Best Neighborhoods in Lincoln, NE for Renters

As the state capital and home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln draws renters with a steady job market anchored by government, healthcare, education, and a growing tech sector. The overall cost of living sits about 6.5% below the national average, making it one of the more affordable cities in the Midwest. Whether you're drawn to walkable urban blocks or neighborhoods with their own distinct personality, Lincoln has it all.

If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Lincoln, there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in Lincoln based on the following factors:

• Rental availability
• Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
• Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
• Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards

The five best neighborhoods in Lincoln for renters are:

1. Highlands
2. Woods Park
3. Near South
4. Hawley
5. Downtown Lincoln

Highlands

Average 1-bedroom rent in Lincoln: $1,090/month

Average 1-bedroom rent in Highlands: $1,228/month

Average 1-bedroom size in Highlands: 774 square feet

Why Highlands is good for renters

Located in northwest Lincoln, Highlands offers a quiet, suburban feel with easy access to I-80. Renters appreciate the newer apartment communities, spacious layouts, and proximity to parks and golf courses. The area is ideal for those who want more space and a relaxed pace while still being near downtown.

Somewhat Walkable	Limited Public Transit	Exceptionally Drivable	Moderately Bikeable
20 Highlands has a walkability score of 20 out of 100	30 Highlands has a transit score of 30 out of 100	100 Highlands has a drivability score of 100 out of 100	60 Highlands has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100

 

Keep in mind

You’ll likely need a car to get around, as walkability and public transit options are limited.

Woods Park

Average 1-bedroom rent in Lincoln: $1,090/month

Average 1-bedoom rent in Woods Park: $923/month

Average 1-bedroom size in Woods Park: 621 square feet

Why Woods Park is good for renters

As the name suggests, Woods Park is located around one mile outside of Downtown Lincoln and has over 45 acres of green space, trails, and courts to discover. Travel in and out of the neighborhood is easy thanks to South 27^th Street, where renters can find a cluster of available units. Proximity to downtown means that a fun night out and a peaceful evening at home are possible in Woods Park.

Moderately Walkable	Limited Public Transit	Moderately Drivable	Very Bikeable
60 Woods Park has a walkability score of 60 out of 100	30 Woods Park has a transit score of 30 out of 100	60 Woods Park has a drivability score of 60 out of 100	80 Woods Park has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100

 

Keep in mind

There is limited public transit in the area, and most residents rely on cars or personal vehicles for cross-city travel.

Near South

Average 1-bedroom rent in Lincoln: $1,090/month

Average 1-bedroom rent in Near South: $508/month

Average 1-bedroom size in Near South: 478 square feet

Why Near South is good for renters

Near South sits just below downtown and offers some of Lincoln's most beautiful housing. The neighborhood borders Antelope Park and Sunken Gardens, a free public garden that draws visitors from across the city every summer. South Street's local shops and eateries give the area its own identity separate from downtown, and the proximity to UNL's City Campus gives renters easy access to the Sheldon Museum of Art and campus events.

Moderately Walkable	Limited Public Transit	Moderately Drivable	Moderately Bikeable
60 Near South has a walkability score of 60 out of 100	30 Near South has a transit score of 30 out of 100	70 Near South has a drivability score of 70 out of 100	60 Near South has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100

 

Keep in mind

Older housing means some units may have dated kitchens or bathrooms or offer in-unit laundry or off-street parking. Make sure to ask landlords specifically about these features before signing a lease.

Hawley

Average 1-bedroom rent in Lincoln: $1,090/month

Average 1-bedroom rent in Hawley: $1,102/month

Average 1-bedroom size in Hawley: 586 square feet

Why Hawley is good for renters

Hawley is located just steps away from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus and near the surrounding community colleges, as well as Nebraska Wesleyan University, making it the perfect affordable neighborhood for students. Rentals span modern apartment communities to classic townhomes. Downtown is just a short drive away and Trago Park as well as Rock Island Trail support all outdoor recreation.

Moderately Walkable	Some Public Transit	Moderately Drivable	Very Bikeable
60 Hawley has a walkability score of 60 out of 100	50 Hawley has a transit score of 50 out of 100	70 Hawley has a drivability score of 70 out of 100	80 Hawley has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100

 

Keep in mind

Proximity to downtown and college campuses can bring noise on the weekend and make finding street parking difficult.

Downtown Lincoln

Average 1-bedroom rent in Lincoln: $1,090/month

Average 1-bedroom rent in Downtown Lincoln: $1,197/month

Average 1-bedroom size in Downtown Lincoln: 807 square feet

Why Downtown Lincoln is good for renters

Downtown Lincoln puts you at the center of everything, from dining and nightlife to major employers and entertainment venues like Pinnacle Bank Arena. The area is highly walkable, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Renters also benefit from proximity to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus and public transit options. Modern apartment communities offer luxury amenities and convenient urban living.

Fairly Walkable	Some Public Transit	Exceptionally Drivable	Moderately Bikeable
50 Downtown Lincoln has a walkability score of 50 out of 100	40 Downtown Lincoln has a transit score of 40 out of 100	90 Downtown Lincoln has a drivability score of 90 out of 100	70 Downtown Lincoln has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100

 

Keep in mind

Living downtown typically comes with higher rent prices and more noise, especially near nightlife and event venues.

Ready to Make the Move?

If Lincoln has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plans.

Where you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.

Methodology

Rent and cost of living data are sourced from Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.