Why People Who Have Traveled the World Choose to Live in Phelps County

Out of all of the places Jack and Amanda Krause have seen and lived during their military careers, Holdrege, Nebraska, was the place they chose to put down roots.

Jack and Amanda had a move-about lifestyle during their first years of marriage because of their military service. Jack was no stranger to this way of life because, as a child, he had lived in about every state. Prior to settling in Holdrege, they lived in Las Vegas.

“We just came from Las Vegas, where everything is frivolous and fake,” Jack said. “Everyone cares about their Instagram and TikTok there. What they care about here is if you are a good person, and do you care about people and your family? Those are the things that matter in the world, and that’s why I chose Holdrege.”

While Amanda is a Phelps County native, Jack most wanted to settle down in Holdrege. “Every time I came to visit to see where my wife grew up, I kind of fell in love with the place,” Jack said. “This place is almost like a time capsule. It keeps traditional family values. Everyone is friendly and kind.”

While they could have chosen to live anywhere, they chose Holdrege, and they’re here to stay. Jack is medically retired from the Army Rangers, while Amanda recently finished her service with the Air Force. This past fall, they purchased their first house just a few blocks from the high school where Amanda graduated in 2007.

Jack and Amanda said they both feel a sense of safety in Holdrege and look forward to raising their children in a small town. Jack and Amanda are parents to 10-month-old twin boys, Ares and Jaxon. Jack’s children from a previous marriage also live with them and are happy to be in Phelps County schools. According to Jack, Kaine, 17, and Keira, 15, are thriving at Holdrege High School. Konner, 13, is also thriving at Holdrege Middle School, where he enjoyed participating in football and wrestling for the first time.

Jack continued, “I have my home. I have my family. I have plenty to do. I just recently joined the running club at Lost Way Brewery. I just love the sense of community here.”

“I am proud to be a Nebraskan,” Jack said. “I have been to all 50 states, and I am glad to have found a place like Holdrege. This place is truly unique. It is a hidden gem. It has some of the qualities that you just can’t find around the world these days.” 

Help Paying for Your Dream Home

The Phelps County Development Corporation has announced its GO! HOME grant opportunities for 2022. The intent is to encourage new residents to relocate to the area and to stimulate the construction and sales of local workforce housing in all Phelps County communities.

“GO! HOME addresses opportunities for improvement by priming the pump, so to speak,” PCDC Executive Director Ron Tillery said. “PCDC is providing the spark to make things happen.”

Tillery said since its inception in 2018, GO! HOME has encouraged more than 200 people, who were previously commuting from elsewhere, to relocate to Phelps County.

Explore the GO! HOME program details and find applications here. Grants include down payment assistance, renter relocation assistance, and assistance for developers and contractors.

For personalized help with the GO! HOME grants and assistance for relocation, home purchases, and business development, contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or pcdc@phelpscountyne.com today.

To further explore “Why Phelps” and to download the community guide, click here. Follow PCDC on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.