I Explored 7 Towns In Rural Nebraska

[@graymannetwork3368]

I was born in Omaha in 1972, and have lived here my entire life. I had always wondered why I didn’t go to “a more interesting” place in the world. After 2020 happened, I’ve never been more happy to call Nebraska home

[@socalautisticman1975]

Gotta take pride in what GOD has given you. California is very cosmopolitan.(but I can adjust to any area ...a chameleon in human form figuratively speaking maybe why GOD put me here in my pilgrimage and I can deal with many sorts of cultural backgrounds & mindsets etc.(without stopping from being myself of course) Hard to feel and "access" the true U.S.A. from California living. I think I'd enjoy Nebraska areas of video 😎

[@brockmiller574]

I wanted to like this comment, but it's got 69 likes, which is nice.

[@socalautisticman1975]

@@brockmiller574 be number 70 do you believe in JESUS ?

[@brockmiller574]

@@socalautisticman1975I'm going to let someone else smash that stained glass window. Actually I do believe in Jesus. Paul gets on my nerves sometimes, but Jesus is brilliant.

[@boskostoybox]

I was born in Omaha in 1973. Moved to vegas in 1999. and now next year I'm moving back to Omaha to help take care of my mom and I'm really excited to move back.

[@Alan_Kirby]

Just back from a family reunion in central Nebraska (my Mom grew up there). Genuine, honest, hard working, friendly, intelligent and family oriented. The people in Nebraska are what make it special.

[@erictech201]

Omaha Nebraska isn’t a bad place to live

[@sheilahollister824]

Nebraskas so fun

[@bxi1547]

You couldn’t pay me to live there.

[@angelsgranny]

@@JohnnyMatas Somebody lied to you about that.

[@chrispoints4554]

Life long Omahan here, I know this video is a year old at this point but just wanted to say that I feel like you missed the western portion of the state, Chadron, Ogallala, Scottsbluff, it's really a different state completely out there. Also I love that living in Omaha we're in the perfect sized city (just over a million people in the area) but anywhere in the city you're 30 mins from nature. Growing up us kids always wanted to move to a bigger city but end up coming back or never leaving bc after experiencing other places you realize you have it alot better in Nebraska. Lastly on the point of Valentine, one of the biggest industries out there is tourism. They have a massive wildlife reserve out there with all kinds of naturally roaming wild animals as well as the Niobrara River which has a ton of different waterfalls flowing into it and has a massive river rafting and tubing industry attached to it. Going through there in the summer the Niobrara is covered in people on giant interube rafts and canoes with a major stop on the route being Smith Falls state park, host of the biggest natural waterfall in Nebraska, great summertime Nebraska trip

[@cavecookie1]

Western Nebraska is very nice. I come from a town west of Scottsbluff, and I agree...don't ignore this area! Wildcat hills, Chadron State Park, Ft. Robinson... lots to see and do.

[@lewpubco]

I'm from New Jersey, but for about a dozen years, I traveled to Nebraska for business. I've been all over the state. I'm a major fan of Nebraska. The people are some of the most friendly and kind of any I've met. For family reasons, I'm stuck in NJ, but if I had the option, I'd move to Nebraska in a heartbeat. Nebraska may indeed be in a "bubble", but It's a bubble I'd love to live in. Its a wonderful place.

[@ericrivera8410]

Anything is better than NJ I used to live there..however living in new York managing nightclubs sounds more fun than Nebraska..I've met Madonna Cyndi lauper worked for Snoop dog and met Cher , tiny Tim ru Paul..

[@trudimariscal9989]

Thank you for saying this! I think that’s my problem. People say I’m real friendly here. I miss the Nebraska people. Always ready to help you out!! ❤❤❤

[@ladyfaye]

Nebraska native here! It was actually so entertaining to watch an outsider talk about my state for 30 minutes, it feels like everyone forgets about us😅 I feel like you really captured the small towns, you can drive through a hundred of these tiny towns here, but there’s so much more to this state. If you ever come back, there are some really underrated medium sized towns like Grand Island, Norfolk, and even Lincoln, the state capitol. There’s also some really beautiful countryside and rolling hills (not a cornstalk in sight), wooded areas, rivers and lakes that are kind of tucked away and often get missed. Also you can find way better brisket here!

[@independenttwospiritmedia9555]

Hell on the West coast alot of people dont even know were it is. Ive had people ask if it was another country. lol

[@trudimariscal9989]

@@independenttwospiritmedia9555😂😂😂

[@latebloomingmid-liferiot566]

And that is why the Nebraska tourism board's motto is "Nebraska, it's not for everyone." I spent 18 years trying to get away from there, but it is the only place I can go back to and feel really refreshed and relaxed.

[@burtmorris2278]

Please let it stay that way

[@ayina111]

I think that's most young people feel when they grow up in small town. Me too. But I think it is more like privilege, so we can compare to the city life. So we can have dreams. And yes, going back home visiting family is really refreshing.

[@brandonhinrichs4393]

Nebraska is awesome as long as you don't live here LOL

[@robertrandall3792]

I traveled the world. Didn't find a better landing area.

[@vitalityfox]

Nebraska is a flyover state.

[@waynekaminski5438]

I grew up in a small rural Nebraska town, which was the county seat. Population was about 1,500. This was back in the early 70's, before smartphones, car navigation systems, and paper maps were the only navigation tools. Times were pretty boring, but that just brought out the creative juices. Gasoline was cheap, so we made a game out of driving on rural roads, many gravel, and just taking random choices of turns and deliberately getting lost amongst the never ending farm fields. But, it never failed that we would end up in a familiar rural village. Then we reoriented ourselves and knew how to get back to home base. It was the journey and the comradery that helped us cope. These ride-alongs were good fun.

