We’ve always known the Lincoln is one of the most popular places to live in Nebraska. It’s not hard to see why – from community spirit to great shopping and dining, world-class hospitals to walking trails, Lincoln has a lot to offer. A recent study from WalletHub named Lincoln, Nebraska the 7th happiest city in the whole country in 2021.
Nebraska is, overall, one of the happiest places in the nation. In fact, another recent study from WalletHub named Nebraska the 11th happiest state in the nation!
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But the capital city’s happiness score surpassed even that of Nebraska as a whole. So what makes Lincoln such a happy place?
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The study ranked cities based on income and employment levels, community and environment, and emotional and physical well-being.
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Lincoln’s unemployment rate is consistently far lower than the national average. Even during the pandemic, the city has maintained low unemployment and a mostly stable economy.
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The community and environment metric measures factors like divorce rates, the amount of leisure time residents have, and green public spaces. Lincoln excels in this area thanks to its strong sense of community and plenty of outdoor parks for families to play in.
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Emotional and physical well-being measures depression rates, food insecurity rates, adequate sleep rate, and physical fitness. Lincoln’s numerous parks and play areas (132, if you’re keeping track) are a testament to how much the city values health and happiness.
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Lincolnites also have access to more than 130 miles of walking trails, making it easy to get out and explore the city while getting some exercise. Distinctive places like the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Sunken Gardens, Pioneers Park, and more make Lincoln a true destination.
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Access to great healthcare also factored into the ranking. As the home to several world-class hospitals and medical facilities, Lincoln has you covered when you get sick.
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Shopping and dining opportunities abound in Lincoln, as well. The Haymarket District is often listed as one of Lincoln’s best destinations…but don’t forget to explore the rest of the city, too! There are terrific little surprises everywhere you look, like this stunning steam engine wall sculpture in the Haymarket.
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Lincoln may not have topped the list when it comes to weather, but we’re okay with that. Who needs nonstop sunshine when you can experience all four seasons in one week?
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Do you agree that Lincoln is one of the happiest cities to live in? What’s your favorite part of the city? Let us know in the comments!
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Address: Lincoln, NE, USA
