Near South

Lincoln, NE

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$210,000 (May 2025)
Median Home Price
70–75 (Very walkable for Lincoln; errands and dining possible on foot)
Walkability Score
Public schools are rated average to above average; some variability by specific school and grade level.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by South Street (south), A Street (north), 13th Street (east), and 27th Street (west).

Zip Codes

6850268510

Market Data Summary

Price Range$150,000 - $350,000+ (varies by size, condition, and updates)
Price per Sq Ft$127 (May 2025)
Inventory Levels25 homes for sale in February 2025, up 19% from previous month. Inventory for 3-bedroom homes increased 57.1% MoM; 2-bedrooms up 25%; 4-bedrooms down 40%.[3][5]

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesDuplexesSmall apartment buildingsHistoric mansions

Architectural Styles

CraftsmanVictorianColonial RevivalTudorMid-century

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.10 - 0.25 acres (urban lots, some larger for historic homes)
Home Age RangeBuilt 1890s–1950s, with some newer infill
Construction QualityMix of well-maintained historic homes and properties needing updates; craftsmanship and original details common in older homes.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse mix of young professionals, families, students, and long-term residents. Median age lower than Lincoln average due to proximity to downtown and universities.

Community Vibe

Eclectic, historic, and urban with a strong sense of neighborhood identity. Active neighborhood association and community events.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families
  • University students
  • Retirees

Family Friendly

Moderately family-friendly; parks, schools, and walkable amenities appeal to families, but some rental density and older housing stock may be less ideal for those seeking new builds.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Antelope Park
  • Hazel Abel Park
  • Sunken Gardens

Dining Options

  • Local cafes
  • Ethnic restaurants
  • Bistros
  • Breweries

Shopping Centers

  • Small retail clusters along South and 17th Streets; close to downtown shopping

Local Businesses

  • Coffee shops
  • Boutique stores
  • Yoga studios
  • Bookstores

Education & Schools

Public schools are rated average to above average; some variability by specific school and grade level.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • McPhee Elementary
  • Prescott Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Irving Middle School

High Schools

  • Lincoln High School

Private Schools

  • Cathedral of the Risen Christ School
  • Sacred Heart School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • StarTran bus routes 13, 27, and 41

Major Roads

  • South Street
  • A Street
  • 13th Street
  • 27th Street

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times5–10 minutes to downtown Lincoln; 15–20 minutes to UNL East Campus or major employers.
WalkabilityHigh for Lincoln; most errands and recreation possible on foot or bike.
ParkingOn-street parking common; some homes have driveways or detached garages. Can be tight near multifamily or during events.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • First-time buyers
  • Investors
  • Families seeking walkability

Key Selling Points

  • Historic architecture
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Access to parks and downtown
  • Strong rental demand

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively due to increased inventory; updated homes command premium. Stale listings may require price adjustments.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need repairs or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports, highlight recent upgrades, and offer home warranty options.

Objection: Parking is limited on some streets.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize walkability, proximity to transit, and available off-street parking where applicable.

Objection: Higher property taxes or insurance for historic homes.

Response Strategy:

Break down total cost of ownership and highlight energy efficiency improvements or tax incentives.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Steady, with historic homes and proximity to downtown supporting long-term value. Slower appreciation than new suburbs but less volatility.

Rental Demand

High, driven by university proximity and urban lifestyle appeal. Duplexes and small apartments see strong occupancy.

Buyer Competition

Moderate; increased inventory in 2025 gives buyers more leverage than previous years.

Best For

  • First-time buyers
  • Investors
  • Buyers seeking historic homes
  • Urban lifestyle seekers

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may require updates
  • Parking can be limited
  • Some areas have higher rental density

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage historic and walkability features in marketing materials.

2

Educate buyers on maintenance and renovation costs for older homes.

3

Network with local lenders familiar with historic property financing.

4

Stage homes to highlight both period charm and modern updates.

5

Monitor inventory and adjust pricing strategies quickly in response to market shifts.

6

Engage with the Near South Neighborhood Association for community insights and events.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Boulevard
  • Country Club
  • Everett
  • Downtown Lincoln

Market Positioning

Best positioned for buyers seeking urban lifestyle and historic charm at a lower price point than Country Club or new builds.

Competitive Advantages

  • Historic character
  • Walkability
  • Proximity to downtown and parks

Price Comparison

Near South average home value ($208,693) is below Lincoln average ($290,155), offering value for location and amenities.[4][5]

Investment Metrics

5–6% typical for small multifamily properties
Cap Rates
5.5–7% gross yields for updated units
Rental Yields
15–18, favorable for buy-and-hold investors
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow possible with 20% down on duplexes or small apartments
Cash Flow
Modest 1–2% annual appreciation expected in 2025–2026
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Appealing due to price point, walkability, and character. Recommend pre-inspections and education on older home maintenance.

Move-Up Buyers

May be drawn to larger historic homes or those with modern updates. Emphasize unique features and flexible spaces.

Downsizers

Smaller historic homes or condos offer urban lifestyle with less maintenance. Highlight proximity to amenities.

Investors

Strong rental demand and stable yields; focus on duplexes and small multifamily.

Relocators

Proximity to downtown, parks, and universities is a key selling point. Provide neighborhood orientation tours.

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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