[@Crazybird-3]

Born in raised in small town Nebraska. I never seen any beauty here until traveling the country for my job. I was then in Georgia getting ready to fly home for a couple of weeks vacation to see my family. A couple of elderly ladies that did my laundry every week had heard I was going back to Nebraska for a bit. These ladies told me they would pay a million dollars to see a sunset and a sunrise. I thought what ? You can see that here. No they could not. Because of the hills and the lay of the land , they never saw a sunrise or sunset in that area of Georgia. So while I was on vacation I got up every morning ,climbed to the top of a silo and recorded the sunrise and back at night to record the sunset. When I went back to Georgia I handed the recording over to the two ladies . They were so happy. The next time I seen them they had tears in their eyes and said they would never forget the sunrise and sunset. I went back to Nebraska with a different outlook on my state.

[@debs9134]

You can't beat Nebraska sunsets, IMO. I have no opinion on sunrises because I am a night owl and rarely saw them.

[@trudimariscal9989]

I do miss the sunrises and sunsets there!! Even the changing of the seasons! I miss going outside in the middle of winter and seeing “virgin” snow. So beautiful. Especially in the morning hours. Priceless. Something I haven’t seen for 5 years now!! Miss MY HOME! ❤❤

[@qwerty1000x]

Nebraska native and also live in Georgia.

[@Crazybird-3]

@@qwerty1000x i lived in Georgia for a couple years. Close to Alabama line . You could through a rock from. Our place and it would be in Alabama. I use to work construction and worked on power plants.

[@frankstallon7679]

Born and raised in Los Angeles 35 years. South Texas for 5. Hartington, NE. the last 11. And it felt like home from day one. I am not leaving.

[@kathied5026]

Born/raised in Phoenix. New nothing about Nebraska until I had family move there. Now I go 3-4 times a year for visits. It is so peaceful/relaxing & a great calm to get away from the big city. I like Hartington & Crofton. May pick one of those places to settle when I retire, 1-2 yrs.

[@mistered9435]

Several years ago, the meat locker in Fordyce would process deer for hunters. It was, HANDS DOWN, the BEST!! I had several deer processed there, and it even impressed a couple of multi-millionaire family members of mine, who have enjoyed the finest dining this world (literally) has to offer. The younger guy who operates that store now, still makes some of the best tasting beef jerky in the world, but I don’t think he processes deer anymore.

[@Algorithmalchemy]

Grew up in rural Kentucky and joined The Navy. Lived in big cities and medium cities and recently lived in rural Ireland where I was born. We moved to West Omaha 3 years ago and will NEVER leave. The pace of life, cost of living, the people, the ethics, the values...there's no beating it. GBR!

[@davidaguilar9174]

In December 2019, I had to drive from North Platte, NE to Rapid CIty, SD in the middle of the night in between Christmas and New Year's. It was a windy blizzard the whole way north on US 83, but I gassed up in Valentine and continued north, on thankfully dry roads. Upon turning out of town, suddenly I drove into a wall of deep snow (snow drift) that I couldn't get out of. There were trucks, cars, SUV's, and everything else strewn across the road. I opened my door and tried to will myself out, to no avail. The howl of the wind, and the speed with which the snow was falling was like something out of a movie, and by far the most intense snowstorm I've ever been in, and I've been in CO for 15 years. Phone service was spotty, and nobody else stuck could even get to each other if they wanted to. I managed to reach the local Valentine police on the phone. They told me to hunker down until morning (it was about 11:30pm, and Valentine is near a time zone line and I wasn't even sure what time it was). I went to sleep. 2-3 hours later, a smiling policeman was at my window. He had a big smile on his face and said, "We're here to get ya!". He didn't mean my car though, he meant: me. I walked literally 40 feet from my car to dry road, and he put me in a police car (first time EVER) and dumped me in a hotel with inflated rates. He told me somebody would be calling me about my car in the morning. 2 hours later, I got a call from a plow driver. He told me to meet him downstairs to go get my car. I got to ride in a PLOW that moved snow in a circle around my car enough out of the way to get it back to Valentine. I went to the hotel for breakfast and met a couple from Fargo who also got stuck, and a guy from Omaha who was on his way to the Rapid City to go party with his wife who was already there (he totaled his brand new Infiniti in the same snowdrift). Omaha guy was looking for a rental car to take him to Rapid City, but Valentine was sold out of everything, including U-Haul trucks. I offered to give him a ride, he accepted, and we spent the morning prowling the icy badlands on the way to Rapid. I have pictures to share, if you're interested!

[@NickJohnson]

Ong email me! NickJohnsonNC18@gmail

[@tacobannana6628]

I'm from omaha, i woulda been screwed, haha that was nice of you to hitch him a ride to go see his wife, what a crazy story!

[@Chevy-hw6lw]

That’s interesting my wife and kids just drove through there to get from Mn to co for vacation. I have never seen such desolate places of country for so many miles . There was zero cell phone reception. I told my wife if something happened to the vehicle we are done for. It also gets blistering hot in the day . I couldn’t imagine driving that stretch at night or winter .

[@johngurganus3348]

Nicollet, you might be in a bubble.

[@loniagarwala9608]

What an adventure! I’ve really enjoyed Nick’s documentary on KZbin about rural America. I am from Assam in India and grew up in the seventies. We lapped up everything American and it was THE country with Wrigleys chewing gum, Archie comics, Long playing records, James Hadley Chase and many more teenage indulgences. Finally got to see a part of that America ! Thanks @ Nick Johnson

[@christophermatthews4597]

As a truck driver I have for a long time thought Nebraska was an underrated state and now that I’m getting close to retirement and can go anywhere me and my wife have been looking at it more

[@rogersawyer9265]

Was born and raised in Nebraska,Fremont and ainsworth.joined the Marines right out of high school in 1966.traveled around the world while a marine including that oriental jewel of Vietnam once out of Marines ,lived in Idaho,California for one winter and colorado.moved back to Nebraska and been here ever since love it.

[@curtiseggemeyer5681]

I lived in Blair , worked the Nuclear refuel at OPPD. nicest most friendly honest people I ever was around. I tried to get on with the utility but they hired locals only.

[@saadali5407]

Hmmmm good old days Man

[@brunerm2]

This video made me miss Nebraska more than I thought I ever could. The people, places, sights, smells, and the overall beauty. Always love my time when I visit family. Go Big Red!

