Waverly's rural feel just beyond Lincoln
Waverly was founded as a railroad town in 1870 and named after a novel by Sir Walter Scott. The city lies 13 miles northeast of Nebraska's capital city, Lincoln, offering a slower pace of life anchored by a small downtown. "Waverly is a good mix of old and new," says Lea Ann Stephenson, a native Nebraska Realtor with Home Real Estate. She notes that new homes are being built along the city periphery, but the growth hasn't been explosive. “[It's been] very steady. It has had a good mix and influx of people." While Waverly grows, it remains semi-rural and casual, with chickens in backyards and people commuting on golf carts. City parks support a range of recreation, and Waverly is introducing a new dog park.
A mix of vintage and modern homes
Craftsman-style, ranch-style and split-level homes are common in Waverly. Lots range from modest to spacious, with some properties backing up to open land. Some neighbors use their lots to farm hens. "You don't always have neighbors," Stephenson says. "I would say it's probably going to stay that way to some degree." Mature streets show cracks and are shaded by tall trees. Waverly is also seeing new construction that features Craftsman and farmhouse elements, often with large front-facing garages. Older single-family homes start from $180,000 to $290,000. Prices rise from $300,000 to $720,000 as options get larger and newer. Townhouses typically sell from $245,000 to $390,000.
Schools earn solid grades and support youth football
The Waverly School District participates in school choice. Hamlow Elementary School covers prekindergarten through second grade and earns a B-minus on Niche. Grades 2 through 5 head to the B-plus-rated Waverly Intermediate School. Waverly Middle School also receives a B-plus, and Waverly High School earns a B-minus. Waverly High cultivates future Waverly Vikings football players through its Jr. Viking Football program. The program not only teaches fundamentals but also instills the mindset and philosophy players adopt.
Convenient east-west travel with a direct connection to Lincoln
Highway 6 and Interstate 80 bisect town. I-80 connects Waverly to Lincoln in less than 20 miles and to Omaha in less than 50 miles. The railroad, which runs adjacent to the highway, remains active. Lancaster County Public Rural Transit serves all of Lancaster County, including Waverly, through on-demand buses scheduled in advance.
Local spots offer groceries, Chinese food and pub favorites
Waverly's casual commercial corridor runs off Highway 6. Russ's Market Express is the neighborhood grocery store, with a bakery and deli. Trackside Bar is a go-to for pub grub and drinks. Great Wall serves Chinese classics, including beef and broccoli. Vike's Corner is known for daily comfort-food specials. Local retailers include Tractor Supply and Smart Chicken. Many residents head to Lincoln for broader shopping centers. "The closest one to Waverly would be Gateway Mall," Stephenson says.
Open spaces, sports courts and a lazy river draw locals outside
Wayne Park is Waverly's main recreational hub, home to unique tree species and flowers. The park offers green space for frisbees and picnics, plus a mile-long walking trail. Locals practice sports here, including disc golf and pickleball, and bring their kids to the playground. Wayne Park also houses an aquatic center with a lazy river and diving board. Jaycee Park is known for sand volleyball courts and ball fields. Lawson Park is the city's newest green space and another spot for sports. "And they have a dog park coming soon," Stephenson says.
Waverlyfest brings the community together
Waverlyfest is the town’s signature Fourth of July celebration. The event includes festivities hosted throughout the community, such as a parade that starts at Waverly Intermediate School and a hot dog and ice cream social at First United Methodist Church. Lawson Park hosts the evening fireworks display.
Six tornadoes struck Waverly in a rare and destructive storm
Nebraska weather has its extremes. A historic storm hit Waverly in 2024, when six tornadoes swept through town, flipping a train and damaging homes.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
