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Newcomer Information
Welcome to Central Nebraska! We’d love to show you to the historic foundations, modern business ingenuity, friendly community, and hometown charms of some of the oldest cities in Nebraska. You’ll love the exciting events—including the Nebraska State Fair—hidden gems, and civic pride offered by Grand Island and Hastings.
Grand Island Chamber of CommerceHastings Chamber of Commerce
THINGS TO ENJOY IN CENTRAL NEBRASKA
Officially recognized as the “Birthplace of Kool-Aid,” Hastings and Grand Island offer year-round entertainment and family-friendly activities. With historic Oregon Trail and Pony Express Landmarks, sports centers, race tracks, natural migrations, and festivals galore, you’ll always find a place to get involved in this community. The local environment also offers natural fun with tons of places to camp, kayak, fish and swim—all within a 10-minute drive.
Grand Island EventsGrand Island Public Services
Hastings Events
Endless Entertainment
Hastings Community
Housing
Grand Island and Hastings are the largest urban centers in Central Nebraska, but they still maintain the hometown pride of Nebraska’s smaller cities. There is immense housing diversity—both in style and price—and Nebraska Realty is in both locations to help you find the best place to call home.
Nebraska RealtyGrow Grand Island
Moving to Hastings
Renting
Education
With 27 neighborhood schools in Grand Island and 8 in Hastings, Central Nebraska is the perfect place to raise a family. There are also several adult education options including Creighton University’s College of Nursing and a Bellevue University campus. Everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed in these communities.
Grand Island EducationHastings Education
Public Schools
The school districts in these communities provide safe spaces for your children to learn and accomplish their dreams. They are nationally recognized for their excellence. See them for yourself!
Hastings Public SchoolsAdams Central Public Schools
Grand Island Public Schools
Career Pathways Institute
Grand Island Northwest
Government
Currently under the mayoral guidance of Mayor Roger Steele, Grand Island works with a city council of 5 wards whose members serve four-year terms. They meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month to resolve all issues the community brings to their attention. Hastings’ mayor is Corey Stutte, who works alongside of the eight-member Hastings City Council—serving all four wards of their community.
Grand Island GovernmentHastings Government
Demographics
Central Nebraska is divided into several small communities, the largest of which being Grand Island with a Metropolitan Statistical Area population of 83,472. It has been a city since 1872 and has had a growing median household income for the past few years. Hastings has a population of 24,922 as of 2018, and they have approximately 12,430 people in their local workforce. See more information in the below links.
Grand Island DemographicsHastings Demographics
