Valley County balances wide-open Sandhills scenery with the comforts of small-town living, anchored by Ord along the North Loup River. Daily life is easy to navigate—local shops and eateries line a tidy main street, and weekend plans might mean a ballgame, a community concert, or a quick drive to larger amenities in Grand Island or Kearney. Agriculture and entrepreneurship shape the local economy, and newcomers often find the welcome as genuine as the skyline is big.
Outdoors, history and water meet in memorable ways. Step into frontier life at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, cared for by Nebraska Game and Parks, a favorite for living-history events and quiet picnics beneath cottonwoods (Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park). Cast a line or launch a kayak at Davis Creek Recreation Area, managed by the Lower Loup NRD (Davis Creek Recreation Area), or make a day of it at Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area near Burwell, renowned for clear water and sandy shores (Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area).
Families appreciate strong schools and accessible care. Ord Public Schools offers academics, fine arts, and competitive athletics (Ord Public Schools), while Arcadia Public Schools provides a close-knit setting and robust extracurriculars (Arcadia Public Schools). For upskilling and adult education, Central Community College serves the area with flexible programs and workforce training (Central Community College). Health needs are met locally by Valley County Health System’s hospital, clinics, and specialty services (Valley County Health System).
Thinking about a move within the county—or into it? When it’s time to buy or sell, Agent Pronto can match you with a proven local real estate professional.