[@arroarro6825]

What an amazing place😍as a European being used to crowdy places Nebraska looks so refreshing. The wide open spaces, those sunsets...wow I am impressed. I am seriously thinking about doing a roadtrip through the Great Plains including Mt. Rushmore. Amazing

[@legalizeneb]

It is very peaceful here especially under the night sky and you hear the coyotes in the distance 🥰

[@Zapruderfilm1963]

From the age of eleven, I grew up in Sterling, Colorado. Sterling is a small farming and ranching community in northeastern Colorado, a scant twenty miles from the Nebraska border. Go another ten or so miles and your in Sidney, Nebraska, the birthplace of Cabella’s where the first store is still in operation. Sterling is Nebraska with Colorado license plates. Growing up in Sterling gave me a good morale compass and taught me that friends and family are worth far far more than things.

[@brettbassham6166]

We passed through both of those towns growing up , on our way to Texas for family reunions from SD. Every small town was a welcome sight . Once we got to the Texas border after 10 hrs of driving we were halfway to Corsicana.

[@chocolatechipslime]

I grew up in New Mexico. It’s crazy to think Colorado borders Nebraska, at least to me, NM and NE seem like a world away but they both border the same state.

[@rhondawray4969]

My sister- and brother-in-law lived in Holyoke, and they'd go into Sterling for their major shopping! :)

[@mh0862]

@@rhondawray4969 I was a Denver livery driver. We actually had a regular passenger in Holyoke who went to Greeley a couple times a week. For me, that meant a 12 hour day with 657 miles. If I remember correctly, the siren goes off at 5:00 PM. Used to stop at the Taco John's after dropping him off.

[@rhondawray4969]

@@mh0862 Holyoke, pop. 2,350. That's amazing, it really is a small world! And Taco Johns--yum! I miss Taco Johns.

[@sandyzalecki1145]

I'm from a small town in Colorado that is 7 miles from Nebraska. I can relate to all of this. Lot's of wide open spaces, lots of people knowing everyone in town, and very little crime. I moved to the big city when I graduated from high school. I miss the community we had. I miss people helping people and sharing things with others. I don't miss the isolation. Now I can live either I the country or in the city, but I prefer the country.

[@helenwinston9455]

We'd love to have you in the panhandle! The landscape is really stunning. Elsie is absolutely representative of the older women in Nebraska. They are tough, tiny, and suffer no fools!

[@nicollettesingleton444]

Great talking with you Nick! Glad you enjoyed Nebraska.

[@dk-uf4vz]

Oh it's you , you explained really well , thanks 😊❤️

[@nicollettesingleton444]

@@dk-uf4vz it is me :)

[@dk-uf4vz]

@@nicollettesingleton444 it's lovely to hear from you , I hope your enjoying your time in DC , have a nice day 🙌❤️

[@waynekaminski5438]

I think you are a military family, based on your comment about feeling safe on the base. Just remember that Nebraska will still be there ready to accept your return if that is your choice, when it comes time. My Nebraska buddy's oldest son made the Army his career, served 20 years and just retired to North Carolina.

[@nicollettesingleton444]

@@waynekaminski5438 good catch. Yes military family but my husband separated and we moved for his government job haha. No jobs for him in Nebraska unfortunately.

[@Ceilinggurl]

I lived in Nebraska I lived in Nebraska for 14 months before suddenly being transferred back home to Utah. We all literally cried. We loved our time there. The people, the vibe in Omaha, it was wonderful there.

[@Lenore13]

Grew up in NE and then we moved to Utah (then Wyoming then Utah again). The thunderstorms are legendary but after a week or so I miss the mountains.

[@trudimariscal9989]

Hey there. I stumbled on your website as I’m homesick for Nebraska. Born and bred here from Lincoln Ne. I was married and lived on a farm 2004-2016 near plattsmouth!! I divorced and left for cali. However, my heart is in Nebraska and I hope to come back!! GBR. It’s the good life and trust me. I wish I could be back!! I’m 58 years young!! ❤❤❤

[@Hannah-lucy]

I’m from Dublin, Ireland. My boyfriend is from Nebraska and this summer I went to North Platte and Omaha to meet his family. I loved it. A very relaxed feel about it and the people are lovely. I look forward to going back.

[@Limastudent]

As a native Nebraskan I did my best to leave and lived on the East Coast and Tokyo. I returned when I inherited property and now appreciate Omaha for the super great city it has become. It is a hidden gem. Our other bigger cities are equally great. Thanks for the video.

[@NickJohnson]

I wasn't negative come on now

[@tommyboy1653]

@@NickJohnson I did not hear anything negative,it was very well done ,I was there in the late 70s .

[@Limastudent]

@@NickJohnson Yes, you did a great job. I edited my comment. Whenever I hear fly over state and boring I get defensive.

[@MastaOfMonkeyDisasta]

@@Limastudent That's the rub, tell everyone, everywhere else that it's boring so all the trash stays away. I've heard people say Nebraska is too boring, with no night life, and it's like, good, go back to the mega metro dystopias.

[@Noemo2000]

One big issue with urban people moving in is that they drive up home values and Nebraska has extremely high property taxes. So suddenly your property taxes jump 30%-50% for no other reason than the guy next door had so much money that he didn’t care what he paid for the house.

[@teubks]

But small town people love capitalism

[@Bogzedd8]

​@@teubks because capitalism works, socialism has not.

[@teubks]

@@Bogzedd8 you can’t be mad when the value of your home (and therefore your tax obligation) increases because the value rose. If you can’t afford property taxes on your home, play the capitalism game and get a better paying job or move. Sorry folks with more money than you are buying your property.

[@teubks]

@@Bogzedd8 i live in a small town, you wouldn’t believe the amount of federal grants keeping places like this alive. Many towns would not have adequate drinking water supplies without federal money, nor would they have the funds to improve infrastructure on their tax base alone. Don’t even get me started on the farm subsidies (welfare) farmers here collect by the hundreds of thousands of dollars a year but then complain a family has $300 a month in food stamps.

[@RarefiedError]

​@@teubks It seems the problem arises because people pay over list price even. That drives the assessor into a greedy mood. It's a multi-issue problem though tied back into inflation.

