Top Neighborhoods
Hastings isn't a city that screams "neighborhood guide." It's a tight-knit community of 25,000 where your address says less about your status and more about your lifestyle. Choosing the right pocket is crucial—whether you're chasing the quiet of the historic district or the convenience of the new builds by the bypass.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Hastings
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Downtown | Walkable, caffeinated | $850-$1,200 | Young professionals, empty nesters | ~78 |
| South Hastings | Family sprawl, quiet | $1,100-$1,500 | Growing families, commuters | ~45 |
| Kensington Area | Affordable, central | $700-$1,000 | First-time buyers, renters | ~65 |
| North Hastings | Budget-friendly, functional | $650-$950 | Students, essential workers | ~55 |
| West Hastings / Juniper Creek | Newer, spacious | $1,200-$1,600 | Upscale families, remote workers | ~40 |
Historic Downtown
Overview: This is the heart of Hastings, where 19th-century brick facades house modern life. Centered around the iconic Hastings College campus and the Oregon Trail Museum, it's the only true "walk-to-everything" zone in the city.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $850 - $1,200/mo (1BR) | $1,200 - $1,600/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $210k - $280k
- 🚗 Commute: 5 min to Hastings College | 8 min to Mary Lanning Healthcare
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~78 (Very Walkable)
Local Intel: Street parking is a nightmare during Hastings College basketball games at Lynn Farrell Arena—plan accordingly. The best coffee is at The Lark's Nest on Denver Ave, and Spud's is the local dive bar where you'll find everyone from professors to farmers after 5 PM. Avoid buying directly on Burlington Ave (US-34) due to traffic noise.
Who Thrives Here: Remote workers who need a coffee shop routine, Hastings College faculty/staff, and retirees who want to ditch their car for daily errands.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Genuine walkability with real destinations: The Edgewood for dinner, Hastings Museum for free evenings
- ✅ Strong rental demand means easier resale if you buy
- ❌ Older housing stock means drafty windows and quirky plumbing—inspect thoroughly
- ❌ Limited parking if you have more than one vehicle
Schools: Hastings Public Schools (HPS). Hastings High is average-rated, but Hastings Middle School performs above state average.
The Verdict: Move here if you want a vibrant, connected lifestyle and don't mind an older home. Avoid if you need a garage, quiet streets, or have a big dog.
South Hastings
Overview: The sprawling, newer subdivision area off South Baltimore Ave and Cimarron Ave. Think 1990s+ builds, wide streets, and families coaching soccer in cul-de-sacs.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,100 - $1,500/mo (1BR) | $1,500 - $1,900/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $250k - $320k
- 🚗 Commute: 12 min to downtown | 15 min to Hastings College
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: The South Hastings Sports Complex is the weekend hub—every kid in town plays here. Traffic bottlenecks on South Baltimore Ave during school drop-off at Hastings Elementary (7:45-8:15 AM). The Hastings YMCA is nearby, but the real gem is Lake Hastings for fishing and walking trails.
Who Thrives Here: Families with 2+ kids, dual-income households who want space, and anyone who prioritizes a big backyard over walkability.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Modern homes with actual insulation and 2-car garages
- ✅ Access to Lake Hastings and the Sports Complex without leaving the neighborhood
- ❌ Zero walkability; you will drive for coffee, groceries, and dinner
- ❌ HOA fees in newer subdivisions ($300-$600/year) with strict rules
Schools: HPS. Hastings Elementary and Hastings Middle are solid, with strong parent involvement. Hastings High is a short bus ride away.
The Verdict: Perfect for families who need space and modern amenities. Avoid if you want a walkable lifestyle or hate HOA rules.
