If you’re searching for a home in the Lincoln area, then you’re familiar with the daily ritual of scrolling through available houses. Most of them look neat, clean, or even high-end. A great realtor will ensure this is the case, and I should know—I’m a realtor myself, which is how I know a bit about the neighborhoods in Lincoln!

But not everybody’s listing is naturally light and airy. Not everyone wants to move, at least not under their present conditions. I’ve worked on listings that have required dumpsters and elbow grease. Sometimes, that’s the reality. And that’s okay.

There are times when we struggle to let go of the past—and our homes are an inextricable part of that. With all the memories attached to your material possessions, it can feel overwhelming to pack, let alone move.

Some of my sellers have lost loved ones in their homes. Others move out of the country or into assisted living and can’t bring most of their earthly belongings with them. I’ve seen my clients break down in tears, and I’ve listened to them apologize to me for these outbursts of emotion.

But real talk? Moving is one of the most stressful things we do as humans. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed.

I help my sellers through the process of letting go so that buyers can start fresh. And I make sure my buyers understand that they’re walking on sacred turf so that sellers can move forward with more ease.

Everyone is scrolling through listings for different reasons, but I think we can all agree that a little common humanity goes a long way. And what better way to cultivate that sense of community than by carefully choosing your neighborhood?

For those buyers who are looking for a great starter home, I usually recommend Tierra Briarhurst. Most of the houses date back to the late ‘70s or early ‘80s, but this neighborhood was incredibly forward-thinking in those days. It was one of the first non-grid developments in Lincoln, and about 35% of the lots share a boundary with various green spaces, including Tierra Briarhurst Park.

There are dozens of family-friendly culs-de-sac, and the park itself features walking trails, a single-track BMX course, a skate park, and more. This is easily my favorite spot in Lincoln for wooded walking, biking trails, and affordable grocery runs.

Often, when sellers are leaving Tierra Briarhurst, they’re heading for Edenton North. It’s centrally located, and the homes are a good size for a growing family.

Nearby, you’ll find Holmes Lake Park, which is a gorgeous 110 acres with great fishing and a golf course. Whether you’re in the market for a sweat equity opportunity or a move-in-ready home, Edenton North has it all. (Plus, it has maintained its value better than any single neighborhood in Lincoln.)

For those buyers who are searching for new construction—a blank slate—I suggest poking around Grandview Estates. It’s conveniently located near the new south beltway, which makes for an easy commute.

There are more new construction opportunities in this neighborhood than you can shake a stick at; if you can’t find it in Grandview, it probably doesn’t exist. This area was also platted with minimally invasive development into natural green space, giving it a heavily wooded feel. If the combination of a fresh start and mature trees is important to you, look no further.

We all have our stuff, be it physical, emotional, or otherwise. We tend to dread change, and moving asks a lot of us in that department. New space, new projects, new roof over your head—it can be a lot.

But you’re not alone. On average, Americans move over 11 times in their lives. My advice? Put in the effort to find a neighborhood you love and a community in which you want to invest. Even when change inevitably strikes, you won’t just have a house—you’ll have friends to lean on. And that makes all the difference.