top of page
Search

Best Neighborhoods in Lincoln, NE for Families

Thinking about planting roots in Lincoln, Nebraska? You're not alone. With its tight-knit communities, top-tier schools, and balance of city convenience and suburban calm, Lincoln is quickly becoming a favorite for young families. Below, we break down Lincoln’s most sought-after neighborhoods, highlighting everything from nearby childcare to real estate trends, local schools, and even the best places to grab dinner with the kids after a move.

Oil pastel–style colored pencil sketch of Antelope Park’s Sunken Gardens in Lincoln, Nebraska, featuring the terraced stone waterfall, vibrant flower beds, and a lattice gazebo
Antelope Park’s Sunken Gardens in Lincoln, NE – pencil sketch oil-pastel illustration of the terraced waterfall and vibrant flower beds

Antelope Park


Top Child Care: Educare Lincoln consistently ranks high for its enriching programs and loving staff. Reviews praise their structured activities and warm environment.


School Spotlight: Saratoga Elementary School serves this area and is known for a strong arts program and dedicated teachers.


Real Estate: A blend of charming early 20th-century homes with updated interiors. Median home price: ~$245,000.


Family Favorite Restaurant: Hub Cafe for farm-to-table meals that even picky eaters enjoy.

Antelope Park is perfect for those who value community space. With trails, playgrounds, and Lincoln Children's Zoo nearby, it's one of the most walkable and kid-friendly areas.


The James A. Beattie House in Lincoln, Nebraska — a hand-drawn image of the historic 1892 Victorian home at 6706 Colby Street, the last remaining structure from the old Cotner College campus in Bethany.
James A. Beattie House — Built in 1892, this iconic home at 6706 Colby Street is the last surviving piece of Cotner College. A reminder of Bethany’s deep roots and historic charm, it stands as a symbol of the neighborhood’s family-focused legacy.

Bethany


Top Child Care: Kelly’s Kids In-Home Childcare is beloved for its small group setting and personalized attention.


School Spotlight: Brownell Elementary receives top marks for academic rigor and inclusive extracurriculars.


Real Estate: Affordable mid-century homes with tree-lined streets. Median home price: ~$230,000.


Family Favorite Restaurant: Piezano’s Pizza for casual nights out.

Bethany has that storybook neighborhood vibe—bike rides, lemonade stands, and neighbors who wave. It’s a hidden gem for families looking to settle into a close-knit environment.


Colored pencil drawing of the historic front entrance to Clinton Elementary School at 1520 N 29th Street, a key landmark in Lincoln’s Clinton neighborhood, featuring an arched doorway and red brick facade.
The iconic front entrance of Clinton Elementary School — located at 1520 N 29th St., this historic facade stands as the heart of the Clinton neighborhood and a symbol of its deep educational roots.

Clinton


Top Child Care: St. David’s Preschool stands out with its play-based learning model and calm, nurturing staff.


School Spotlight: Clinton Elementary School excels in ESL support and early literacy programs.


Real Estate: Ranch-style homes with solid bones, often updated by young families. Median home price: ~$210,000.


Family Favorite Restaurant: Parker’s Smokehouse – perfect for weekend family BBQs.

A neighborhood with roots, Clinton is where many multigenerational families stay. It's affordable, accessible, and full of character.


Colored pencil drawing of the 100-foot clock tower at Union College (now Union Adventist University) in Lincoln’s College View neighborhood, surrounded by trees and standing as a historic landmark from the 1970s campus expansion.
The College View clock tower — Built in the 1970s on the Union College campus, this 100-foot landmark has become the heart of the neighborhood and a beloved symbol for generations of families living in South Lincoln.

College View


Top Child Care: Union College Child Development Center gives kids an early taste of campus life with professional staff and excellent parent communication.


School Spotlight: Beattie Elementary School shines with high test scores and a nurturing culture.


Real Estate: Historic homes full of charm near Union College. Median home price: ~$265,000.


Family Favorite Restaurant: The Mill for parents' coffee + snacks for kids.

College View blends academic vibes with family life. Think tree-lined streets, porch swings, and the occasional violin drifting from a nearby dorm.


Colored pencil illustration of Colonial Hills Park in Lincoln, Nebraska, showing a wooden park sign, a winding walking path, large trees, and a red footbridge surrounded by green space.
Colonial Hills Park in full color — with its shaded trails, iconic red bridge, expansive playground, and summer splash pad just around the bend, this park is the heartbeat of the neighborhood. Families gather here year-round for birthday parties, soccer games, and sunny-day strolls. It’s easy to see why Colonial Hills is a favorite for raising kids.

Colonial Hills


Top Child Care: Montessori School for Young Children wins points for structure, independence-building, and outdoor activities.


School Spotlight: Rousseau Elementary School ranks among the top schools citywide.