Kensington Area
Overview: The older, affordable neighborhood just east of downtown, centered around Kensington Ave and 7th St. It's a mix of well-kept 1950s ranches and some rentals.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $700 - $1,000/mo (1BR) | $950 - $1,300/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $140k - $190k
- 🚗 Commute: 7 min to downtown | 10 min to Hastings College
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~65 (Somewhat Walkable)
Local Intel: The Kensington Park playground is a hidden gem for young kids. Hy-Vee grocery is a 3-minute drive, and Taco Bell and McDonald's are on 7th St for quick eats. Street parking can be tight on narrow lots. This area has slightly higher property crime—lock your vehicles.
Who Thrives Here: First-time homebuyers on a tight budget, renters who want proximity to downtown without the price tag, and essential workers at Mary Lanning Healthcare.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Most affordable homeownership entry point within city limits
- ✅ Quick access to downtown jobs and Hastings College via 7th St
- ❌ Older homes need updates; check for lead paint and aluminum wiring
- ❌ Higher density of rental properties means less owner-occupied pride
Schools: HPS. Longfellow Elementary is here, rated average. Schools are walkable for older kids.
The Verdict: Buy here if you need to get into the market cheap and can handle renovations. Rent here if you want to save money while staying close to the action.
North Hastings
Overview: The functional, budget-conscious area north of downtown along N Burlington Ave. Older homes, mobile home parks, and a gritty "get-it-done" vibe.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $650 - $950/mo (1BR) | $850 - $1,200/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $120k - $170k
- 🚗 Commute: 10 min to downtown | 15 min to Hastings College
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~55 (Somewhat Walkable)
Local Intel: The Northside Aquatic Center is the public pool for this side of town. Walmart Supercenter is the anchor here—expect traffic backups on N Burlington Ave near 12th St during peak hours. This area has the highest concentration of multi-family rentals; crime is localized to specific blocks, not the whole area.
Who Thrives Here: Hastings College students with roommates, single parents, and workers at the nearby industrial plants who need cheap rent.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Lowest rent in the city; you can find a 1BR under $700
- ✅ Walmart and Family Dollar mean no need to drive far for essentials
- ❌ Higher crime rates—vehicle break-ins are the main issue
- ❌ Homes are older and often poorly maintained by absentee landlords
Schools: HPS. Hastings High is accessible, but elementary options are average at best.
The Verdict: Move here if budget is your #1 priority and you're savvy about street safety. Avoid if you have young kids or want a quiet, suburban feel.
West Hastings / Juniper Creek
Overview: The newest, most upscale subdivision on the west side, near the Hastings Regional Airport and Juniper Creek. Sprawling ranches and two-stories on larger lots.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,200 - $1,600/mo (1BR) | $1,600 - $2,100/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $280k - $380k
- 🚗 Commute: 15 min to downtown | 20 min to Hastings College
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~40 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: The Hastings Country Club is here, and the Juniper Creek Trail is great for walking, but you need a car for everything else. The Hastings Regional Airport is nearby—plane noise is minimal but present. Hastings High School is a 10-minute drive.
Who Thrives Here: Established families, remote executives, and retirees who want a quiet, spacious home with modern finishes.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Newer construction (2000s+) with energy efficiency and big lots
- ✅ Quiet, low-traffic streets compared to the rest of Hastings
- ❌ Far from everything; you'll drive 15+ minutes for most errands
- ❌ Higher property taxes to support new infrastructure
Schools: HPS. Hastings High is the main draw, and it's a strong performer for the region.
The Verdict: Choose this if you want a "suburban oasis" with space and don't mind driving. Skip it if you crave walkability or are on a starter-home budget.
Final Advice
For young professionals and empty nesters, Historic Downtown is the clear winner—walkability and community are real here. Families should target South Hastings for space and schools, but be prepared to drive everywhere. Budget-conscious renters and first-time buyers will find the best value in Kensington, but inspect older homes carefully.
Traffic is minimal in Hastings, but the morning rush on US-34 ( Burlington Ave) and South Baltimore Ave from 7:30-8:30 AM can add 5-7 minutes to your commute. The counterintuitive pick: Kensington is undervalued. It's close enough to downtown to benefit from any future revitalization, but priced low enough that you can afford to update it to your taste.