Why Young Families are Returning Home to Rural Nebraska
- andersonbrooke22
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Within the last decade, Norfolk has experienced a remarkable transformation. The city has improved its public spaces, revitalized the downtown area and welcomed many new small businesses that draw tourists and residents alike. Norfolk has maintained a charming, small-town feel while growing to provide for the community’s needs. The story of Scott and Jessie Zach brings to light the attractive atmosphere awaiting young adults returning home or moving to rural Nebraska for the first time.
Dr. Scott Zach, DDS, owns Wood Duck Dental with his wife, Jessie Zach. The couple purchased the dental practice from retiring dentist Dr. Sintek, rebranded the space and made several improvements in order to serve the community with high-quality, evidence-based dental practices and comprehensive patient care.
While Dr. Zach provides cutting-edge dental care, Jessie manages marketing for the practice.
Dr. Zach holds an impressive educational background and is a “Kois-trained dentist” - a designation that refers to a dental professional who has completed advanced training at the Kois Center, an advanced post-doctorate training program offering a comprehensive curriculum featuring the latest advances in aesthetic, implant and restorative dentistry.
Dr. Zach graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School in 2011 before receiving his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska-Medical Center, respectively. Jessie grew up in Lincoln, NE, and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as well. The couple met at a Husker basketball game in Lincoln a few years after Dr. Zach moved away from Norfolk.
Now, 14 years after Dr. Zach left Norfolk, the couple has noted many attractive changes to the community, even within the last ten years.
“Norfolk has changed a lot in the last decade. It is very apparent that the city has invested in its parks, improved its downtown, and promoted small business growth to attract a new generation of professionals to move back. The health system and local amenities are great. We have a son with special needs, and the therapy we have received from Family Physical Therapy at Fountain Point was a big factor in our decision to move back,” said Jessie. “We also just had our third child, and I know from experience that it’s a great place to raise a family.”
When asked about the biggest draws to Norfolk for families, Jessie referenced the excellent park systems, the variety of educational options and the outstanding library system as deciding factors for the couple’s return to the area.
“Norfolk is really the perfect size. It is not too big, but it’s big enough that you have access to almost every resource you might need,” she said. “There are also many other families with young children here. Our oldest son will be attending Little Panthers Preschool this fall for the first time, and we are very excited about the education he will receive there.”
The family enjoys the opportunities for outdoor recreation available in Norfolk and spends much of their time at Skyview Lake. Jessie said the short drive to county fairs and rodeos is an added bonus. In addition to the entertainment options and many opportunities for education in the area, the couple is most excited about the supportive community in Norfolk.
“We have a solid friend base here. Many of them are families who have moved back to Norfolk in recent years. It will be great to spend more time with them,” said Dr. Zach. “We look forward to contributing to the community with our small dental business and adding to Norfolk’s growth trajectory.”
The Zach family’s decision to return to Norfolk reflects a broader movement of young professionals choosing rural areas for the high quality of life found there. Norfolk offers a slower pace, strong family ties and opportunities for personal and professional fulfillment.
Wood Duck Dental provides a range of services, including general, pediatric and cosmetic dentistry. The practice is currently expanding its team to meet the needs of the growing community.
