a large family room with formal dining area. Three bedrooms and two full bathrooms on the main level. Lots of extra storage throughout the home. Guest bathroom was given a vanity, paint and flooring facelift in 2020. Eat-in kitchen with new dishwasher. All other appliances stay as well. Downstairs was totally
GREAT PRICE FOR THIS NEW CONSTUCTION HOME! Offering 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 2 Car Garage, Spray foam insulation, high-efficiency HVAC, LP smart siding, solar panel ready, and so much more! Spacious basement that has a bathroom rough-in. Call today!
-Leasing Now- Concord Villas- Grand Island, NEWelcome to your oasis of elegance, nestled in the vibrant heart of Grand Island, NE. This exquisite villa offers a sanctuary of sophistication and comfort, where every detail has been meticulously crafted to exceed your expectations.Step inside and be greeted by a symphony of style and refinement. The open concept living space boasts
Find a space that fits your lifestyle with our thoughtfully designed floor plans. Whether you’re looking for a cozy one-bedroom or a spacious two-bedroom, Talon Apartments by RIZER offers a range of options to suit your needs. Each home features modern design and high-end finishes that make everyday living feel like a retreat. Explore our floor plans and find the perfect fit for you!
Cedar Ridge is a beautiful apartment home community located in Grand Island, Nebraska.We are situated near US-281 giving you easy access to local schools, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping venues. If convenience and location are important factors in your lifestyle, you've come to the right place. Cedar Ridge is the only place you'll want to call home. Disclaimer: All dimensions
Discover your ideal living space in our beautifully restored historic Anderson and Pershing buildings(the old VA). Designed with seniors and veterans in mind, The Residences at Liberty Campus offers affordable one and two bedroom apartments, blending modern amenities with timeless charm, all within reach for those on a budget. The Residences at Liberty Campus offers 46 stunning, AFFORDABLE
East Park on Stuhr is a beautiful apartment community in Grand Island, Nebraska. Our unique community is located on South Stuhr Road, just minutes from Lincoln Highway. This is your pathway to convenient shopping, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Enjoy a night on the town with live music and dancing at the historic Grand Theatre or the trendy Railside Plaza nearby.
Welcome home to Old Walnut! Located in the heart of Grand Island, Nebraska, our unique apartment community makes it easy to explore all your favorite shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. With Lincoln Highway close at hand, every destination is moments away. Let us be the gateway to your future.
Come home to a new standard of apartment home living at Cherry Park. Our beautiful community is situated in Grand Island, Nebraska. A great selection of restaurants, parks, and schools is right outside your door. Our convenient southeast location is just minutes from Conestoga Mall, where you will find fantastic shopping and entertainment. Discover all that Grand Island has to offer at Cherry
Welcome to The Residences at Oak Pointe, elevated living in the heart of Grand Island, Nebraska. Located just off Highway 281 and 13th Street, our pet-friendly community offers studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Enjoy spacious layouts with 9-foot ceilings, private patios or balconies, and modern designsperfectly complemented by nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment within a
Welcome to where luxury meets lifestyle in the heart of a vibrant community. With a diverse selection of thoughtfully designed floor plans, our homes offer the perfect fit for individuals and families alike. Modern finishes, upscale appliances, and stylish details elevate your living experience to a new level of comfort and sophistication.We proudly uphold The Sterling Standard our
Property Id: 2295637This two bedroom, one bath in a quiet neighborhood is perfect for you and your family. Close to Locust street with ample restaurants and shopping, this is a great location. Pets are allowed with a partially fenced in backyard. Please contact for more details and a possible showing!
A great townhome in a central location. With a large main level living area, updated kitchen and appliances. This extremely cozy tri-level townhome has a detached garage, plenty of storage and a basement with a nice size, living room. Washer and dryer included, as well as a small deck on the back porch. Lawn care and snow removal included.
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