Haymarket

Lincoln, NE

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$265,000 (Lincoln citywide, Jan 2025)
Median Home Price
92 (Walker's Paradise; most errands can be accomplished on foot)
Walkability Score
Public schools in the area are rated average to above average; Haymarket itself is not a primary family neighborhood.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by 7th to 9th Streets (east-west), O Street (south), and R Street (north); adjacent to Downtown Lincoln.

Zip Codes

68508

Market Data Summary

Price Range$220,000–$450,000 (Haymarket condos/lofts, 2024–2025 est.)
Price per Sq Ft$220–$300 (Haymarket, 2024–2025 est.)
Inventory LevelsModerate to high for condos/lofts; more options available than previous years, with 3–5 active listings typical in Haymarket at any time.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

CondosLoftsMixed-use residential

Architectural Styles

Historic warehouse conversionsContemporary urban lofts

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesN/A (condos/lofts; no private yards)
Home Age RangeLate 1800s (historic conversions) to new construction (2010s–2020s)
Construction QualityGenerally high, with many units featuring exposed brick, modern finishes, and secure access.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Young professionals, university staff, graduate students, empty nesters; diverse, urban-oriented population.

Community Vibe

Energetic, urban, walkable, arts-focused; strong sense of local pride and community events.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Empty nesters
  • Graduate students
  • Short-term corporate residents

Family Friendly

Limited for families with young children due to unit sizes and lack of private yards; more suited for singles, couples, and downsizers.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Iron Horse Park
  • Centennial Mall
  • Pinnacle Bank Arena (events/concerts)

Dining Options

  • Lazlo's Brewery & Grill
  • Vincenzo's Ristorante
  • LeadBelly
  • Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Shopping Centers

  • Haymarket retail district (boutiques, specialty shops)

Local Businesses

  • The Mill Coffee & Tea
  • Ivanna Cone
  • Licorice International
  • Haymarket Farmers' Market

Education & Schools

Public schools in the area are rated average to above average; Haymarket itself is not a primary family neighborhood.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • McPhee Elementary (outside immediate Haymarket, but nearby)

Middle Schools

  • Park Middle School

High Schools

  • Lincoln High School

Private Schools

  • Cathedral of the Risen Christ School (K-8, nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • StarTran bus lines (multiple routes through Downtown/Haymarket)

Major Roads

  • O Street
  • 9th Street
  • R Street

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times5–10 minutes to UNL campus, 10–15 minutes to most major employers downtown; 15–20 minutes to southeast Lincoln by car.
WalkabilityExcellent; most daily needs met on foot.
ParkingLimited street parking; most buildings offer secure garage or permit parking for residents.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • Investors (short-term/corporate rental)
  • Empty nesters
  • University staff

Key Selling Points

  • Prime walkable location
  • Historic character with modern finishes
  • Access to dining, arts, and events
  • Strong rental demand

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively within recent sales range; highlight unique features (views, parking, upgrades) to justify premium.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Noise from nightlife and events.

Response Strategy:

Highlight soundproofing, upper-floor units, and vibrant community atmosphere; suggest units on quieter sides of buildings.

Objection: Limited parking options.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize included garage/permit parking or proximity to public transit and walkability.

Objection: Lack of private outdoor space.

Response Strategy:

Promote nearby parks, rooftop decks, and the urban lifestyle benefits.

Objection: HOA fees.

Response Strategy:

Detail what fees cover (security, maintenance, amenities) and compare to single-family home upkeep costs.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Modest (1–2% annually forecast for Lincoln); Haymarket units hold value due to location and demand for urban living.[1][2]

Rental Demand

High, especially for furnished units and short-term rentals (corporate, university visitors, event attendees).

Buyer Competition

Moderate; less intense than 2022–2023, but desirable units still move quickly.

Best For

  • Investors seeking rental income
  • Young professionals
  • Empty nesters
  • UNL-affiliated buyers

Potential Concerns

  • Noise and nightlife
  • Limited outdoor space
  • HOA fees

Professional Recommendations

1

Emphasize lifestyle and location over square footage.

2

Prepare buyers for urban living trade-offs (noise, parking).

3

Leverage professional staging to highlight unique features.

4

Stay informed on upcoming developments and inventory shifts.

5

Network with local businesses and event organizers to market listings.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Downtown Lincoln
  • Near South
  • Antelope Valley

Market Positioning

Best suited for buyers seeking urban, low-maintenance living with access to culture and nightlife.

Competitive Advantages

  • Highest walkability in Lincoln
  • Historic charm with modern amenities
  • Proximity to UNL and event venues

Price Comparison

Haymarket condos/lofts typically command a 10–20% premium over similar units in Near South or Antelope Valley due to location and amenities.

Investment Metrics

5–6% (typical for urban Lincoln condos, 2024–2025)
Cap Rates
5–7% gross annual yield (short-term/furnished units can achieve higher)
Rental Yields
16–18 (favorable for investors seeking long-term appreciation and cash flow)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-managed short-term or furnished rentals; break-even or modest cash flow for long-term unfurnished rentals.
Cash Flow
1–2% annual appreciation expected through 2026.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Appealing for those seeking urban lifestyle and low maintenance; may be priced out of larger units.

Move-Up Buyers

Less common, unless downsizing from suburban homes for walkable amenities.

Downsizers

Strong fit for empty nesters seeking culture, dining, and no yard work.

Investors

Attractive for short-term and corporate rental strategies; stable demand.

Relocators

Popular for university staff and professionals moving to Lincoln for work.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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