Real Estate: Spacious mid-century homes, many with generous yards. Median home price: ~$280,000.


Family Favorite Restaurant: Shogun for the hibachi fun and flavorful meals.

If you're seeking suburban bliss with easy access to Holmes Lake, Colonial Hills is your go-to. Great schools and friendly neighbors seal the deal.


Colored pencil drawing of the Lincoln Country Club golf course in Nebraska, featuring a fountain pond, manicured fairways, and autumn trees—the central landmark of the historic Country Club neighborhood.
The Lincoln Country Club — Founded in 1903 and nestled into the rolling prairie by 1917, this historic golf course and its clubhouse have shaped the Country Club neighborhood’s identity for over a century. Whether you're teeing off or strolling by, the open green space and tree-lined views give this area its signature prestige and timeless appeal.

Country Club


Top Child Care: Southeast Community College Child Development Center is well-rated and close by.


School Spotlight: Pyrtle Elementary School is praised for its engaging curriculum and family involvement.


Real Estate: Higher-end homes with mature trees and timeless appeal. Median home price: ~$320,000.


Family Favorite Restaurant: Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill for burgers and house-brewed root beer.

Quiet, established, and gorgeous year-round, Country Club offers a peaceful lifestyle with premier schools and green spaces.


Colored pencil illustration of the Fallbrook Town Center at 575 Fallbrook Blvd in Lincoln, Nebraska — a red brick and glass mixed-use pavilion housing restaurants, shops, offices, and residences, defining the upscale character of the Fallbrook neighborhood.
The heart of Fallbrook — The Town Center at 575 Fallbrook Blvd sets the tone for this master-planned community. With its blend of retail, dining, offices, and luxury residences, this sleek brick-and-glass hub captures Fallbrook’s upscale, small-town feel. It's walkable, family-friendly, and distinctly modern — just like the neighborhood itself.

Fallbrook


Top Child Care: Building Blocks Childcare & Preschool – modern facilities and excellent online reviews.


School Spotlight: Kooser Elementary School provides modern amenities and a STEAM-focused curriculum.


Real Estate: New construction with custom home options. Median home price: ~$350,000.


Family Favorite Restaurant: Toast – an elevated diner with an amazing kids' menu.

Fallbrook is Lincoln's most master-planned development, with trails, markets, and parks built into its DNA. Young families will love the fresh construction and built-in conveniences.


Colored pencil aerial view of a suburban neighborhood with curving streets, modern homes, and green spaces, capturing the fresh, organized layout of Lincoln’s Highlands neighborhood.
The Highlands feels fresh and exciting — This northwest Lincoln neighborhood combines wide streets, modern layouts, and pocket parks to create the perfect launchpad for first-time homeowners. It’s one of the city’s fastest-growing family zones, offering space to grow without sacrificing convenience.

Highlands


Top Child Care: The Children’s Place – located near the Highlands Golf Course with flexible hours and great reviews.


School Spotlight: Fredstrom Elementary School is a consistent over-performer in testing and parent ratings.


Real Estate: Newer builds with three or more bedrooms. Median home price: ~$270,000.


Family Favorite Restaurant: Blue Sushi Sake Grill – not just for sushi, their kid-friendly rolls are a hit.

The Highlands feels fresh and exciting. Parks and modern layouts make this a top pick for first-time home buyers.

Colored pencil drawing of the “Historic Havelock” neighborhood welcome sign in Lincoln, Nebraska, featuring a vintage locomotive theme and the WeMove4U moving company logo beneath, symbolizing community presence in the business district.
Historic Havelock — Once a bustling railroad town, Havelock has preserved its small-town charm with local shops, walkable streets, and a tight-knit vibe. The neighborhood’s iconic sign welcomes visitors to the heart of its business district, where community pride and legacy businesses still thrive. WeMove4U is proud to be part of this historic area’s continued momentum.

Havelock


Top Child Care: Bright Beginnings is highly rated for infants and toddlers.


School Spotlight: Pershing Elementary School has a long-standing reputation for excellence and dedicated staff.


Real Estate: Craftsman and bungalow-style homes. Median home price: ~$225,000.


Family Favorite Restaurant: Engine House Cafe – a local favorite for breakfast lovers.

Historic but hip, Havelock blends the best of yesterday and today with charming homes and a buzzing neighborhood feel.


Colored pencil drawing of Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District at night, featuring the iconic street clock, red brick buildings, glowing streetlights, and cars lining the bustling downtown street.
The heart of the Haymarket — At the corner of 8th and Q Street stands this vintage street clock, a glowing symbol of Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District. Surrounded by brick buildings, artisan shops, and lively restaurants, this neighborhood blends old-world charm with modern energy, making it a favorite for families, foodies, and first-time Lincoln explorers alike.

Downtown / Haymarket


Top Child Care: Educare Lincoln also serves families downtown, offering proximity and high ratings.


