No. 3: Omaha, Neb.
By Marc A. Wojno, Senior Associate Editor
From Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, July 2008
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PARADISE ON THE PLAINS
Population: 821,356
Population Growth Since 2000: 6.6%
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 30%
Cost-of-Living Index: 89.4 (100 being national average)
Median Household Income: $51,627
Income Growth Since 2000: 15.1%
Don't pigeonhole Omaha as insurance, Warren Buffett and mail-order steaks. This one-time Great Plains pioneer town has a stereotype-busting cultural scene. Walk through north downtown and discover the indie-rock club Slowdown next to Film Streams, a cinema art house. In Old Market, red-brick roads run past open-air restaurants, galleries and chic boutiques.
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Funky, yes, but the city's success is defined by its midwestern values. People preach and practice a strong work ethic and modest lifestyle. They also believe in giving back to the community, and that includes the chief executives of the five Fortune 500 companies headquartered here.
Consider the 175,000-square-foot Holland Performing Arts Center. Built with private funding from corporate executives, philanthropists and civic leaders, this $100-million facility is a symbol of 21st-century urban modernism. A 2,000-seat, state-of-the-art concert hall -- with chiseled acoustic panels -- is the place to experience the classics, performed by the Omaha Symphony Orchestra.
And encouraging news: Businesses here are hiring and recruiting young professionals, especially in finance, health care, information technology and insurance. Entrepreneurs can also find fertile ground to make their mark. Rachel Jacobson, 29, who owns Film Streams, says that she wouldn't have opened her theater anywhere else. "Omaha is very open to new ideas."
Omaha continues to expand westward. Venture 10 miles southwest and you'll come to Millard, a suburb known for its top-rated, nationally recognized public-school system. It's a peaceful community with well-manicured lawns, sprawling subdivisions and shopping malls. Home prices are affordable, too. For example, a 3,000-square-foot, four-bedroom home sells for about $350,000, while a 2,000-square-foot, three-bedroom home goes for about $200,000.
Sales and property taxes are high -- upwards of 10%. But, says Tammy Lane, a mother of two whose kids are enrolled in Millard's public schools, "I love living here. It's the growth and quality of the schools that make the taxes worth paying."
Reader Comments (55)
Posted by: CJ at 05/29/2008 06:35:37 PM
I live in the nearby city of Papillion. There is a reason why the World's Richest person lives in Omaha. This is a great place to live. The people are friendly, honest and easy going. Taxes are high, however combined with the cost of living I believe it evens out with #2 Raleigh. I moved to Omaha from Raleigh and I can certainly agree that Omaha and Raleigh certainly are both great places to live. Of course the down side of Omaha in my opinion is the limted outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. But these activities are available, you've just got to reach out to them a little harder than elsewhere.
Posted by: J at 05/29/2008 10:41:05 PM
I live in Papillion as well, which was rated as Money Magazine's #6 best place to live for 2007. Omaha and the surrounding area might be lacking mountains, and have some cold winters, but there's a lot of good to be found here. Nice to see some recognition...especially when it's such a surprise to most.
Posted by: Anna at 05/30/2008 12:19:10 AM
I live here in Omaha and honestly it's a nice place to live. The people here are beyond friendly. The environment is a very positive one as well. I have loved living my entire life here.
Posted by: JC at 05/30/2008 10:33:32 AM
The location of that picture of Omaha is a bad place to be...Get away from all that crime and move down the road to Lincoln. Used the survey tool and it said Lincoln was the best for me.
Posted by: Jake at 05/30/2008 11:02:18 AM
Other than our...mayor, Omaha is indeed a great place to live.
Posted by: Dawn at 05/30/2008 04:42:56 PM
Well, we just moved here from Florida in December. I have enjoyed every moment of our new life here in Omaha and wouldn't trade it for anything. Crime? What crime? Compared to central Florida this place is heaven. It's nice to read the good comments and know people here actually realize just how great they've got it. =) Omaha, in my cousin's words, is one of those places where it seems time stopped in some ways, and it's true. It's wonderful.
