Founded in 1882, the city of McCook was named after Brigadier General Alexander McDowell McCook, who served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
If you want to settle down in a true Midwestern town -- one that still pays heed to its pioneer roots and history -- look no further than McCook
Founded in 1882, the city of McCook was named after Brigadier General Alexander McDowell McCook, who served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
If you want to settle down in a true Midwestern town -- one that still pays heed to its pioneer roots and history -- look no further than McCook. While Nebraska might not exactly be a worldwide center for arts and culture, you'll find plenty going on to keep you occupied. The city of McCook has a rich history, dating back well over 100 years, and has the gorgeous historic buildings to prove it. It's the county seat for Red Willow County and, with a population of 7,698 at the 2010 census, it's one of the bigger towns in the area.
Moving house is like riding a bike, once you've done it, you'll never forget how! If you've rented before, you probably know the ropes, but it wouldn't kill you to be prepared when you're looking for places to live in McCook.
When Should You Start Looking?
When you're looking for rental properties in McCook, you should allow yourself a decent amount of time. The amount of housing for rent in the area is a little below the national average, which means that it could take you a while to find your ideal new rental home. Don't worry! Just start looking about six to eight weeks before the day you're planning to move. It might not take you that long, but it's better to look unnecessarily than to be left without a roof over your head. Sure, there are a lot of local cows who probably wouldn't mind you bunking with them their barn, but it wouldn't exactly be The Ritz.
What Will You Need to Do Next?
Once you've found a decent apartment or house for rent and had a look around, to make sure it's up to scratch, you'll need to sort out all the details. It's not just you who has to want the property, the landlord has to want you as well -- so try to be nice! Of course, it varies between individuals, but most landlords won't just take you at your word, no matter how dazzling your smile looks. Be prepared to show your proof of income, your credit history and your references from previous landlords. Once you've been approved to rent the property, it will come time to sign that contract. You'll usually have to sign a tenancy agreement for a minimum period of at least six months, but some properties can be rented on a month-to-month basis.
How Much Will It Cost?
Moving home can be quite pricey, so you'll need to have a few pennies saved. The exact cost will depend on the type of property you're moving into, but you'll usually have to pay the equivalent of two months' rent up front. Half of this is your first month's rent. The other half is your security deposit, which should be returned to you when you move out -- just as long as you haven't damaged the property at all. If you're moving into a pet friendly apartment, you may be asked to pay a bigger deposit in case your furry friends do a number on the place!
Being the kind of town that it is, some areas of McCook are convenient and developed, and others are, well, not so much. If you'd prefer your closest neighbors to be people -- rather than a herd of cattle -- you need to choose wisely when it's time to decide which neighborhood you're going to live in.
West Jay: The majority of homes in this neighborhood are medium-sized or large. You'll find mostly houses in the area, along with some mobile homes. Properties close to the Heritage Hills Golf Course are generally more pricey.
Town Center: If your main priority is to be close to McCook's shops are eateries, then this neighborhood would be ideal for you. There are a lot of apartments to be found and some townhouses. Most homes in this neighborhood are historic.
Bartley: This is a rural neighborhood where you'll find large houses on sizable plots. You'll find a good number of historic properties, many built during the 1800s!
You'll find that life in McCook moves at a fairly relaxed pace, but that doesn't mean that there's nothing to do. Sure, a lot of fun to be had in the area revolves around outdoor activities, but there's still something to amuse even the biggest of cynics.
Historic McCook
The town of McCook has a large number of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an ideal location for history or architecture enthusiasts to enjoy. Notable highlights include the George W. Norris House at 706 Norris Avenue, which is open to visitors for tours, and the Sutton House at 602 Norris Avenue, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. To learn a bit more about the town's heritage, head to the Museum of the High Plains. There you'll find the gorgeous Carnegie Library, and you can also take the Heritage Square Historical Walking Tour.
The Great Outdoors
There are some truly stunning landscapes in McCook and its surrounding areas, so as a resident of the town, you'll learn to love spending time outdoors -- if you don't already. Eight city parks (Kelley Park and Karrer Park are among the largest) are located within the town, some with great recreational facilities, including tennis courts, disc golf, a swimming pool, picnic areas and much more! You'll also find a number of prairie lakes in the area, which are perfect for swimming, boating and various water sports. If you aren't the sporty type, fee free to simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Community Events
McCook offers a whole host of fun annual events throughout the year, so you're sure to find at least one that strikes your fancy. Enjoy the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival, an award winning literary festival, or visit the Old Settlers Celebration, a carnival, craft fair, parade, car show, soapbox derby and more! Other notable events include the Heritage Days Celebration and the Red Willow County Fair.