[@markneukirch577]

I live in a town of 75 people 45mn from Murray NE. As a truck driver I travel the country. Including some of the biggest cities. Its literally a relief when I get to my little town. Safe quiet. Everyone gets along. Granted I have to drive 20miles to get a good meal or groceries but 20 miles is 20 min on a low traffic hwy.

[@allysonaa5730]

I lived in Murray for about 7 years. Both my son & I miss it there.

[@Carol-wj4gw]

Sounds like this side of heaven…

[@justincase8239]

I'm 7th generation Nebraskan. If you are from a big city, don't come here. You will hate it. Nebraska. Honestly, it's not for everyone.

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1 🤝.🤝

[@Lenore13]

Crops and husker football the topic of most discussions

[@tellmemore8837]

This channel shows the real America 🇺🇸.

[@andothemando9695]

real America is a Ghetto

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

This is more like the America that disappeared from the coasts 60 years ago.

[@mattl1758]

I’m from little town Illinois. A year ago I was asked to do a 3rd interview for a company whose headquarters were in western Nebraska. They said “we will fly you out” I asked if I could just drive…I wanted to see the same things you did. Great state and the people were so friendly! I could live there. Thx for the video

[@mattl1758]

@@blackcherry6877 lol. Oh yes and then some. Thanks for the concern! 🤣

[@Censortubes]

@@blackcherry6877 Tell us you have a ebt card without saying it again.

[@Censortubes]

@@blackcherry6877 Hahahahahaha you arent a lawyer child and I'll prove it.. What do you pay for your monthly healthcare coverage for your family? Whats your property taxes per year? Car insurance cost yearly? When you cant answer these simple actual adult questions, we know why. Your horrible grammer also tells us you aren't lawyering a damn thing. You even came back and tried to edit it and its still a giant mess, you also didnt answer my questions? Lol! . As we see, the " lawyer" never replied. Wonder why?

[@chocolatechipslime]

Small town America is probably the most authentic part of this country left

[@Sammykyt]

Nebraska is one of my favorite states. Much of the Midwest and Great Plains is very underrated because people think it’s boring and while there is some truth to that, the region isn’t as boring as people think and it’s a great place to live.

[@ericrivera8410]

I live in new York I met and partied with Madonna Cher Cyndi lauper , Snoop dog, Mike Tyson ru Paul ..yeah it's boring there

[@Sammykyt]

@@ericrivera8410 I never said New York was boring lol. However, I personally would much rather live in the Great Plains/Midwest than New York.

[@jaime_orton]

I'm from Blair, NE and everyone loves Casey's pizza so much that it's a tradition at Blair High School to bring Casey's breakfast pizza or the local bakery's glazed donuts to homeroom for Food Fridays.

[@heartland96a]

Absolutely

[@thomasj9700]

After living in SD, CA & NV, I'm happy to be living back in Neb where its quiet, safe and comfortable place to live. Appreciate the Video.

[@kathleenwagner7415]

We were driving from Chicago to Colorado to vist my brother, we took 136 across in Nebraska very loney road this was in 1970's a storm blew up never in my life seen clouds roll like that dark clouds terrible winds we finally saw a tavern/restaurant and ran inside I must of had the look of fright written all over me he open up the door and told me tornado shelder right down there. After the storm went by we went further down the road and the car broke down right in front of someone driveway never saw the house told him so sorry the car broke down he said he knew he called for a truck to take the car to the car shop in town told us to get in the truck he would take us to town took us for diner the guy at the repair shop came in and told us he had to drive to another town to get the part for our car which was an hour away on top of that tornado warning again told him not to go no worries he said and off he went told us he would have the car ready first thing in the morning. One small hotel in town the man called over we had a room very clean and super nice. We got up the next morning and there was our car right in front of our room and we had not even paid for the repairs. All I can say is I will never forget how kind, thoughtful, trusting everyone was they went well beyond the call of duty truly thankful for them. People in Nebraska your the best of your state wish everyone was like them. Love to Nebraska

[@jerryfischer3988]

Monowi Nebraska my dad my aunts uncles and grandparents lived there. Lots of respect for those who made a living and survived.

[@allimkhan7540]

This is a Fantastic channel I always enjoy the video's Nebraska looks very peaceful and it has no traffic. I am so tired of New York City traffic it must be nice to drive on Nebraskas peaceful quite roads.

[@NickJohnson]

I like Nebraska a lot

[@robertbenson9797]

There are Runza restaurants outside of Nebraska. Council Bluffs, Iowa has one. Just across the river from Omaha. The chain did start in Lincoln.

[@greenlightnatural]

You missed the panhandle - the most beautiful part of the state! Try Chadron, Crawford, and Scottsbluff next time. I’m in Omaha - I saw you filming in front of my shop! I’ve watched your videos for a long time but didn’t wanna bug you. Thanks for visiting

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

I long for the day when we stop judging others by their politics. Community is community - its what people make it. And quite honestly, these little towns look like a complete slice of heaven compared to the inner city ghettos. 'Middle of nowhere' is gonna appeal to a LOT of people for all the reasons you listed.

[@Mindsi]

Or Welth!

[@davel7014]

Yep, and when they stop referring to white conservatives as something evil.

[@CordeliaWagner]

I grew up on the countryside. Now I live in a big city and I hate it. A few years more of growing my wealth and I'm off to the Countryside.

[@paulsuprono7225]

@@Mindsi 'Welth' . . . 💀 SP. Do you mean WEALTH ? 😬

[@OhPhuckYou]

It makes me sick to see that we're so divided as a nation. I try my best to state my opinions yet still respect people. These small Midwestern towns are some of the most welcoming places no matter your political beliefs, sexuality or color. I know from personal experiences. Of course there's bad people everywhere, but as a whole, the people from these areas will just be curious.

[@BatDevice67]

In the fifteen years I lived on the far north side of Chicago, there were three fatal shootings within a hundred yards of my front door, plus a massive car crash right outside my window caused by a fleeing shooting suspect. There have been several more shootings since I left. Rural Nebraska sounds like a nice change.

