That the city of Hastings stands isolated on the farmland of central Nebraska is a geographical fact. Beyond that, though, looks can be deceiving, says Realtor Jill Beyke of Nebraska Realty. “I grew up around here and live here,” she says. “A lot of people look at Hastings and go ‘Oh, it’s one of those country, out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere areas where nothing goes on,’ but it’s actually a very unique town.”
As the state's eighth-largest city, Hastings' population of about 25,000 has slowly climbed since 1990, according to the U.S. Census, supporting a statewide trend toward growth in so-called exurbs, smaller municipalities away from metro areas such as Omaha. Home prices are rising here, and new homes are being built, along with rising availability of rental properties, says Beyke of the city where Kool-Aid was invented in 1927.
Popular big box stores and fast food locations can be found along Burlington Avenue in Hastings.
Hastings is a part of a statewide trend toward growth in so-called exurbs, smaller municipalities away from metro areas such as Omaha.
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There's more than one season for giving
Events in Hastings range from philanthropic to holiday-themed and serve the purpose of bringing the community together, Beyke says. “We have the Celebration of Lights downtown,” she says “They have Santa Claus come, a group of kids sings ... and at the end, they have a Christmas tree outline of lights lowered from the top of the Victory Building. My friend from out of town said, ‘it’s like a Hallmark movie.’” Although the weekend before Thanksgiving is an important one in Downtown Hastings, it’s not the only time for giving. On the first weekend in May each year, folks come together for Give Day, a citywide fundraiser during which generous donors match individual contributions. “That’s the big fundraiser day with all the nonprofits,” says Beyke, adding $3 million was raised in 2024.
Getting outdoors to Hastings' parks
Two of the city’s most popular parks are on the northeast side of town. One is Heartwell Park, a long, narrow green space anchored by a fountain and a pond. Heartwell Creek winds through the other half of the park, around which are a playground and small pool for kids. Crosier Park is a quarter-mile north with its own playground and ballfields. The Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History is open six days a week with an array of permanent and visiting exhibits -- including one focusing on Kool-Aid, Edwin Perkins' iconic powdered-drink mix invented in Hastings nearly a century ago and originally sold in six flavors -- now, 15.
Hastings's Crosier Park has a playground and ballfields for locals to enjoy.
Hastings's Heartwell Park is a long, narrow green space easily noticeable by its pond and fountain.
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More established, accessibly priced homes and some new construction
Relatively even, grid-like residential streets stretch across Hastings. Bungalows and ranch-style homes occupy lots no more than a quarter acre in size. Median sales price has climbed to about $205,000 over the last 12 months. Newly constructed Craftsman homes built within the past decade typically sell for higher prices, between $325,000 and $400,000.
In Hastings bungalows and ranch-style homes occupy lots no more than a quarter acre in size.
Newly constructed Craftsman homes in Hastings built within the past decade typically sell for higher prices.
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Locally owned restaurants are the pride of Hastings
Plenty of fast-food restaurants can be found along Burlington Avenue, but small businesses are the focus around here. “It’s all local people that are developing and doing things,” says Beyke. “People here are really good at supporting small businesses.” Residents might start their morning with something sweet or savory from What the Dickens British Bakery, which is locally owned and operated. Friday nights can be spent with a beer flight from First Street Brewing Company. A big name for dining out is Odyssey, an upscale restaurant with a modern aesthetic. “Odyssey is really good, people come from all over to eat there,” says Beyke. Allen’s Food Mart and V Market both lie within a half mile of downtown for easy grocery runs. Walgreens Pharmacy is farther up the road.
A big name for dining out is Odyssey, an upscale restaurant with a modern aesthetic.
Find local brews crafted with care at Frahm Bar in downtown Hastings.
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Hastings Public Schools
Students living in Hastings can attend Hastings Public Schools, whose district gets a B-minus overall from Niche. Some 3,600 students attend class across the district’s eight schools. They also benefit from a student-to-teacher ratio of 13 to one. Hastings College is the largest secondary-education spot in the region, serving about 1,000 students.
Students living in Hastings can attend Hastings Public Schools, whose district gets a B-minus overall from Niche.
Some 3,600 students attend class across the district’s eight schools in Hastings.
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Quick commutes downtown, plus the Amtrak station
Ethanol production, from the region's corn crop, is a key industry in and around Hastings, as is processing of soy beans. Hastings Industrial Park West and Industrial Park North are home to the area's largest employers. Commuting around the city along such key routes as U.S. Route 6, U.S. Route 34 and U.S. Route 281 makes getting from one side of town to the other fairly straight forward. The city operates an on-demand bus service and is served by Amtrak. Grand Island's airport, about 35 miles north, is the closest with airline service. The Mary Lanning Healthcare Hospital is located downtown.
Crime and high heat in Hastings
According to data supplied by the FBI, violent and property crime rates in Hastings are typically higher than both the state’s and country’s rates. Summer in Hastings can be extremely hot, with 11 days annually expected to reach 100 degrees or more.
Written By
Malcolm Longerbeam
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brent Parker,
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.
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On average, homes in Hastings, NE sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Hastings, NE over the last 12 months is $225,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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