The Nebraska Panhandle includes seven cities, with Scottsbluff being the largest. A rural town, Scottsbluff prides itself on its annual community events and proximity to a national monument. “We have a very tight-knit culture, even though it is the biggest city in the Panhandle,” said Ethan Nelson, a library assistant at Scottsbluff Public Library. “We have lots of community events, so I’d say it has the opportunities and amenities of a larger city but with a small-town charm.”
Scottsbluff hosts events that attract runners worldwide to race near the Scotts Bluff National Monument, a 3,000-acre historic site. Regional West Medical Center, a Level II trauma center with 24-hour emergency care, is one of the city’s largest employers, alongside retail outlets such as Walmart, Target, and The Home Depot.
Regional West Medical Center, a Level II trauma center with 24-hour emergency care, is one of the city’s largest employers.
National Monument features nearly 4 miles of hiking trails, and a 2-mile road leads visitors to the top of the bluff for panoramic views.
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Car-dependent city near Western Nebraska Regional Airport
Although Scottsbluff is miles from the nearest interstate, the car-dependent city offers public transportation for those needing to visit nearby towns. “Oh, this is a car-dependent area, but we have the Roadrunner Bus Service that goes through the city, as well as a long-distance service called Western Trails Bus Service,” said Nelson. “Other than that, the city is improving by developing walking and bike trails.” The Western Nebraska Regional Airport, located within city limits, serves the area with daily United Airlines flights to Denver.
Scottsbluff is a car-dependent area,
The Western Nebraska Regional Airport, located within city limits, serves the area with daily United Airlines flights to Denver.
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Big box retail, chain restaurants along Heartland Expressway
U.S. Route 26, which connects western Nebraska to Oregon, also serves as the drop-off point for big-box retailers such as Walmart, Target, and The Home Depot. National chain restaurants in the area include Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s, Applebee’s, and Jimmy John’s.
“There are also a few popular places downtown, like Flyover Brewery, which hosts live music once a week, and Cappuccino & Co., a local favorite coffee shop,” said Nelson. Broadway Avenue is home to these local spots, including Sam & Louie’s Italian Restaurant & New York Pizzeria and Runza Restaurant, a German-inspired burger joint.
Locals can shop for home-improvement needs at The Home Depot.
National chain restaurants in Scottsbluff include Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s, Applebee’s, and Jimmy John’s.
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Sightsee at Scottsbluff National Monument, Riverside Park
The 3,000-acre Scotts Bluff National Monument features nearly 4 miles of hiking trails, and a 2-mile road leads visitors to the top of the bluff for panoramic views. The monument also hosts free events, such as Christmas on the Prairie, a winter celebration where attendees can create various holiday ornaments.
Riverside Park, located in the southern half of the monument, is home to Riverside Campground, which offers 43 pull-through campsites and 20 tent sites. The campground also provides complimentary Wi-Fi, a bathhouse, and a fire ring. Riverside Discovery Center Zoo is also located within the park.
Riverside Discovery Center Zoo is located within Riverside Park.
Riverside Park, located in the southern half of the monument, is home to Riverside Campground.
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Sightsee at Scottsbluff National Monument, Riverside Park
Scottsbluff proudly waves its flag to the rest of the state — and, frankly, the world — with several monthly and annual events. “There are two huge events that immediately come to mind: the Old West Balloon Fest, a major hot-air balloon festival, and the Monument Marathon, a renowned running competition that attracts participants from around the globe,” said Nelson.
The Old West Balloon Festival is a family-friendly event that draws the Scottsbluff community to Mitchell, 9 miles northwest of the city. Inflated hot-air balloons fill the sky day and night for three days, with the grand finale held at night, accompanied by a concert. The Monument Marathon, a certified USA Track & Field race, occurs 4,000 feet above sea level. Proceeds from the event benefit the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation.
Bungalows, Ranch-style homes below the national average
With a population of 14,000, homes in Scottsbluff vary in style but generally fall within the same median price range of $200,000, about a third of the national average. While there are no distinct neighborhoods in the city, homes in the northern half tend to be single-family ranch-style houses, some with brick exteriors. Single-family bungalows are standard in the central part of the city.
Single-family bungalows are standard in the central part of Scottsbluff.
Homes in the northern half of Scottsbluff tend to be single-family ranch-style houses.
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Million-dollar investment into Scottsbluff High School
Scottsbluff Public Schools is the city's central school district, serving 3,500 prekindergarten through 12th-grade students, earning a B on Niche. The district oversees 10 schools, including Scottsbluff High School, which completed a $34 million renovation project in 2018. Seventy-five percent of students graduate with dual credits through a partnership with the nearby community college. Western Nebraska Community College and the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing—West Nebraska Division—are in the same complex within city limits.
Scottsbluff High School completed a $34 million renovation project in 2018.
Western Nebraska Community College and the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing are in the same complex within city limits.
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Low crime and environmental concerns
According to the FBI Data Explorer, the overall crime rate in Scottsbluff is below the state and national rates, with some irregular spikes above the averages. Homes near Riverside Park, particularly around South Beltline Highway, may be prone to flooding during wet conditions.
Written By
Elgin Nelson
Photography Contributed By
Alex Dickerson
Video By
Bob Yukich
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On average, homes in Scottsbluff, NE sell after 118 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Scottsbluff, NE over the last 12 months is $270,000, up 47% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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