Schuyler is a rural city shaped by cattle and diversity
While Schuyler offers plenty of single-family homes, outdoor attractions and a quaint downtown, the fortunes of this Colfax County community have long been tied to cattle. Established in the 1860s, its first population boom came after Union Pacific railroad selected Schuyler as an endpoint for loading cattle onto trains. In the 1960s, a large beef production plant was built and eventually purchased by Cargill. Today the plant employs over 2,000, leading to an population boom as immigrants from Latin America, Somalia and Thailand have moved here for work. “It’s a very rural, diversified community,” says Chris Langemeier, a Realtor with Land Mark Management & Realty, born and raised in Schuyler. “It’s a good place to live (and it's) a community where you get to know everyone.”
Mix of early 1900s homes and new builds on larger lots
Homes here include a mix of Craftsman and farmhouse-style homes built in the early 1900s and midcentury ranch-styles. Newly constructed traditional homes are also present. The median housing price is $277,000, but properties can range from just under $140,000 to $750,000, depending on size, location and condition. Most houses are on gridded streets with large lot sizes and oak trees typically accenting front and back lawns. Some homes back onto lakes and have private docks.
Jose Garcia, an associate with RE/MAX Total Realty, says Cargill plant still attracts workers to Schuyler, but multigenerational families are also present.
Schuyler Community Schools serve as the primary public option
This area is served by Schuyler Community Schools, rated C on Niche. Students start at Schuyler Elementary School, graded C-plus, which offers a dual language program from kindergarten through second grade. They continue onto C-minus-graded Schuyler Middle School and finish at C-rated Schuyler Central High School.
Plenty of green space, outdoor attractions and celebrations of Latin c
Merchant’s Park features baseball diamonds and sports courts. North Park also has multiple baseball fields. The Jim Kluck Memorial Railside Green Arboretum is popular. The Schuyler Golf Club is a public 9-hole course with a community pool. The Whitetail State Wildlife Management Area, south of the community, allows for hunting and fishing along the Platte River. Cinco De Schuyler is an annual three-day festival celebrating the town’s Latin community, and features multiple food stalls, live music and a salsa tasting competition.
Columbus, 17 miles west, offers adult entertainment options such as a Harrah’s Casino and horse racing track. Downtown Omaha is 70 miles east.
Mexican and Central American restaurants with limited grocery options
Restaurants are primarily located along 16th Street and Colfax Street and feature a mix of chains and local spots. Mexican restaurants include The Burrito House and El Patron. Pupuseria El Rinconcito offers dishes from Central America.
Boutiques are also downtown. Didier’s Grocery is on 16th Street while Supermercado Mi Pais and Chichualco Supermarket are located on 12th Street and B Street respectively. More grocery and big box stores are in Columbus.
Flooding risks and rail noise can be present
Flood maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency show a risk of flooding in downtown region and near bodies of water. Severe storms and tornadoes can also be factors. A train line cuts through the center of downtown, causing noise. The Cargill plant can omit smells.
Greyhound stops in Schuyler but offers easy highway access
Greyhound provides intercity bus connections. U.S. Highway 30 links to U.S. 275. Omaha’s Eppley Airfield is 71 miles east. CHI Health has a hospital on Colfax Street.
