Life In Blair – A Social Media Experiment

BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 February 13, Thursday)
Don Harrold Writer / Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook

We read through hundreds of social media posts from Blair residents spanning 2020 to 2025 to get a real picture of life in this Nebraska town. Instead of conducting formal surveys or interviews, we wanted to see what people were saying naturally in their own community discussions. These conversations included voices from folks who’ve lived in Blair their whole lives, people who just moved in, and everyone in between. While social media posts don’t tell the whole story of a community, they give us an honest look at what people love about Blair and what they wish was different.

The School Situation

Ask about Blair schools, and you’ll get some pretty different answers depending on who you talk to. The elementary schools get a lot of love, especially from parents who moved from Omaha looking for smaller class sizes. “The K-5 teachers are absolutely amazing!” is something we heard more than once.

But when it comes to the upper grades, opinions start to vary. Some families have had great experiences, while a very small minority mention concerns about bullying and cliques. Many suggest attending school board meetings to get the full picture before making any decisions.

What Makes Blair “Blair”

Picture historic brick streets lined with mature trees, and keep an eye out for the town’s famous black squirrels. With about 9,000 residents, Blair sits in that sweet spot between “everybody knows everybody” and “big enough to have what you need.” When times get tough – whether it’s a hailstorm or a neighbor in need – people consistently say the community comes together to help.

Church Life

You can’t talk about social life in Blair without mentioning the churches. They’re not just places of worship; they’re more like community centers. Whether you’re looking for youth programs, social groups, or just ways to meet people, local churches often pop up as the go-to suggestion for newcomers trying to find their footing in town.

Things to Do

The YMCA is a major hub for activities, but some residents miss the old days when Blair had a bowling alley and movie theater. These days, you’ll find people hanging out at Black Elk Neihardt Park (great for walking and disc golf), checking out the local farmers’ market in season, or heading to DeSoto National Wildlife Center for some outdoor time. For kids, there’s everything from martial arts to art classes to scout troops.

The Police Presence

This is something that gets people talking. Blair has roughly one officer per 800 residents, and you’ll often see city police, county sheriff, and state patrol vehicles around town. Some folks feel safer because of it, while others think it might be overkill for a town this size. It’s definitely something new residents notice, especially those coming from bigger cities.

Money Matters

If there’s one thing that comes up a lot in local discussions, it’s property taxes. Many residents point out that you’ll pay more to live in Blair than just across the river. As for shopping and dining, most places close up by 9 PM (except the bars), but you’re close enough to Omaha when you need more options.

Fitting In

Let’s be honest – like any small town, Blair has its established social circles. Some newcomers say they felt welcomed right away, while others mention it takes time to really feel like part of the community. As one resident put it pretty bluntly, having the right connections or family name can make a difference in how easily you integrate.

Country Living Considerations

If you’re looking at property near farmland (and there’s a lot of it), here’s what folks mention:

• Expect some farm-related smells and sounds
• You might have questions about agricultural chemicals
• The Cargill plant makes its presence known occasionally
• During harvest season, you might see more mice than usual
• Seasonal allergies can kick up during certain farming activities

Tips for Newcomers

Want to become part of the community? Here’s what long-time residents suggest:

1. Get involved with a local church if that’s your thing
2. Check out volunteer opportunities
3. Visit the public library – it’s more than just books
4. Sign up for YMCA programs
5. Go to school board meetings if you have kids
6. Hit up the farmers’ market when it’s in season

The Bottom Line

Blair isn’t trying to be Omaha, and that’s exactly why many people choose to live here. You get the small-town feel with many of the perks of being near a bigger city. Sure, you might have to drive to Omaha for some things, and you’ll pay more in property taxes, but you’ll also find a community where people know their neighbors and come together when it counts. It’s not perfect – no place is – but for many families looking for that sweet spot between rural and urban life, Blair fits the bill.