[@robertmason7553]

Im from DC and moved to Nebraska 30 yers ago. I have never seen a tornado but two of those sideways wind storms in the past three years. The three months in winter DEC, JAN, and FEB are brutal and summers can be horrible like 105 for a whole month and then flirting with it the month before and month after. I like Nebraska because I dont have to be amongst seven thousand people when I go shopping. I avoid all Walmarts because you know who shops there. I go local or small when shopping for food. If it wasnt for the schools here, Nebraska would probably be the reddest state in the union. ANd they are building like crazy. The older people are genuine and they dont look at color (im black). How many times have I gone to a farm and left with a bushel of corn or twenty watermelon. Good people.

[@lloydwaters1888]

There were alot of lynching in Nebraska of black people.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

Good choice. D.C. is a nightmare zone.

[@heatherhillman1]

Nebraska born and raised. Extreme Southeast Nebraska are my old stomping grounds. Moved out of state 25 years ago, but it still feels like home to me.

[@brettleisy356]

Being from the other end of Nebraska and currently living on the Iowa/Nebraska border (not far from Blair Ne) and I drive for a ride share in Omaha/Council Bluffs. I've also been all over the states. the Blair getting a resurgence was more about Wal-Mart moving in. people stayed in Blair cause it wasnt far from Omaha and could commute while still living somewhere quieter. the Wal-Mart made everything much more convenient as it attracts business from the smaller towns north, east and west of Blair. Omaha is hitting a new growth spurt, having talked to a lot of the people coming into the area via the airport I've learned that its becoming the new tech place to be. many people in the tech business are calling it "Silicon Prairie". lots of tech start ups and hubs filtering in. Taxes, cost of living, and what they need to pay for workers is much better for businesses to succeed. and its not "unfair" pay at all, going back to cost of living. it really shines when it has all the amenities of larger cities and much less crime rate. that did for a short period change in 2020 during the riots, but its mostly cooled back off since then. Measuring Omaha size one must take into account that there are several smaller towns/cities involved. Omaha is connected to Bellevue, Elkhorn and a few other that are considered part of Omaha. there is also the Air Force Base and the Army Base here as well. there is also a lot going on scenery and nature wise through out Nebraska. large lakes that are great for fishing, and some with interesting stories like the town that's at the bottom of a lake. plenty of great hiking "hills" the Wild Cat hills are amazingly beautiful, then you have oddity type art such as the "Carhenge" around Alliance Nebraska. The Ethanol part is actually a huge downside, while economically it's helped. Ecologically its actually worse than regular fuel. takes 131,000BTU to create 77,000BTU of ethanol. we spend more energy to create less effective fuel. conversion is around 1.29 gallons of gas to make 1 gallon of Ethanol which doesn't burn as well. and the "rich farmer" this isnt as simple as "they sold $500,000 in crops this year" that half a mill would be mostly used up in the next years production between equipment, fuel, seeds, fertilizer/pesticides, insurance, taxes, any farm hands they may have, etc, then they have to live off that and one season can see a farm go "belly up". if Nick ever wanted I could take him on an actual tour of Nebraska and show the good, bad, and the ugly of the state.

[@dw309]

Family is from Fremont. It’s hard to visit because there’s just nothing to do. But there is a simplicity and honesty there that is definitely desirable. Property taxes and car insurance is insanely high though.

[@nevermindme8922]

In the summer Fremont lakes is the go to spot

[@Calmurself194]

I live in longpine nebraska, a small town and has a nice spot called hidden paradise. Really beautiful here!

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1 🤝

[@rogersawyer9265]

Love long pine born and raised in ainsworth.say hi to Jim Welke for me.a high school classmate.used to visit hidden paradise quote often .had a lot of fun there

[@Calmurself194]

@@rogersawyer9265 that's awesome man, will do!

[@susanbrogan2517]

I like the idea of the Midwest but l would miss scallops, haddock, and lobster. What do you guys do for seafood?

[@rogersawyer9265]

@@susanbrogan2517 we see food then we eat it.i would say grocery store.we are a beef and pork state.

[@surimaribo24]

the way you put the videos together with humour . never stop brother enjoy watching all your videos lot to learn

[@tatedavis2016]

Not related to Nebraska, but I’m actually driving from Nashville to Chicago for Thanksgiving, and this video inspired me to take the backroads and explore a little bit.

[@ericcase2057]

I live in Lincoln and I can tell you Nebraska is maybe a little boring at times but the trade off is low crime and friendly people. The schools are very good and the cost of living is good. Some times you find some of the best eating places in small town Nebraska. Sometimes I wish I lived in places like Orlando, but honestly Nebraska isn't bad at all. BTW Omaha may have the best zoo in the Country!

[@CordeliaWagner]

Zoo is animal torture. But nice people sounds good.

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1 🤝.

[@PlayThroughTheGame]

I live in Saguenay / Québec. Our nearest city is Québec at 192 km. We are surrounded of wood and sometime I feel far away even if I have always lived here. I feel the same way than here about corn.

[@MrandMrsBergner]

We are going to visit Lincoln in November

[@donnamiller750]

Orlando is nothing but tourists and traffic.

[@abunchahooey]

Elsie probably had no idea what a Zoom call is. She might have thought you were wanting to come to her home. 😂

[@NickJohnson]

She did

[@bbeloveth53bahtgad37]

@@NickJohnson 😅

[@timnitz2654]

I grew up in NE and what makes it boring is that the land is so valuable that it's almost all private property, so there are very few places to roam. It's not like the west with the huge amounts of public land you can explore.

[@kristam1240]

I've been in Nebraska a few years now, the people here are great and down to earth, very affordable too. Sadly with Omaha growing comes overdevelopment like anywhere, they're starting to spread outward into the surrounding towns here. Makes you appreciate the smaller towns for its natural landscapes and open skies.

[@hotdog31227]

i dont think omaha or bellevue will ever get close to plattsmouth because of the platte river but there will likely be development at plattsmouth some point soon. and i am pretty confident Gretna, and springfield will be swallowed in the near future. i dont know about blair though. also fremont is getting really close to be connected with omaha.