School Spotlight: Prescott Elementary School is known for progressive teaching and diverse programs.


Real Estate: Lofts, condos, and urban townhomes. Median home price: ~$285,000.


Family Favorite Restaurant: The Oven – Indian food that pleases adventurous palates.

Perfect for families who don’t want to give up city life, Downtown/Haymarket offers walkable fun, events, and fast access to everywhere.


Colored pencil drawing of Mendoza Park in South Lincoln, Nebraska, featuring a wood-framed picnic shelter, modern playground equipment, and lush green trees — a central gathering space in the Ridge South / Cripple Creek neighborhood.
Mendoza Park is the heart of Ridge South — with a shaded picnic pavilion, a modern playground, and walkable trails, it’s the go-to hangout for neighborhood families. From birthday parties to lazy weekend afternoons, it’s where life in South Lincoln slows down just enough to enjoy it.

Ridge South / Cripple Creek (South Lincoln)

Tucked into one of South Lincoln’s most desirable corners, the Ridge South and Cripple Creek area blends modern family living with unbeatable convenience. Wide streets, mature trees, and well-kept sidewalks give this neighborhood a polished but peaceful feel — a perfect retreat that’s still close to everything.

You’re minutes from SouthPointe Pavilions, Costco, Yankee Hill Road retail, and even fast access to Hwy 2, 84th, and 27th — making commutes and errand runs refreshingly simple.


🏡 Home Style & Real Estate

Most homes here were built between the early 2000s and 2020s, with:

  • 3- to 5-bedroom layouts

  • Two- and three-stall garages

  • Full basements and fenced-in yards

  • Average home price: $375,000–$475,000

  • HOA communities like Ridge South HOA often include covenants to maintain curb appeal

Many lots back to commons or walking trails — perfect for families who value both space and scenery.


🧒 Child Care Nearby

Messiah Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center is one of the top-rated private preschools in South Lincoln. Parents highlight the structured curriculum, small class sizes, and strong connection to the nearby K–5 school.

Also nearby:

  • Kindercare on Yankee Hill Rd

  • Zion Early Childhood Education Center

  • Little Footsteps Learning Center near 84th

These centers consistently get praise for reliable staffing, clean facilities, and great communication.


🏫 School Options

  • Private: Messiah Lutheran School (K–5) – nurturing, academically strong, and faith-centered

  • Public: Adams Elementary & Scott Middle School serve most of the area and are known for solid test scores and highly involved parent-teacher networks

  • High School: Lincoln Southeast or Lincoln East depending on zoning

Parents in the area love the blend of public excellence and strong private options — all within a short drive (or walk).


🌳 What Makes This Area Stand Out

  • Mendoza Park: A hidden gem with winding trails, peaceful green space, and a shaded playground perfect for littles

  • HiMark Golf Course: A weekend escape or date spot just around the corner

  • Fireworks Views: Each summer, families gather on lawns to watch the city’s fireworks displays light up the southern sky — it’s practically a front-porch tradition here



Whether you’re moving with toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, the Ridge South / Cripple Creek area offers the complete package: clean design, great schools, green space, and location, location, location. It’s a neighborhood built not just for houses — but for building a life.

Colored pencil-style portrait of four smiling WeMove4U team members standing outside in uniform, wearing branded shirts, representing their professional moving services in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Meet the WeMove4U team — Local, experienced, and ready to help. Whether you’re moving across town or just down the block, our crew brings the hustle (and the muscle) to every Lincoln neighborhood we serve.

Final Thoughts


Whether you're drawn to the charm of Antelope Park, the newness of Fallbrook, or the community spirit of Bethany, Lincoln has a neighborhood that fits your family’s unique story. From top childcare options to trusted schools and dinner spots you’ll frequent weekly, moving to Lincoln isn’t just about a house—it’s about creating a home.



Looking for moving help in any of these Lincoln neighborhoods? WeMove4U offers trusted, affordable moving services in all areas listed above. Load-only, unload-only, or full-service moves—our transparent pricing and top local reputation make us a favorite among Lincoln families.

Comments

Contact Us

Ready to move in Lincoln, NE?
WeMove4U makes moving easy with expert packing, loading, and full-service local moves. Get your free quote today and let our trusted Lincoln movers handle the heavy lifting.

Thanks for submitting!

Areas We Cover

WeMove4U proudly provides moving services in Lincoln, NE, and surrounding areas including Waverly, Hickman, Roca, Denton, and Seward. Whether you’re moving within downtown Lincoln, the Highlands, South Pointe, or out to a nearby town, our professional movers are here to help. We deliver fast, affordable service across Lancaster County and beyond — no job too big or small.

  • w-facebook
  • Twitter Clean

"© 2023 WeMove4U - Your trusted movers in Lincoln, Nebraska. All Rights Reserved."

bottom of page