Hickman offers walkability, parks and a peaceful pace
Hickman is 20 miles from Nebraska's capital city of Lincoln, offering a quieter, suburban lifestyle. "It has gotten an influx of millennials who are buying their first house and starting a family. Some have roots here, but a lot have also moved [here] since COVID," says Lea Ann Stephenson, a Realtor with Home Real Estate, who has eight years of experience. "I think what draws people is just that small town vibe." The city has rural outskirts and a small, pedestrian-friendly core that's well-connected by sidewalks. Hickman's friendliness is reflected in its neighborhood parks and a low CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10 compared to the national average of 4.
Home styles range from early bungalows to luxury estates
Streetscapes in town are typically suburban and spacious, while Hickman's outskirts offer acreage. The eclectic housing includes early 19th-century Craftsman bungalows and midcentury ranch styles. Custom builds from the 1980s and early-2000s-era two-story homes also have a foothold here. One of the newest communities is the Terrace View subdivision, featuring New Traditional homes with large forward-facing garages. Luxury estates can be found on Hickman's outskirts. The area's median sales price is around $370,000, higher than the state's figure. The range is vast, however, with smaller homes beginning around $155,000 and estates fetching upward of $2 million.
School choice district with AP and dual-credit high school options
The Norris School District participates in school choice. Norris Elementary School covers preschool through second grade and earns an A from Niche. Third through fifth graders head to the B-plus-rated Norris Intermediate School. Norris Middle School earns a B-rating and Norris High School maintains a B-minus. The high school supports college readiness through Advanced Placement courses and dual-credit offerings. "They're on one large property. And they bus the kids from a fairly big distance," Stephenson says.
Parks, lakes and a new pickleball site are taking shape
Hickman devotes more than 40 acres to parks. A trail connects residences to Hickman City Park, located west of the railroad tracks. Baseball and basketball players meet here for pickup games, and children enjoy the swings. Hickman also has a skate park and smaller parks with playgrounds. A new, public recreational space is planned for the Terrace View subdivision. While currently in the conceptual phase, the park will likely bring new pickleball courts and sports fields to the community. Stillwater Equestrian Center is north of the city, offering riding lessons and summer camps. Recreational lakes for boating, fishing and swimming are a short drive from town. Stagecoach Lake State Recreation Area encompasses hundreds of acres, much of which is open to hunting.
Local eats and coffee, shopping options in Lincoln
Dining and shopping options are few, but diverse. New Day Coffee and Smoothies makes specialty coffee from beans roasted in-house. The spot is also known for its food menu, which includes baked goods, sandwiches and real fruit smoothies. Hacienda Jalisco serves generous portions of classic Mexican food, and Godfather's Pizza specializes in a thick crust. Hickman Bar & Grill is a go-to for drinks and comfort food. Retail includes Dollar General, a bridal shop and a hardware store. U-Stop Convenience Shop has the usual gas station goods mixed in with pantry staples and fresh produce. Lincoln offers a broader selection. SouthPointe Pavilions Shopping Center is 10 miles away for Trader Joe's and chain retailers, including Old Navy.
Major roads link the area to Lincoln and Omaha job markets
Stephenson says many residents commute to work daily, even to Omaha, around 70 miles away. Hickman Road leads west to Interstate 77, a straight shot to Lincoln. South 68th Street is a route to Interstate 80 and Omaha. Lancaster County Public Rural Transit provides on-demand bus service.
Celebrating community in Hickman
Reverend C.H. Heckman founded Hickman in the 1860s. Given the city's small size, there are just a few churches here today, including those for the Presbyterian and Baptist faiths. Locals come together in July for Hickman Hay Days, an annual event celebrating the town’s history. The event always features various family-friendly festivities, including live music and a parade.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