[@augiegirl1]

You just saved my mom $5! I grew up in Fremont, but my dad's sister & her husband & daughter live in Blair; so I shared this video with her. Mom was talking about getting taco pizza to take to a friend's house on Saturday for the Husker game; thanks to your appraisal of Blair's Casey’s Pizza compared to Sabetha’s, I suggested she should get it at Casey's. Fremont’s Casey's has taco pizza for $17, compared to $22 at the other place she was looking at!

[@trentcalfee7646]

I currently live in Omaha, but grew up around Murray and Plattsmouth. I know those towns and back roads well. This was over all a pretty accurate video, with Nick’s classic way with words. The vibe here is definitely very different from the states around us. Even on this very far eastern part of the state, people almost give of a… western or cowboy vibe. Go 5 miles to the east into Iowa and people act like a Wisconsin dairy farmer. Will be exited to see a video with Nick’s thoughts on Omaha itself.

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1 🤝.

[@angelofthedead5589]

Fellow resident of Blair here, just to correct a few things… sure, rural small and conservative, but most people around here are quite excited to meet new people and are quite welcoming and open. That Walmart and the car dealership are not new, it’s just being upgraded to be protected again heavy hail storms. That Runza has been there forever, but that’s a brand new building! Very nice. And the new jail has been built next to the courthouse, which is finally completely fixed from that horrible hailstorm a while back. In fact, Blair is growing very rapidly as of the past year! Tons of new housing, new and upgrading buildings, and new businesses are exactly what people around here have been wanting to see for a while. DeSoto isn’t too far either! It’s definitely a great suburb outside of Omaha, about a 20 minutes drive. And with the new Google Building being built on the outskirts of Omaha, and the new distribution center just about finished, I’m sure lil’ old Blair is going to continue to grow! Plus Neihardt Park is beautiful! If you’re looking for welcoming neighbors, small town vibes, and just a short drive from the big city; Blair welcomes you with open arms! Oh! And be ready with your grills when the tornado and storm sirens comes on during May, what a treat!

[@CentralPlainsEnt]

If you want to know more about the communities you are looking at wait until next summer and plan to go to their County Fair. It will give you a pretty good idea of what the people are like that live in the immediate area. Maybe you'll find some places that are more to your liking than others. I think what scares people from rural America more than anything is having people from the big cities move and watch their neighborhood and their schools turn into the same thing that you read about in the news in the big cities. Not saying that the small towns don't have problems but it's a hell of a lot harder to hide when you're in a community that is small because everyone knows you and they will figure out what you're up to if you are up to something no good.

[@jaybuilder8298]

Nebraska is the best place on earth, people are welcoming, in Omaha some supply shops do cookouts and anybody who wants stop by gets to eat like if you’re part of the family we celebrate our Nebraska football no matter the outcome, it’s about having fun! Good meat, beer’s and local Wineries, yup here we live the good life! Go Big Red!!!!

[@meliaerinmiller4655]

Lived in Nebraska as a child, so when i get bored i go on google earth and visit some of my old childhood homes … all still there

[@jrperes2021]

I love Kansas and Nebraska! Thank you Nick!

[@leavesofdistinction2252]

We don't just hunt. We also fish, camp, and hike. 🙂

[@kcvriess]

I hated living in a very isolated small town when I was young. Now, somewhere at midpoint of my life, I realize how protected my childhood was and that things weren't that bad as I remember them. I could live in Nebraska now. Nice people, good values, clean and quiet. I would want to live on he the outskirts of a larger town though. Don't feel like driving much more that 20 minutes to and from work.

[@barbarathompson8559]

You never mentioned all the good things in Nebraska, the parks , or sightseeing like Chimney Rock , Bayard Nebraska . The railroad town of Alliance Nebraska. The Courthouse and Jail house Rock, Bridgeport Nebraska. Scottsbluff Nebraska with Scotts Bluff National Monument. The Ashfall Fossil Beds of Antelope County in northeastern Nebraska .There are rodeos , county fairs , square dancing . Can't forget McConaughy Lake in Ogallala Nebraska. Etc... I love Nebraska .I can't understand most of what you are talking about, with the bubble , It's a quite , peaceful, calm area, We never wore mask around Nebraska city either.

[@horacefields736]

Hey Nick. You haven't seen all of Nebraska until you've been out to the Sand Hills. Pictures don't do it justice. You should go to Halsey and the national forest just west.

[@martianwoodpecker]

I grew up in rural Nebraska (corn and towns with under 1000 people) and my family still lives there. They were all fully aware of Covid, but didn't mask up due to common sense precautions, not out of ignorance. Covid rates and deaths there were usually far less severe than larger cities where masks were required everywhere.

[@georgechristiansen6785]

Masks NEVER worked outside of sterile lab situations anyway. At least to stop Covid. The definitely work to show who thought their TV was "the science".

[@5504berry]

Maybe the population density had something to do with that?

[@user-nightmared]

If covid were more lethal, you'd all be dead. Unfortunately, common sense is not the remedy for ignorance.

[@geraldburmeister9637]

@@5504berry No doubt the population is less dense.

[@ronaldrobertson2332]

Maybe it just sounded like bullshit to a lot of us. I could've cared less.

[@galgamex1703]

Nick thank you for your videos. I work a rather stressful job in accounting/finance. Listening/watching your videos is therapeutic to me and helps calm my anxiety.

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1

[@hotdog31227]

i live in omaha, but frequently visit small towns in nebraska/ iowa. everyone is so friendly. and i think omaha is a fantastic place to live

[@marksmith4582]

Another great relatable video Nick! I have lived in both Omaha and the city of Columbus Nebraska. Been through Blair and Plattsmouth both several times many years ago. I’ve been across Nebraska on Interstate 80 so many times I can’t count them. Again, eastern Nebraska reminds me a lot of southeast Iowa where I live and am from. I’m south of Iowa City 30 miles. In many ways one can’t beat living in the Heartland of America. Well don Sir! Mark in Iowa.

[@NickJohnson]

Hey Mark! I'll be in iowa in a few weeks

[@circlethewagons]

@@NickJohnson Hey Nick, when are you coming to NH, I would love to see a video on your take of this state. It's currently 2 days after the mass evacuation of tourist (Labor Day) and it's drastically different now, until the leaf peepers arrive, then ski season, and it starts all over again.

