Star City Blog

Lincoln's Near South Neighborhood Provides Unique Housing

By Katie Halperin

Back in 2008, "This Old House" magazine described Lincoln’s Near South neighborhood as one of the best places to buy an old house. The Near South is a terrific neighborhood with great access to downtown, UNL, and the Capital for easy commutes to work. In addition, several places for recreation are also nearby, including the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and many of Lincoln’s beautiful parks.

There is an alternative to buying an old house for those who are attracted to a traditional neighborhood, but don't want the challenge of a fixer upper. Washington Square is a development of sixteen owner-occupied homes that have replaced a couple of "slip-in" apartment buildings on S. 19th St. near Washington.

Real Estate Opportunities Abound

Opportunity comes to people in many different ways and at the strangest of times. That is why now is one of the best times to be buying a house here in Lincoln.  Now don’t take this as a green light to go out and buy whatever property is available. It is time to consider the following:

• Housing prices are at their lowest level in the last 5 years.
• Mortgage rates are at or near historic lows.
• First time home buyers can qualify for a tax credit of 10% on their purchase to a maximum of $8,000.