A thriving urban community home to students, city leaders and entrepreneurs
Downtown Lincoln is a thriving urban neighborhood in the primary business district of the city. Home to about 2,200 residents, it offers the amenities and assets people would expect from a small city, but its size and location allow it to shine in unexpected ways. Buyers can easily walk from their condominium homes to shops, restaurants, cafes, and parks. Even at peak times, traffic is light in Downtown. Those who work from home or walk to work can dive deep into the neighborhood experience, which is peaceful and easy-going.
“Living in Downtown enhances friendships with a variety of people one might not normally get to know when living in the suburbs,” says Realtor Matt Kirkland, Owner of Giving Realty and a real estate agent in Lincoln for over 20 years. “People might think that urban life is more solitary than suburban life. However, Downtown attracts social people who like to be part of the neighborhood rhythms. People love it here because so much of what you need and want is right around the corner. And you meet people who are different from you every day.”
Downtown Lincoln residents include employees and students from The University of Nebraska, whose two campuses border the edges. Administrators, academics, researchers and students mix with government staffers, attorneys and legislators who work at the Nebraska State Capitol.
Downtown Lincoln is the best place to discover new dishes.
The Cookie Run takes you through UNO campus.
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Longstanding and up-and-coming restaurants are hot around Downtown Lincoln
Walking to lunch or dinner and sitting outside on a nice day is a favorite pastime. The famous shopping and dining district of Haymarket sits right alongside Downtown. Both welcome residents to their stores, coffee shops and abundant restaurants, from steakhouses and sushi restaurants to Latin bistros and burger joints. Dish Restaurant offers progressive American cuisine and is “upscale and trendy,” Kirkland said. “I’ve been there often, and no matter who I’m with, they just love the food at Dish.” Yia Yia’s is all about pizza and beer. Their list of craft beers reflects input from regulars, while their 25 tap beers rotate periodically with local, national and international options. Their pizzas offer something new to try every day.
Since 1991, A Novel Idea Bookstore has curated an intriguing inventory. They offer reading clubs, events and advice on collecting rare and out-of-print books. Canopy Street Market features an organized array of produce, dry goods, spirits and pre-made foods. With a tagline of “Where good food and friends meet,” it’s no surprise that they will order out-of-stock or hard-to-find products for customers.
Locals enjoy dining outside in downtown Lincoln.
Discover new restaurants and shops in Downtown Lincoln.
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Condominium homes range from one-bedroom to luxury four-bedroom residences
Downtown Lincoln offers both historic mid-rise condos and luxury high-rises with spectacular city views.
One-bedroom units with 650 to 1,100 square feet sell for $150,000 to about $550,000. Two-bedroom units can range from $220,000 to around $700,000. Recently built or newly renovated two-story luxury units with three to four bedrooms, spiral staircases and private elevators have sold from $700,000 to $1.2 million. Additional luxury features include nine-foot ceilings, panoramic views, floor-to-ceiling windows and fitness centers. Buyers will pay HOA fees in Downtown Lincoln. Buyers will typically pay monthly condo association fees of $200 to $500,
Downtown Lincoln has many condos to choose from.
Newly built condos shape the skyline of downtown Lincoln.
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Government Square Park celebrates Lincoln and welcomes photographers day and night
While Government Square Park is the size of a small residential lot, it’s one of the most photographed spots in Downtown Lincoln. From wedding parties to family photos in front of the fountains and gardens, locals and visitors stop by frequently. Located at 10th and O streets, the Corn Maidens Fountain was a gift to the city of Lincoln in honor of Duane and Phyllis Acklie from their family and incorporates features from the 1920's Cornhusker hotel, and flower-like details from Lincoln's old City Hall.
Lincoln Children’s Museum combines different elements to entertain and educate its patrons. Children are encouraged to create, learn and play in a bright and lively environment.
Acklie Fountain sits at the center of Government Square Park.
Government Square Park features benches and beautiful flowering plants.
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From theaters to Memorial Stadium, events abound around downtown
Fans of live music in intimate settings head to Bourbon Theatre to see Them Dirty Roses, Pearl Parade and Cosmic Charlie. Downtown Lincoln residents enjoy living close to several respected art galleries. Keichel Art is four different galleries in one, each on a separate floor. Events often incorporate the rooftop for elegant outdoor gatherings. Collections at the Sheldon Museum of Art include 19th and 20th-century paintings, sculptures, ceramics and drawings. Timely exhibitions, including “Unprecedented: Art in Times of Crisis,” have drawn national attention.
Husker Football fans have it made by living one-half a mile to Memorial Stadium and the Haymarket District, which is the place to be after home games.
