Community Definition and Identity
We define our community as the City of McCook, including a two-mile extension beyond the city limit for utility support and future growth. We focus our data and metrics within these city limits. A map of the city's zoning is included in our supporting documents. While we primarily consider the city limits, we also emphasize the importance of nearby lakes and agriculture, which are integral to our community and located within thirty miles of McCook. McCook is located at the intersections of Highway 83 going from North to South, a highway that goes from the Canadian border to the Mexico border and Highway 6 and 34, which is a well-traveled road that connects easily between Eastern Nebraska cities of Lincoln and Omaha, to Colorado including Denver and the Estes Park area.
McCook offers a regional trade center that is an excellent opportunity for families. It is the perfect place to put down roots, raise a family, and retire. Outdoor recreation is woven into the fabric of western Nebraska rural communities like McCook. Nature is never more than a few minutes away. Numerous State Recreation Areas, Reservoirs, and Wildlife Management Areas throughout the area are great places for birding, camping, hunting and fishing. McCook is the home to the award-winning Heritage Hills Golf course, Nebraska’s only James Beard recognized restaurant, and the only Frank Lloyd Wright designed home in the state. Whether you come to McCook for shopping, an overnight stay or a several-day excursion for the whole family, we promise that it will be a memorable experience! Enjoy the natural settings and outdoor adventures along the river, prairie lakes and walking trails. Celebrate with us during our award-winning festivals, special events, and annual celebrations. Stroll along our brick streets at your leisure while visiting our specialty shops and restaurants.
Key Advantages and Challenges
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Leadership from all generations | Decreasing working age population |
| Wide array of offerings for residents | Increasing aging population |
| Hub for trade and multiple job opportunities | Attracting, recruiting, and retaining necessary qualified staff to a small rural community |
| Environment for Value added agriculture entrants | Highly dependent on an Agricultural based Economy Access to technology |
| Natural Resources – close lakes for fishing/camping and opportunities for hunting | Access to affordable and available housing options |
| McCook Community College student base | Available childcare programs |
| Geography being a regional hub used more being 70 to 100 miles from larger cities |
