Top 50 College Towns You'll Want To Live In From Sea To Shining Sea

By

Lisette Marie

February 18, 2026

30. Lincoln, Nebraska: Big Ten Pride near Omaha

Photo of a section of the Rotary Strolling Garden (within Antelope Park), located to the east of S. 27th & "C" Streets in Lincoln, Nebraska. Photo taken near the northwestern extremity of the garden, looking almost due south. The Hamann Rose Garden. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Hanyou23

Lincoln, home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is a quintessential Big Ten college town, characterized by fervent sports enthusiasm, a strong sense of community, and a surprisingly robust downtown. While seemingly isolated, it's just an hour's drive from Omaha, Nebraska's largest city and an economic powerhouse. Omaha offers significant opportunities in finance, tech, and healthcare, plus a thriving arts and culinary scene, providing a crucial urban counterpoint to Lincoln's collegiate focus. This pairing offers a supportive, high-quality living experience with access to diverse professional growth.

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