Health
& Wellness
Good Living, Day-to-Day
Wellness in Nebraska isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a way of life.
With four distinct seasons and wide-open spaces, you can easily stay active here with hiking, cycling, boating, fishing, and kayaking right outside your door. Add in some of the best air and water quality in the country, backed by robust public health initiatives and strong rural health programs, and you’ve got a state built for healthy living.
Nebraskans are famously connected, with top national rankings in volunteerism and community engagement — proof of the pride we take in our communities. Commutes are an average of just 20 minutes, meaning your wellness routine won’t be spent sitting in traffic. And when it comes to care, Nebraska’s network of healthcare providers offer affordable, quality healthcare.
From comprehensive medical facilities like Nebraska Medicine to primary care clinics and specialty behavioral health centers, The Good Life keeps residents living well.
Facts & Rankings
State Parks Throughout Nebraska
State of Nebraskafor Air & Water Quality in the Nation
U.S. News & World Report, 2025Hospitals & Medical Centers Throughout Nebraska
State of NebraskaLeast Stressed State in America
Reader’s Digest, 2025Hospitals & Medical Centers
Care You Can Count On
From advanced research to compassionate care, Nebraska’s hospitals and medical centers are equipped to meet the full spectrum of health needs. Nebraska Medicine is a national leader in medical research and patient care, offering nearly 50 specialties across hospitals in Omaha and Bellevue and around 40 ambulatory clinics in the metro. It’s been ranked the No. 1 hospital in Nebraska since 2012, and its network of healthcare providers delivers top-notch health services, including award-winning behavioral health, mental health programs, and comprehensive long-term care.
Bryan Medical Center offers top-tier services in cardiology, neuroscience, and trauma care. Other statewide systems like CHI Health and Methodist Health System ensure broad access, while rural communities are well-supported by nationally recognized facilities like Beatrice Community Hospital.
Caring for an aging parent or loved one? The Nebraska Healthcare Association supports high-quality nursing and assisted living care statewide. Whether you need advanced treatment or everyday care, Nebraska’s healthcare network is strong, accessible, and focused on wellness at every stage of life.
Active Communities
A New Adventure Every Day
Outdoor recreation is a way of life in Nebraska — no matter if you’re taking a peaceful stroll through city trails or finding serenity at one of 70+ state parks. There’s no need to sacrifice your daily calisthenics routine if you’re city-bound, with high walkable neighborhoods in Omaha like The Old Market and Benson. The village of Murdock even pedaled its way into PeopleForBikes’ 2023 Top 10 Best Small Places to Bike.
All that fresh air and movement pays off, with WalletHub recently ranking Nebraska as the least stressed and one of the Top 10 Happiest States in America. When your backyard doubles as your gym and your happy place, it’s easy to see why.
Plus, organizations like ServeNebraska are mobilizing thousands to give back every year, building a strong tradition of volunteerism that supports community wellness across the state.
The Good Life Stories
World’s Largest High School Rodeo Event Returns to Lincoln
A Rodeo Unlike Any Other Brings Entertainment and Economic Impact to Nebraska Cort Jones remembers the sting he felt in defeat at his first high school finals rodeo. On a team of five cowboys, his job was to rope the steer’s back legs. Jones’ horse stumbled when he made the attempt, and he missed […]
Sandhills Open Road Challenge Brings Racers, Families, and Economic Development to Arnold
A Texas driver of a Dodge Viper ACR waits at the starting line while SORC tech director Jeff Preson directs them (photo courtesy of Jessica Tickle). When Joe Shown inches his Corvette to the starting line at the Sandhills Open Road Challenge, he pinches his wrist to be sure the race is really happening. […]
Nebraska Ed-Tech Startup Helps Students Improve as Writers, Avoid Overreliance on AI
After doing graduate studies at Stanford University in California, Adam and Alexa Sparks moved home to Nebraska to launch their startup business, Short Answer. Their educational technology (ed tech) platform helps K-12 students improve writing skills. Just three years after launching, Short Answer is used by over 80,000 educators in all 50 U.S. states and […]