[@mh0862]

I used to drive between Chicago and Denver a lot. I'm probably one of the few people where it seems I get across Nebraska in a heartbeat. It's Iowa that takes allll daaaayyyy.

[@doneown503]

Have u heard of the guy , uses his small outboard boat engine(top attachment) , as a blender??

[@cernejr]

Many Czech immigrants (arrived 1860-1910) in NE. Try some kolace, people.

[@guyonmybike]

I agree! I was hoping he would go through wilber

[@enigmavariations3809]

My grandfather (my father's father) was Czech. His last name was Vrana but he changed it to Renna when he came to America.

[@cernejr]

@@enigmavariations3809 I have a DNA-relative, Lumir Vrana. Vrana means "crow bird".

[@silver2644]

People in Blair are upset about the higher prices due to property taxes. As those newcomers move to Blair taxes rise and the infrastructure needs increase which raises costs. That can be hard on lower income people.

[@spfadden082711]

Lots of people move to places like this because they don’t like where they are. Small towns are proud and welcome others as long as you don’t try and change how it’s been for many generations.

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1 🤝.

[@josh3326]

I went through the heartland for a few weeks and it was the best trip ive ever taken in my 48yrs.

[@HonestDogAL]

It is a time for the simple life. I have passed through many places like this across the country, stopping in the local diner. A peaceful, easy feeling.

[@Carol-wj4gw]

I’m a grandmother and this is the America I remember in my youth.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

I was born in the 80's and I never saw an America like this but only the post-segregation nightmare zone America became.

[@Purportedzero]

I'm 24 and have lived in Omaha my entire life and love it here. I want to travel, but Omaha will always be home base. I just hope people from the coasts dont move here and ruin it

[@dutchvanderlinde4969]

don't let those stunning & brave blue haired prople ruined ur beautiful county!

[@douglascarlson2072]

You've lived there your whole life in nebraska and your 24... you're still very young you know..😂

[@Purportedzero]

@@douglascarlson2072 youre right, but i certainly feel old lol

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

It's great you interview a person who grew up there and then moved away so now they have a real perspective on the area. I grew up in Kansas. But moved away in my twenties then now have lived overseas for the last 20 years. The charms, the good and the bad are all very apparent to me now that I have an outside perspective (to Kansas and the US as a nation).

[@jaybuilder8298]

There’s definitely lots of green during the summer thanks to the hard working farmers growing corn and soybeans while many also work full time jobs, yup I love this place

[@nikkiblack5073]

I just traveled through Iowa and Nebraska and it is beautiful and very nice and laid back.

[@zacharydetrick7428]

I hope somebody takes charge and continues the legacy of Monowi.

[@TobiasELee]

Thanks for the great video. I’ve seen some of ur other stuff and I think u ndo a nice job. Appreciate all the nice things u had to say about my home state. I left when I was 20 now I’m 60. Since leaving I’ve lived in NYC , LA, San Francisco, Nashville. Santa Monica now. But the Only place I can still really relax and feel recharged is Nebraska. Heading back tomorrow to visit the folks for a couple of months. Your vid got me in a good frame of mind. Thanks man.

[@mh0862]

Grew up in IL, NV, SD, & MN. You're all over my old stomping grounds. I have stopped that the tavern in Monowi, NE and hung out with Elsie for a bit. I bet what most people don't know is towns like Valentine have Phoenix heat plus all the humidity. That kind of heat runs all up the eastern part of the Great Plains.

[@theresebabel8241]

I have lived in Nebraska my whole life. Always thought I wanted to leave but I am still here. And I love it. Wouldn't change snything

[@johngriffith7315]

One of my favorite areas in the country is the Sandhills of Nebraska and the area just south of it. Great people and vastly underrated scenery. And a day trip to the Mountains of CO and WY.

[@mh0862]

I drive that Arnold-Dunning Road up through Ainsworth all the time when going from Denver to the Sioux Falls area.

[@delias2342]

Yes indeed the Sandhills of Nebraska are so beautiful Mullen Nebraska along the dismal river along the way.

[@tonyschmitz1997]

Great video. Funny that Elsie hung up on you. I’m sure she gets solicited for interviews all the time. You may have driven right past where I grew up and my parents still live. Basically half way between Monowi and Valentine on Hwy 12. Your interviewer touched on alot of things that are true. I do want to add to her comments about “nothing to do”. That statement is all a matter of perspective. I loved on a ranch as a kid outside of a town with 100 people and felt like there was plenty to do. I did always get excited to go to the bigger towns or cities on trips and liked the convenience of city life. I think that is what pulls most people away from small communities. Convenience and jobs that aren’t just ag based. I think there is also an element of seeking anonymity. When you grow up in a small town everyone knows who you are and you can’t go anywhere without running into somebody you know. In the city you don’t feel obligated to acknowledge every person you run into.

[@erickaegi629]

You ought to do a lot more of these small town series through out the country! As far as I'm concerned if it has a Fd, Pd, hospital and grocery stores maybe a restaurant it's perfect!!!

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1 🤝

[@MichaelWilshusen-s8v]

I lived there sents 64 / 72 & 76 / 84 my family is still there in Stockham,Ma kook Gritna, Omaha,Lincoln, plates Smith, are great places to see

[@georgetown8986]

Omaha is actually quite a nice city. And about 1M people in the metro. Omaha is not inexpensive to live in at all. Housing prices are high, property taxes are high, auto license is ridiculously high, and everything else is pretty high priced. Not NYC high, however, plenty high priced to live.

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1 🤝.🤝

[@davejones5745]

When you sang the Nebraska song, I cracked-up!! Good to see Mappy too!

[@ramblingheart6625]

I grew up in Nebraska and left in 1983. I was tired of the tornados and the snow blizzards .. it’s expensive to live there now and not where I want to be

[@heatherhillman1]

Nebraska, expensive? Nah. But maybe that's because I recently moved back to the state from 27 years in New Hampshire. Now there is an expensive state!

