Highlands

Lincoln, NE

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$297,450–$338,000 (as of June 2025)
Median Home Price
Moderate (typically 35–55, car-dependent but walkable to parks and some shops)
Walkability Score
Generally above average; Fredstrom Elementary is well-rated and sought after.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Generally north of I-80, west of N 14th St, east of NW 27th St, and south of W Adams St. Boundaries may vary slightly by source.

Zip Codes

68521

Market Data Summary

Price RangeMost homes range from $260,000 to $375,000, with outliers above and below.
Price per Sq Ft$139 (down 13.1% YoY as of May 2025)
Inventory LevelsLow but rising; Lincoln overall had a 27.9% increase in homes for sale in June 2025 compared to May 2025.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhomesSome duplexes

Architectural Styles

Contemporary suburbanTraditional ranchSplit-levelTwo-story

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.15–0.25 acres (typical suburban lots)
Home Age RangeBuilt primarily from the late 1990s through 2015, with some newer infill.
Construction QualityGenerally good; most homes are well-maintained, with modern systems and finishes.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Predominantly middle-class families, young professionals, and some retirees. Diverse age groups, with a strong presence of families with children.

Community Vibe

Suburban, active, and welcoming. Residents value safety, schools, and neighborhood cohesion.

Typical Residents

  • Families with children
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees

Family Friendly

Highly family-friendly; parks, schools, and quiet streets attract households with kids.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Highlands Park
  • Ashley Heights Park
  • Walking/biking trails

Dining Options

  • Casual dining
  • Pizza
  • Fast food
  • Local cafes

Shopping Centers

  • Super Saver
  • Walmart Neighborhood Market
  • Local strip malls

Local Businesses

  • Coffee shops
  • Daycares
  • Fitness centers
  • Medical clinics

Education & Schools

Generally above average; Fredstrom Elementary is well-rated and sought after.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Fredstrom Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Schoo Middle School

High Schools

  • North Star High School

Private Schools

  • Lincoln Christian School (nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • StarTran bus routes (limited frequency)

Major Roads

  • I-80
  • N 14th St
  • NW 27th St
  • W Adams St

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15–20 minutes to downtown Lincoln by car; 25–35 minutes by bus.
WalkabilityModerate; most errands require a car, but parks and schools are walkable for many residents.
ParkingAmple street and driveway parking; garages are common.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Families with children
  • Move-up buyers
  • Young professionals
  • Relocators

Key Selling Points

  • Excellent schools
  • Parks and recreation
  • Modern homes
  • Safe, quiet streets

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively; homes selling near or slightly above list for 'hot' properties. Updated homes command premium.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Prices have risen too quickly; is this a bubble?

Response Strategy:

Show citywide data indicating sustainable, modest future appreciation and strong fundamentals[1][2].

Objection: Inventory is low; will more homes come on the market soon?

Response Strategy:

Point to recent inventory increases citywide and encourage readiness to act quickly.

Objection: Homes are not walkable to all amenities.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize proximity to parks, schools, and short drives to shopping.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong recent appreciation (up to 25% YoY), but expected to moderate to 1–3% annually per citywide forecasts[1][2].

Rental Demand

Moderate; primarily owner-occupied, but some demand from families and professionals seeking rentals.

Buyer Competition

High for move-in ready homes; multiple offers common, especially for updated properties.

Best For

  • Families
  • Move-up buyers
  • Young professionals

Potential Concerns

  • Rising prices may limit affordability
  • Inventory shortages can frustrate buyers

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on fast-moving market and need for pre-approval.

2

Stage and price homes to maximize appeal to families.

3

Highlight school ratings and community amenities in all marketing.

4

Monitor inventory trends closely for timing opportunities.

5

Prepare for multiple-offer scenarios and guide clients accordingly.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Fallbrook
  • Air Park
  • Northwest Lincoln

Market Positioning

Premium suburban neighborhood for families and professionals seeking newer homes and strong schools.

Competitive Advantages

  • Newer homes than many nearby areas
  • Better school ratings
  • More parks and green space

Price Comparison

Highlands median price ($297K–$338K) is above Lincoln average ($282K–$290K), reflecting desirability and newer housing stock[2][3][4].

Investment Metrics

Typically 5–6% for single-family rentals (estimate, as most homes are owner-occupied)
Cap Rates
Moderate; rents are strong but home prices have risen faster than rents recently.
Rental Yields
Estimated 18–20, indicating stronger owner-occupancy but some rental potential.
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-priced homes, but cash flow is tighter due to rising prices.
Cash Flow
1–3% annual appreciation expected over next year[1][2].
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to rising prices, but possible with flexible criteria and quick action.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal; many buyers are upgrading within the neighborhood for larger homes or newer features.

Downsizers

Some options, but most homes are mid-to-large size; limited smaller inventory.

Investors

Moderate opportunity; focus on well-maintained homes for rental or resale.

Relocators

Strong appeal due to schools, safety, and amenities.

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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