Holdrege is a self-sufficient piece of southern Nebraska
Holdrege is a small town of 5,500 people that doesn’t feel remote. Dominated by calm blocks with classic homes, its quiet streets guide residents to parks, restaurants, schools and other amenities, maintaining a balance of easygoing character and convenience. “We moved here and, honestly, I’ve never been happier,” says Michelle Boulware, a local Realtor at Heritage Agency Real Estate, who has over 10 years of industry experience. “I couldn’t imagine moving back to a bigger town. This is everything that you need, plus a little more.”
Housing choices are expanding
Many of the area's homes were built between 1900 and 1980, making its tranquil avenues a showcase of classic architecture. “We have East and West avenues, where there definitely are historic homes,” Michelle Boulware says. “A lot of them have been updated and upgraded, while still keeping the historic charm, which is wonderful to see.” These older houses include colonials, foursquares, bungalows, ranches and Craftsman-style homes. Alternatively, developments like Crew and Northern Meadows have recently built New Traditional-style houses. Most properties sell for $100,000 to $280,000. However, newer homes, and those pushing 4,000 square feet, can range from $480,000 to $520,000.
Downtown is Holdrege’s commercial hub
Holdrege’s downtown teems with restaurants and other businesses off Fourth Avenue. “Our office is actually located downtown,” Michelle Boulware says. “We are attempting to revitalize. For a while, it was a lot of empty storefronts. It’s taken some time, but the buildings are getting fixed up.” J.B.'s Sports Bar and Grill opened downtown in 2018 on the brick-paved East Avenue and is known in part for its prime rib. Catrinas Mexican Restaurant opened on East Avenue in 2022, and Michelle Boulware says it's very popular. East Avenue also has a post office, the locally owned Holdrege Fitness Co. gym and a location of the Nebraska chain Bruce Furniture & Floor Covering.
Nearby West Avenue features Holdrege Sun Theater & Event Venue, which screens new movie releases Friday through Monday. Locals can see a live concert at The Tassel, an 818-seat performing arts venue on Holdrege’s north side. “It’s a really good building,” says Scott Boulware, a broker at Heritage Agency Real Estate, with over two decades of real estate experience. “I’ve been to a few of the different programs they’ve put on. It’s a good set-up. They bring in those monthly or bimonthly acts. Some people that travel nationally and such. It does a good job of bringing in opportunities for different types of experiences and cultures.” Grocery stores in town include Family Fare Supermarket and Hy-Vee.
Summertime sees multiple celebrations of art and culture
One of Holdrege’s long-running traditions is the Midsummer Festival, formerly Swedish Days. Held in late June, the event recognizes the community’s Swedish heritage — the area was settled by Swedish immigrants in the 1880s. The festival features a parade, live music, games for kids and a street fair with over 40 vendors. The Iron Horse Arts Festival is a relatively new annual event in August, focused on regional artisans showcasing a range of items. This expo includes a concert, too. “It’s supposed to be a full day of people from all over, bringing them together to take in what Holdrege is, and downtown, but then also explore the arts in every fashion,” Michelle Boulware says.
Students have their pick of extracurriculars
The Holdrege Public Schools system carries a B-minus grade from Niche. The C-plus-rated Holdrege Elementary allows students to participate in an annual Christmas musical, performed at The Tassel. Students at the B-rated Holdrege Middle can flex their knowledge as part of the school’s competitive Quiz Bowl team. The B-minus-rated Holdrege High has a student leadership team that organizes events for the school and community, from a coat drive to pep rallies.
Parks offer wide-ranging activities
Holdrege has two public parks, both packed with attractions. North Park has a lake stocked with fish and open to kayakers. “We’ve got a splash pad that they installed a few years ago. There’s three different playgrounds, and one of those is an inclusive one, so you can have wheelchairs on it,” Michelle Boulware says. “People walk around North Park all the time — you always see people that are walking, taking their dogs out.” Veterans Memorial Park, once known as South Park, has a disc golf course and baseball field next to Holdrege’s public pool. The Funk Waterfowl Production Area, 11 miles outside Holdrege, is a draw for birders eyeing species like the rare whooping crane.
Planes and trains help people get around
This community has its own Amtrak train station on the California Zephyr line between Chicago and San Francisco. “It’s a convenience that can get you to Omaha or Denver fairly easily,” Scott Boulware says. U.S. Route 34 and Nebraska Highway 44 connect to the larger city of Kearney, 30 miles away. The Kearney Regional Airport offers daily flights to Denver. Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege has a 24-hour emergency department.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
