Nestled in the southern reaches of Lincoln, Nebraska, the Southern Hills neighborhood has blossomed into a close-knit community filled with charm, comfort, and a fascinating history. Spanning from Pine Lake Road up to Old Cheney Road and bounded by 56th to 70th Streets, it is a place where generations of families have put down roots, drawn by its scenic beauty and palpable sense of belonging. For those who call Southern Hills home—or those curious about its story—here’s a heartfelt look at how this vibrant neighborhood came to be.
Origins: The Early Days of a Rolling Landscape
Long before “Southern Hills” graced city maps, the land was characterized by open prairies, gently rolling hills, and sparse tree lines. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this area was primarily dotted with small family farms and cattle pastures. These hills, studded with wild grasses and native shrubs, gave the region its iconic terrain—a feature soon to inspire the neighborhood’s eventual name.
Lincoln’s growth in the postwar era, particularly throughout the 1950s and 1960s, brought the city’s southern edge closer to these wide expanses. As families looked for quieter, roomier alternatives to the busier city center, plans were made to transform the southern hills into a distinctive residential enclave.
How Southern Hills Got Its Name
The neighborhood’s name, “Southern Hills,” is a nod to both its geographical setting in the southern part of Lincoln and its uniquely rolling topography. The gentle hills provided more than just scenic value—they fundamentally shaped how streets were laid out, homes were built, and parks were designed. Places like Southern Hills Drive, Crestline Drive, and Rolling Hills Boulevard remain living reminders of the area’s topographical identity and the pride residents have in their uniquely contoured home.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1960s-1970s: Suburban Expansion
The first homes in Southern Hills began appearing during Lincoln’s postwar residential growth boom. Brick ranch-style houses with generous lots were typical, built to attract families looking for tranquility without being too far from the heart of the city.
- Development of Parks and Recreation
In the late 1970s, the city set aside green space to ensure the new neighborhood would have room to play and relax. Southern Hills Park, with its open fields, walking trails, and playground, quickly became a hub for children’s games, summer picnics, and yearly neighborhood gatherings.
- Education Institutions Take Root
The construction of local schools, most notably Hill Elementary (now part of Lincoln Public Schools), gave families added incentive to put down roots. The convenience of walking children to a neighborhood school remains one of the Southern Hills’ standout features.
- Community Spirit Through the Decades
From mid-century block parties to present-day neighborhood clean-up events, Southern Hills has fostered a strong sense of togetherness that’s evident in every well-tended yard and friendly front porch conversation.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
While Southern Hills is largely a residential oasis, it’s home to several buildings and features that have become woven into its identity:
- Southern Hills Park
Sprawled along S. 56th Street, this park rarely sits idle on a sunny weekend. It’s the beating heart of the neighborhood, alive with soccer practices, morning joggers, and the laughter of children. The park’s mature oaks and maples are also perfect for autumn walks and impromptu photo sessions.
- Hill Elementary School
Located off S. 66th Street, this school has long served as both an educational foundation and a community gathering spot, hosting everything from pancake breakfasts to holiday craft fairs.
- The Crestline Greenway
This picturesque walking and biking path threads through the neighborhood, connecting neighbors to parks and linking Southern Hills to Lincoln’s wider trail network.
- Local Churches and Faith Communities
Many small churches along Old Cheney Road have been spiritual anchors for residents, offering more than worship—they’re gathering places during times of joy and challenge alike.
Streets With a Story
Driving through Southern Hills, you’ll notice thoughtfully designed, gently curving streets—quite a change from the grid-pattern roads of older Lincoln. Southern Hills Drive, Crestline Drive, and Rolling Hills Boulevard are more than thoroughfares; they’re the backdrop for block parties, Halloween parades, and generations of first bike rides.
A Neighborhood That Has Grown and Evolved
Over the decades, Southern Hills has gracefully adapted to the times while staying true to its roots:
- Embracing Diversity
While originally home primarily to young families in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Southern Hills today welcomes a more diverse blend of residents—singles, retirees, and people from all over the world feel at home here.
- Modernization without Losing Charm
Home renovations and new builds add a fresh touch, but care is taken to maintain the quiet, leafy feel that has always made Southern Hills appealing. Community guidelines ensure green spaces, native plantings, and the gentle hilliness are preserved.
- Connection to the Greater Lincoln Community
Proximity to major thoroughfares like Old Cheney and Pine Lake Roads gives residents outstanding access to shopping, dining, and employment opportunities, while still enjoying a restful suburban atmosphere.
What Makes Southern Hills Special
Ask any longtime resident what makes Southern Hills special and you’ll hear a chorus of familiar themes:
- The sense of safety and neighborliness—you’re never far from a helping hand.
- The mature tree canopy, which turns entire streets golden in the fall.
- The lasting friendships forged at block parties, school events, and at the park.
- The pride in keeping lawns neat, trimming shrubs, and planting colorful flower beds.
In Southern Hills, history isn’t just in old photos or fading memories—it’s in every handshake, every graduating class from the local school, every laugh echoing through Southern Hills Park on a summer evening. It’s a neighborhood where you know your neighbors, cherish old traditions, and always look forward to what’s next.
Conclusion
Southern Hills stands as a testament to Lincoln’s enduring ability to create not just houses, but homes and communities. Whether you’re walking under the shade of old oaks in Southern Hills Park or tracing the gentle slopes along Rolling Hills Boulevard, you’re experiencing the everyday legacy of those who built and continue to cherish this beloved neighborhood.