Posted by: coloradomaha at 05/30/2008 09:13:35 PM
I have the unique perspective of having lived and moved away from Omaha, and I can tell you that Mayor Fahey is a HUGE part of why the city is now so great. He's willing to compromise, and sees the bigger picture in the city, rather than dealing with every petty gripe that comes along. Omaha is a fantastic place to live, and moving away only reinforces that for me.
Posted by: T at 06/02/2008 04:20:48 PM
Omaha, please quit riding Warren Buffett! Take him away and what do you have? Not a whole lot if you ask me. It kills me to hear people talk about this city and how nice everyone is here and how much opportunity is here... And I probably would agree if I were white. I moved here from Houston and can't wait to go back when I finish college. Back home, anyone can go to any part of town and feel comfortable; not here. How can you be voted #3 best place to live when you're only welcome in certain parts of town? This place lacks diversity in culture and in the workplace. I can probably count on one hand the amount of minorities employed west of 108th but let the naives, oops, I mean the natives tell it, "Omaha's so is very open to new ideas." Yeah sure. Anything new or different here is usually overdone, overrated, or not excepted. High taxes, bitterly cold winters, rude, snooty, narrow minded people, and some of the worst food I've ever tasted...I do enjoy the scenery, the weather (except the winters) and the zoo. Whoopty doo!!!
Posted by: Nichole at 06/03/2008 08:45:04 AM
I too moved here from Florida (Tampa) in January and I cannot believe some the negative comments I just read. The only thing bringing this city down is the folks that write those comments...This is the closest to heaven I have ever experienced and I love the people, the culture, the food, the amazing amount of community events, the lack of crime, the family friendly environment, the history, the entire package! I will NEVER leave this place! And compared to the south, this place truly is racially integrated!
Posted by: MLS at 06/03/2008 05:40:54 PM
I have lived in Omaha for 12 years. It is truly a terrific community with manageable traffic, affordable housing, great cultural and educational amenities and genuinely nice people. I was disapopinted by the one individual posting it was racist. Omaha is not perfect in this regard, but I believe the other person posting would have the same complaint regardless of the location. Everything that goes wrong in peoples lives is not attributable to racism.
Posted by: T at 06/03/2008 11:52:15 PM
In my defense, to those that say I am racist, come on... let's be honest for a minute. First of all you have no idea what race I am....I've lived in a number of large cities and small towns. I've traveled overseas serving my country and I'm actively involved with efforts to better this city. Yet, i'm sure some of you haven't heard the stories I've heard or seen what I've seen. Why? Because you don't want to. Look at the racial history of this city before you assume I'm racist. I understand some of you may be dissapointed with some of the things I said but I think it's time Omaha gets a reality check...
Posted by: DB at 06/05/2008 02:18:39 AM
I am absolutely appalled at what “T” had to say about Omaha. But I guess the old saying is “There is at least one critic in every crowd." I was born here in Omaha, raised in Southern California, have been back now for 18 years. I have been in many different states and the people are so nice here! “T” needs to live in California and see how rushed everyone is there. Omaha has the #2 Zoo in the NATION! San Diego is #1 due to they have Pandas that were shipped in 1980’s from Japan. I have worked in 3 of Omaha’s Finest Restaurants and have met many people from all over the world and I will tell you .. NO COMPLAINTS from the Food nor the Hospitality here. Honestly, how bitter can one person be and still be living in the same place that they are so unhappy in?? The Winters aren’t the greatest, but that has nothing to do with OMAHA, it’s called Midwest Living. Each State is Blessed in their own way...Omaha is more open minded to Diversity than I have seen in a Long time.
