The citizens of Lincoln pride themselves on having a great quality of life. The city was identified as the 7^th "Best Small Metro Area" in the nation by Places Rated Almanac 2000. Lincoln was ranked as the 4^th "Fittest City in the U.S." in 2000 and was the fifth city in the nation to receive the "Well City USA" award. Lincoln ranks as having the 6^th best commute time among 200 cities and residents consistently have some of the lowest-cost home electric bills in the nation.

The City offers a diverse range of employment opportunities in professional services, manufacturing, and technology. As the state capital and home of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UN-L), Nebraska Wesleyan University and several other colleges, there are also many employment opportunities in higher education, research and government.

Lincoln's industrial base is strong and growing. Several important industries established before the turn of the century are based in Lincoln and new businesses arrive each year. Some of the firms that call Lincoln home include: Goodyear Tire & Rubber; Kawasaki Motors Corp.; Novartis Laboratories; The Gallup Organization; Information Technology Inc.; MDS Pharma Services Laboratories; Centurion International; ADM Milling & Elevator Company; Yankee Hill Brick Manufacturing; Li-Cor Inc., and Pfizer Animal Health Corp. In all there are more than 200 businesses representing more than 100 types of manufacturing.

The insurance industry has a major presence in Lincoln, with more than 20 companies based in the city. Just a few of those companies include Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., Lincoln Benefit Life Co., and Woodman Accident & Life Co. Lincoln also has a thriving medical community which includes four hospitals.

Entertainment is everywhere in Lincoln. Lincoln is home of the consistently nationally top ranked University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football, volleyball, gymnastics and baseball teams. Each Fall downtown Lincoln becomes a sea of red on UN-L home football game days as 76,000+ fans head to Memorial Stadium to cheer on the Huskers. Sports fans also enjoy the Lincoln Lightning arena football team; the Lincoln Stars hockey team; and the new Lincoln Saltdogs baseball team.

Lincoln has a rich cultural life. The Lied Center for Performing Arts showcases national and international entertainers and just down the street is the world renowned Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery. Other attractions include the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, Lincoln Community Playhouse, Lincoln Symphony Orchestra and the Zoo Bar, one of the best blues venues in the nation. Annual events include the State Fair held each August in Lincoln and local festivals such as July Jam. A tour of the historic State Capital is a must for visitors and there is always fun at the Folsom Children's Zoo, a variety of museums, parks, gardens, and special events.

The historic Haymarket District, located on the west edge of downtown, offers a unique mix of shopping, nightlife and restaurants. Lincoln also offers several major shopping areas, with Gateway Mall located on East "O" streets, SouthPointe Pavilions located on South 27^th Street, and a wide variety of stores on North 27^th Street.