Thinking about making your home in Lincoln, Nebraska, and eyeing the Southern Hills neighborhood? You’re not alone! Southern Hills, nestled in southeast Lincoln, is the kind of place where neighbors know each other by name, children ride their bikes down calm streets, and the comforts of suburban life meet easy access to city amenities. If you’re considering a move, here’s what it’s really like to live in Southern Hills from someone who knows the area inside and out.
Community Vibe: Friendly, Neighborly, and Laid-back
Southern Hills stands out for its approachable, welcoming atmosphere. This is a “wave while you walk” neighborhood, where people greet each other on their morning dog walks and families gather for block parties in the summer. The community often organizes garage sales, seasonal decorating contests, and neighborhood clean-up days. Residents cite the feeling of safety and community trust as one of the best things about living here.
Volunteerism is big—whether it’s through the Southern Hills Neighborhood Association or local school fundraisers, there’s always something to get involved in. You’ll often see neighbors chatting at the mailbox or organizing playdates at the neighborhood parks.
Types of Housing: Mainly Single-family Charm
The housing stock in Southern Hills is mainly made up of well-maintained single-family homes, built mostly in the late 1980s through early 2000s. These homes typically feature:
- Three to five bedrooms
- Spacious yards (front and back)
- Two-car garages
- Finished basements
- Mature trees lining established streets
You’ll find a range of architectural styles, including ranch, split-level, and two-story homes, mostly situated along neighborhoods like S 56th St, S 48th St, and Old Cheney Road. The pride of ownership is evident—many people have stayed for more than a decade, and it’s common to see home improvements underway. There are also a handful of duplexes and newer townhome developments closer to Pine Lake Road, providing options for downsizers or first-time buyers.
Walkability: Peaceful Sidewalks and Nearby Conveniences
While Southern Hills is more car-dependent than some inner Lincoln neighborhoods, it’s still very walkable within its boundaries. Most residential streets have sidewalks, with pedestrian-friendly access to nearby public parks. It’s common to see families and joggers on trails winding near Porter Park, Haines Branch, and Union College’s arboretum area.
Daily errands require a short drive—grocery stores like Russ’s Market on S 56th and Old Cheney or Hy-Vee near 70th and Pioneers Blvd are about five minutes away. However, Southern Hills’ layout encourages active lifestyles, with playgrounds and walking trails easily accessible without hopping in the car.
Schools and Family-Friendliness: Top-Notch Education
Families flock to Southern Hills for its highly-rated Lincoln Public Schools. The neighborhood is primarily served by:
- Cavett Elementary School (via middle of the neighborhood, near S 56th St)
- Scott Middle School
- Lincoln Southeast High School
These schools are consistently noted for their strong academic programs, diverse extracurriculars, and active PTAs. Bus stops are close by, and many kids can walk to Cavett Elementary with plenty of crossing guards at busy corners. The sense of safety and strong community support make it a favorite spot for families with kids of all ages.
Parks and Green Spaces: Outdoor Enjoyment for All
The Southern Hills area is rich in open space for recreation and unwinding. Standout green spots include:
- Porter Park: A local gem with playgrounds, a baseball diamond, picnic shelters, and a paved walking path—great for weekend outings or impromptu soccer games.
- Union College Arboretum: Just north of the neighborhood, this natural preserve offers walking trails under mature oaks and pines—perfect for a weekend nature walk.
- A Street Greenways Trail: This extensive paved trail runs close to the northern edge and connects to Lincoln’s broader trail system, ideal for biking or running.
These spaces are easily walkable or bikable from most homes, encouraging daily activity.
Safety: Peace-of-Mind Living
Ask any Southern Hills resident, and they’ll tell you safety is one of the neighborhood’s strong suits. The area is patrolled regularly by Lincoln’s police, with low reported crime rates. Neighbors keep an eye out for each other, and it’s not unusual to see porch lights twinkling or families strolling after dark. The Southern Hills Neighborhood Association helps keep everyone connected and aware of important updates, further fostering a secure environment.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
One of Southern Hills’ unsung perks is its location. You can be downtown or at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus in around 15 minutes via S 27th St or Old Cheney Road. The neighborhood is also convenient for employees of:
- Bryan Medical Center East Campus
- St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
- Numerous offices and schools in southeast Lincoln
Fast access to Highway 2 means easy commutes anywhere in the city, while daily shopping and local services—think banks, healthcare, fitness centers—are all within a ten-minute drive.
What Residents Love Most
If you ask people what keeps them in Southern Hills, you’ll hear the same few themes again and again:
- The People: “Neighbors here aren’t just friendly, they’re genuinely invested in making this a great place to live.”
- Family-Friendliness: The sense of community for families, from trick-or-treating to Fourth of July fireworks, is second to none.
- Peace and Quiet: “It’s close enough to everything, but quiet enough to feel like a retreat.”
- Well-kept Homes: Pride of ownership shines here, making the whole area attractive and inviting.
From Porter Park gatherings to the vibrant spring blooms along S 56th Street, Southern Hills is the kind of place where it’s easy to put down roots. If you want the best of Lincoln—great schools, safe and friendly streets, and green spaces galore—Southern Hills is hard to beat.