Location: Location: Location:
Location is not only important when selling a house, it is also important when deciding where you want to live. Elmwood is ideally located between Lincoln and Omaha which provides more job opportunities than living in one city or the other. Depending on where you work in the city your commute time could be less than if you lived in the city. The benefits of living in a small town far outweigh the cost of the commute. Plus the close proximity to the wonderful state parks and attractions, Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park, Strategic Air and Space Museum, Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, and many more.

The People:
Elmwood has a population of over 600 people which includes not only those in the village but the surrounding farms as well. The townspeople are a mixture of people who have lived here forever with family roots that run deep and new people who are looking for the small town atmosphere. Young couples, singles, and families help to make up the population. The combination of old blood and new blood seem to meld together easily and work together for the good of the community.

The Schools:
Elmwood consolidated with Murdock to form the Elmwood-Murdock school district. The two communities are only five miles apart and work together as if they were one. Both communities support the school and activities. The elementary school is located in Elmwood while the junior high/high school is located in Murdock. The elementary school was once voted in the top fifty schools in the nation by Redbook Magazine. And it has only gotten better. The recent passing of a bond issue by the communities demonstrates the commitment to the schools. The renovations at both the elementary and high schools will bring the facilities to the same level of excellence as the teaching staff and should be completed by the beginning of the school year in August of 2009. The graduation rate of Elmwood-Murdock students is 100%. For more information about the Elmwood-Murdock schools you can check out this link...

The Elmwood-Murdock schools offer a great sports program which routinely sends teams to the State competitions and recently won the State championship in boys basketball. Sports are very important to the community and the pride in the teams is evident in the turn out at the games. Although sports are important grades do take precidence over the games. The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA ) chapter is a very active group that always comes home with state awards and places top in National competitions. The students also score very well in state tests and have impressive ACT scores which is a testiment to the education provided. The student-to-teacher ratios are very good with the class sizes ranging from 22 to 34. The teachers and staff all know not only your child's name but your name and any sibling's name. They will probably know your dog's name as well.

The Elmwood-Murdock Choir has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall next year. It will take practice, practice, practice but the choir will make it! The band also has a strong program with the majority of students in each class participating.

The Infrastucture:
Elmwood infrastructure also provides the cleanest water in the state. There is a city sewer system with a project underway to raise funds to build a new sewage treatment plant. The streets of Elmwood are concrete and asphalt with city snow removal service that is quick and responsive. Home heating options available are natural gas and electric. Wood stoves and fire places are also popular and there are several people who sell and deliver firewood. For high tech services Elmwood has several internet options available including DSL, cable, and wireless. Cell phone reception has improved over the last few years due to the construction of new towers.

New construction is always encouraged whether it is homes or businesses. The soil accepts basements which allows increased square footage and lowers total square foot building costs.

The Businesses:
Elmwood offers several businesses that are the most successful in the state and some are known nationwide. Elmwood has potential to support more businesses from factories, entertainment, or sales. The local convenience store not only sells fuel but also has groceries available. Their kitchen has a variety of food available from pizza and hamburgers to salads and wraps. It is also home to the seasonal Farmers Market. Elmwood has several auto repair services which can handle most of your automotive needs from oil changes, brake repair, tire repair, and body work. A small engine repair shop can fix your mower for you. The local thrift store has just about anything you might need which is handy in a pinch. Elmwood also has it’s own computer store. You can buy a computer and have it serviced right here in town. A local chiropractor husband and wife team helps with not only chiropractic needs but they are also able to provide other minor medical assistance. The local dance academy provides children and adults with quality dance lessons and great performances. Elmwood also has two outlets for renting videos and video games. Need to haul something? Elmwood hosts the largest distributor in the nation for H&H Trailers. For more businesses you can peruse the list at http://www.elmwoodnebraska.com/business.html.

The Government:
Elmwood has a town board made up of concerned citizens and the zoning in Elmwood has a focus on protecting your home investment and safety so your children can walk home from school and ride their bikes around town safely. The fire and rescue is a volunteer department.. The teams are second to none with the dedication to serving the community a main priority for them. The local fire hall is maintained to the highest standards. Check out the webpage for more information. http://elmwoodvfrd.org/index.html

Recreation:
Elmwood has a scenic bike path passing along the edge of town. It meanders among the trees and Weeping Water creek and at times you will see beaver dams. It extends from Wabash through Elmwood then Eagle and on to Lincoln. The Elmwood Park has covered picnic areas, modern playground equipment, lighted tennis and lighted basketball courts and modern bathroom facilities and is tucked in a quiet safe area with lots of shade. The local library has a very active kids program. There are computers available for public use. Reading programs help promote reading with the kids.

If you are a horse enthusiast you might like to board your horse at one of the local boarding establishments. Or get your picture taken by one of the many local photographers.

Within two miles of Elmwood is a golf course that attracts not only locals but also people from the city who are looking for a country course. Grandpa's Woods is set in a country location that boasts beauty and a challenge to golfers. The friendly club house staff often knows the guests by name. For more info check out this website, http://www.visitcasscounty.com/sub_grandpaswoods.html

Elmwood is also home to a something that used to be quite common in small towns but is rare find now...a rollerskating rink. The Flying Wheels Fun Center was first built in 1956, then closed years later, and then in 1989 reopened and was renovated to include a game area and snack bar. The skating rink provides Elmwood and surrounding communities with a place for kids and adults to roller skate and reminisce. Many birthday have been celebrated here. Old favorites such as the dice game and limbo have been joined with new games such as Sharks and the Minnows and dodgeball. (Dodgeball is not played on skates!) The rink is used for more than just rollerskating. It can be rented out for family reunions, private parties, and company parties. This year the Fall Indoor Garage Sale/Craft show will be held there. Check out the website for more information: www.flyingwheelsrocks.com

Elmwood is a real, American town. It is front porches, neighbors, block parties and baseball. School is important, neighbors help neighbors. Elmwood is a small town close to the city which allows you to have the best of both worlds. Spend a little time here and you will soon notice the chirping of the crickets, the song of the birds, and a greeting from across the yard. It won't take very long before you don't miss the sound of traffic, the sirens, the honking of car horns. You will soon look forward to coming home to your little slice of heaven, right here in Elmwood, Nebraska.