It's about 60 miles or so from my hometown. But I never spent much time there. Seems like a pleasant little town. ~5000 - ~7000 population. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter. Expect a week so of above 100° temps in the summer and about a week of -0° in the winter. Most snow stores only bring a couple of inches of snow. A big store dumps 6". But the wind will pile it into tall drifts in places.
I should also add; It has one or two grocery stores and enough other stores to meet your needs. 40 miles away is Kearney. Home of the former Kearney State College until it was absorbed into the University of Nebr. system. If you need something you can't find in Holdrege chances are you can find it in Kearney. Plus there's a Walmart in Kearney when you get the urge to draw down on a door checker.
I can not think of a gunstore in Holdrege though. But Kearney has a small Cabela's store (store #2), Dub's Sporting Goods and Old West Arms. Old West has the better gun selection while Dub's has a great fishing tackle selection. Cabela's is Cabela's.
Cost of living is low in the area. But so are wages. Gas was $1.99 over Thanksgiving weekend.
Nebr. is one of 5 or 6 states that have no provision for concealed carry. All class lll stuff is available though. Nebr. has been gaining momentum for a must issue permit system but seem to miss it by this
---><--- much each year.
Holdrege should be a great town for your kids to grow up in. But not nearly as nice as McCook, of course.
There are far worse places to live in this county.