Milford's relaxed lifestyle near Lincoln
Milford and Lincoln are only 20 miles from each other, but worlds apart in their vibe. People are drawn here for the slower pace and convenience, where everything is accessible within a few minutes of driving. Stacy Hartgerink, a Realtor with Home Real Estate, lives in a 1920s residence in town that's only had four owners. She says the city's family-friendly nature keeps people here for a long time, often in the same home. "When a house comes up, you better snatch it because it might not again for 10 to 20 years." Community comforts, from the local fire department to a family medical center, recreational parks and nearly a dozen churches, create the framework for life here.
Traditional housing options, some on acreage
Housing in Milford is traditional and established. Ranch-style homes with single-car garages from the 1960s to '80s are common. Likewise, cottages dating from the early 1900s are found throughout the area. Neighborhood streets are gridded, connected by sidewalks and flanked by mature trees. The lots in town may be less than 10,000 square feet or more than a quarter-acre. On Milford's outskirts, many properties are on acreage. In town, housing prices mostly range from around $170,000 to $350,000; farther out, the range reaches $420,000 to $540,000. The CAP Index Crime Score in Milford is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Route 6 connects Milford residents to city life
U.S. Route 6 passes through town toward Interstate 80, leading to Lincoln in around 20 miles. Being so small, Milford is fairly pedestrian-friendly. "Many people bike, walk around and have their kids outside all the time. Even riding scooters around town," says Mauricio Hernandez, a Realtor based in Lincoln who works for Nebraska Realty. Seward County Public Transit provides regional bus transportation that's scheduled in advance.
Handmade goods and comfort foods in town
Milford's downtown showcases original red brick roads and locally owned businesses. Main Street Market is the local grocery store. It has two locations selling fresh produce, deli meat, baked goods prepared in store and even handmade toys and furniture. Dragonfly is a popular breakfast and lunch spot with fresh flowers on each table. Pizza Kitchen makes its dough from scratch and serves other Italian classics, including pasta. Uptown Tavern Sports Bar & Grill is a casual spot to watch the game and eat comfort food. Dollar General and a few specialty stores, including Zo'z Floral, are in town. Hartgerink says locals make trips to Seward, around 10 miles away, for the Walmart Supercenter. They head to Lincoln for more grocery stores and chain retailers.
Outdoor fun includes pickleball, baseball and boating nearby
Uptown Park is in the heart of Milford. "We have a new splash pad there and they just installed a pickleball court," Hartgerink says. The park also upgraded its basketball courts and has play equipment for different ages and abilities. Milford City Swimming Pool is on the southern side of town, across from the city's public 9-hole Thornridge Golf Course. Welch Park is to the west, with three baseball fields. The Big Blue River flows through town, but Hartgerink says it isn't used for recreation. Twin Lakes State Wildlife Management Area is around 10 miles away with a popular boating and fishing lake.
Schools get solid ratings and strong community support
Milford Public Schools participates in school choice. Milford Elementary School covers kindergarten through sixth grade and earns a B on Niche. Milford High School, home to the Milford Eagles football team, takes learners the rest of the way and scores a B-plus. "If the team goes to state, the town is empty 'cause a lot of people will follow them," Hartgerink says. She adds that Milford is also big on faith-based homeschooling. Southeast Community College is in town, allowing students to advance through degrees, career certificates or transfer to a four-year college.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