[@sheilalindenstein8263]

I live in Kearney... its growing but people still visit with each other. Come see the Archway museum. My kuds went to school in Odessa, now that town is small. Its unincorporated... just a bar and a church. 2 miles from town is interstate 80 and a truckstop.

[@sheilalindenstein8263]

PS.. its pay before you pump.

[@Domkratos]

I just love places where people are able to respect each other!!! If I were American I would definitely choose to move to Nebraska for the rest of my life. The gal in the end of the video said the older folks there live "in a bubble" and don't wear muzzles. Boy, it's just because they're not as gullible as the younger generation moving out to big cities!

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

Oh.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

The next town Nick should visit is Lake Wobegon, where all the women are strong, the men are good looking and all the children are above average. And when you're there, Nick, say hello to Garrison Keillor, the inventor of this little town in Minnesota somewhere on the outskirts of common sense!

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1

[@KatiTheButcher]

Older folk are fairly gullible just not in the way that you stated.

[@Domkratos]

@@KatiTheButcher My way is mask-less.

[@aprilwilmes]

I'm from Creighton Nebraska. I now live in north dakota but the rest of my family remains in Nebraska. My dad is a farmer and I enjoyed my childhood so much having so much free space to roam and no crime. I will always treasure the open space in Nebraska and the few people... That's the best

[@roberthansen2008]

I was in Nebraska one month ago. I grew up there. I had to have my runs a fixed when I was out there. I had to have it so bad I bought a box of 10 of them to take back to Chicago with me. I shared a runza with a friend of mine and she liked it.

[@roberthansen2008]

Runza fix.

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1 🤝

[@exposingthetruth3821]

Yeah I haven't been to a runza in years and there is one a few blocks away. But it's the Midwest, we have the recipe for at home :)

[@KatiTheButcher]

@@exposingthetruth3821 home made are so much better :)

[@KatiTheButcher]

@@roberthansen2008 when I lived in Iowa for a year I did the same thing and shared one with a friend after visiting family in Nebraska. She approved, haven't met anyone that doesn't like them.

[@salgaldenco]

The vibe is freedom, fresh air, plenty of space, sports, work ethic, help thy neighbor, hurry up and relax.

[@markschauer6375]

Hell, I even thought I was dead 'til I found out it was just that I was in Nebraska.

[@craigoldsen1667]

Heaven on earth!👍👍

[@colinschenck2129]

Looks like you completely missed the central part of the state. St Paul(my hometown) is home of pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander and Dorothy Lynch dressing. My grandma helped Dorothy make it for years. Kearney, Minden, Fullerton, Aurora are all great places.

[@NickJohnson]

Dorothy ❤️is a saint

[@thomfiel]

I was stationed at Offutt AFB in the mid-1990s. Omaha has a lot for a medium-sized city. It's a really good place to raise a family, but not so good if you're single. Winters are hell. Once you've seen the sights in Omaha, it's a long drive to get to almost anywhere. And all anyone talks about is Cornhusker football; if you're not a Cornhusker fan, then you're an outsider, and always will be. Western Nebraska has some impressive sights, such as Scott's Bluff and Chimney Rock. Some places you can see forever. It's about a day's drive from Omaha.

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1 🤝

[@ronaldrobertson2332]

3902nd SUPS, back when SAC was still there. I served in POL, but I'm originally from Fremont, Nebraska.

[@tommyboy1653]

I don't miss the winters ,but you are very accurate on the rest.My fathers family came over from Sweden around 1890 and had a farm in Malcolm and a blacksmith shop,my cousin Pat ran the boat and camper show in Lincoln for 50 years,he also ran Crazy Cracker fireworks for 50 years and they had over 30 locations. My dad's brother was head supervisor on Lincoln city water dept in the 70s ,I have been to Blair nebraska .

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1 🤝

[@scififan68]

I'm very glad you enjoyed Runza! There are two Runza locations in CO, two in IA, one in KS and one is actually opening up in WY soon otherwise yes all of the rest are in NE but not all are in NE and they are actually slowly growing also try a burger if you come ever back to a Runza location as they are also good.

[@alanvallazza9781]

Been to.the Kansas one so was familiar when I went thru Nebraska.

[@harryblazek7661]

I remember when runza was just a little building you would pull-up honk and they would come out and take your order

[@harryblazek7661]

They were definitely a lot better than they are today

[@sambowz9077]

14:20 is a "Feed lot" where the cattle are fattened up before being slaughtered/shipped.

[@carlhaldeman420]

You are getting a lot of comments on this video. I think maybe people are responding to seeing and hearing about such a decent place to live. The gal interviewed did mention the bad part of Omaha, though. It has always made the local news for the "wrong" reasons. That part of Omaha has the public housing and poverty that other big cities around the country have. I'm from Nebraska and lived on three different farms there during different parts of my life. Most people in Nebraska have had some connection to agriculture at some point in their life there. Life in Nebraska could be boring for some people that moved there without some way of connecting to their community. I probably won't ever live there again unless I become wealthy so that I can have a summer home on a big rural property because the winters can be brutally cold. I don't think the people are as friendly as depicted in the video. They are very business-like and matter-of-fact like the old lady in Monowi. They are square, in the old sense of the word, like fair and square. Of course I'm referring to the old-timers, mainly. Going to church wasn't a big topic of conversation, as I remember it. People kept their beliefs more to themselves than the people of the south where I now live do. Work, especially if you lived on a farm, was such a prominent concern for people that issues of politics and religion were secondary. The sensible people of Nebraska even elect sensible Republican representatives, on the state level. You could have gone through Czech towns that have signage in the Czech language. When I lived not too far from Czech towns and worked at a large packing plant, I heard third generation Czech people speak with Czech accents. They were from farms in the Czech areas. The farms get passed down through the generations, in a lot of cases. I lived in a German area.

[@helennathan5436]

@Nick_johnson1 🤝

[@Boommcrashhpoww]

Dying laughing at your Nebraska jingle! I have watched a lot of your Texas videos over the years but recently have had a lot of work in Nebraska and wanted some history and a tour. So glad you popped up right away. 0 disappointment.