The Sandhills Global Event Center is the largest outdoor event center in Lincoln and home to the Lancaster County Super Fair. While the center is about eight miles from downtown, it is the largest event space in the city. It hosts musical talent from across the globe, including Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, REO Speedwagon and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. It also hosts farmers' markets, first Friday events, marathons and bike races.
The Historic Haymarket Farmers' Market in downtown Lincoln is a popular Saturday morning event.
Memorial Stadium is an iconic landmark in the Downtown Lincoln neighborhood.
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Downton Lincoln is less than four miles from Lincoln Airport
Residents can take Uber, taxis, shuttles and limousines to get to and from Lincoln Airport or venues around town. Drivers can make the trip in less than 15 minutes via Interstate 180 and Cornhusker Highway. While residents walk, bike, and use scooters to get around Downtown Lincoln, car travel is still the most popular mode of transportation. StarTran is the city’s bus system, with 18 routes. Running on compressed natural gas (CNG), StarTran has gained attention for reducing maintenance and fuel costs for Lincoln.
Highly rated Lincoln Public Schools are available to Downtown students
Students in Downtown Lincoln can attend A-minus rated Lincoln Public Schools, the No. 1 best school district in Lancaster County, according to Niche. It ranks in the top ten Lincoln school districts for diversity, athletics and academics. Realtor Kirkland says, “Lincoln Public Schools are well-regarded and have been around for generations. Parents are proud of the public schools in the city, and many parents are alumni, so there’s a strong loyalty factor here.” Elliott Elementary, on South 25th Street, offers pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and receives a B-minus grade from Niche. Lefler Middle is ranked the ninth-best public middle school in the area, according to Niche, which gives them a B-plus grade. Lincoln High is located on J Street just one mile from the Nebraska State Capital and is the largest high school in the city. With its 150-year history, it recently launched a History and Archives website to digitize and provide content about the highly-rated school. Lincoln High also features an Athletic Hall of Fame to acknowledge athletic and academic success.
Students in Downtown Lincoln can also attend the online-only, fully accredited University of Nebraska High School, which earns a B-plus grade from Niche. Founded in 1929 as a correspondence course of study for rural Nebraskans who did not live close to any public high schools, the school’s popularity grew exponentially with the internet age and the 2020 pandemic. Today, the school teaches students in all 50 states and offers over 100 core, elective and advanced placement courses in eight subject areas.
Elliott Elementary School is very convenient for Lincoln families.
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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Discover sophisticated urban living in this stunning condo located in the architecturally designed Centerstone building. From the moment you step inside, you'll be impressed by the seamless blend of character and modern style in the open-concept living area. Oversized windows flood the space with natural light and offer sweeping, uninterrupted views from this desirable corner unit. Striking
Nestled in the heart of Lincoln’s dynamic downtown, just steps from the Lied Center and the University, Unit 502 at Georgian Place offers the perfect blend of location and lifestyle. This corner unit showcases impressive north and east-facing views, including a direct line to the football stadium and the energy of downtown Lincoln. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully updated 1-bedroom, 1-bath
Large two-bedroom end unit condo in Georgian Place. 861 square feet with primary bed/bath and second bed/bath. Updates in 2017 include removal of popcorn ceiling, installation of hardwood floors, updated kitchen and expansion of primary bath to enclose sink/stool and new tile shower enclosures. Both bathroom renovations included the installation of shower diverters for ease of maintenance.
Discover the perfect blend of convenience, style, and community at Parkhaus, the premier off-campus student housing property near the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Just a short walk from campus, Parkhaus offers an unbeatable location, nestled above resident-only parking on the 8th floor of a modern parking garage.Our spacious 4-bedroom and 2-bedroom unfurnished units are designed
Locations in the heart of downtown Lincoln within walking distance to the University of Nebraska, Memorial Stadium, Pinnacle Bank Arena, Amtrak Station, Haymarket Park, Lied Center, downtown bars and restaurants as well as the Historic Haymarket District.
Capture the energy of urban living in the W.C. Shinn Lofts. This unique building offers the character of a 100-year-old building, combined with modern amenities. Exposed brick walls and open ceilings are blended with sleek fixtures and stained concrete floors. The private roof deck lets you take in the views from downtown, and you’re only 2 blocks from the UNL campus.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alicia Chrastil,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,102
Median Age
24
Population Density
20 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
3.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$27,268
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$49,075
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38.6%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.4%
% Population in Labor Force
65.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
29''
Average Winter Low Temperature
15°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
18''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
91/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
47/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