Posted by: Mrs. K at 06/05/2008 01:02:49 PM
I've been in Omaha for 12 years and love it for many of the reasons this article stated and for the reasons commentors have shared here. I would like to offer my perspective on the "discrimination" I have seen in Omaha, which is present anywhere you go whether it's race, sex, age, social status... I live in northwest Omaha, I work in mid-town, I have friends all over the city (including north and south as well as Millard and west). I have also spent time in other parts of the U.S. Comparing Omaha to other places, we are much friendlier and community-oriented. My friends, co-workers, those in my church and my neighborhood happen to be diverse in many ways which I enjoy...Everyone in this city will have a different perspective about living here based on their experiences and personality type. I'm just glad to see our city ranked as #3. Yeah, Omaha!
Posted by: To T at 06/05/2008 05:09:11 PM
(for T)...What do we have other than Warren Buffet? Hmm... Well how about the fact that Omaha has the most Fortune 500 companies headquartered here? Or the most millionaires per capita than any other city in the U.S.? Or the College World Series, NCAA regionals, QWest Center, and US Swim Trials -- all things that generate substantial gain for the local economy? Furthermore, your statement that you can count on your hand the number of minorities that work in West O is completely ignorant. I have many african american friends and none (ZERO) have ever made any sort of statement to me about Omaha being "racist". Lastly, your remark about Omaha having bad food is just wrong. Ever been to Gorat's? Ever been to Lo Sole Mio? What about Caniglio's? Obviously you haven't.
Posted by: Mike at 06/07/2008 05:18:16 AM
Omaha what a surprise the 3rd best city to live....We have great museums, a fanstatic zoo, botanical gardens and our riverfront just keeps getting better and better. We have a wide variety of restaurants national chains and local mom and pops. I have visited many locally owned restaurants and consider them to be very good and the owners very nice. When in Omaha try Cecil's Cafe on 5oth and Dodge for a fanstatic Betty Jean Omelette a very small cafe but extremely worth it. California Tacos for some of the best tasting tacos and don't forget our Steak houses. Some of the Best Steaks you will eat anywhere in the United States. Omaha I just love it here.
Posted by: Ms. W at 06/18/2008 07:11:54 PM
I don't think any of you are going to sell your house, pack your things, quit your job(s), yank your children out of their school and away from their friends, to move to Omaha. This would be foolish, as they don't enough activities for kids growing up here. especially those who are underprivileged. There is nothing for them to do, which is probably why Omaha's crime is escalating...I'm considering moving to #5 on the list. Colorado Springs, CO. At least there's CLEAN AIR there and beauty abounds!!!...Not bitter, just passing on the truth about this city.
Posted by: Brian at 06/19/2008 02:55:04 PM
Clean air? Because we have so much pollution here in Omaha right? Thats rldiculous. Do some research and I bet you find that the crime rate is no different in CO Springs than it is here. And what are you suggesting that kids have to do in CO Springs that they dont have here?...I've lived in Omaha my whole life and friends that have left Omaha to visit "sunny' coastal areas have all made it back here one way or another. I wonder why? Because this is a great place with familiar faces and polite people. If you dont like it, make some more room for me then.
Posted by: Sarah at 06/19/2008 03:01:22 PM
I am foramally from Omaha, Nebraska, and have since then moved to Clearwater,Florida. Omaha is a WONDERFUL place to raise a family, they have an amazing school system and the quality of people is genuine!! I miss the Fine Arts that can be found throughout the city. One thing that is lacking is things for young people to do that will keep them out of trouble but yet leave them with a sense of being fulfilled. I left the state due to the fact that I was just plain bored you can only do the same thing so many times before you just plain lose interest. I miss the familiar state and the genuineness of the people there. I will always and forever consider that to be my home!
Posted by: McC at 06/19/2008 03:01:28 PM
To T: I totally understand your comments. I was born in Omaha and moved away by choice. When you live in other parts of the country, it only is reinforced how narrow-minded people are in Omaha and the Midwest. There seems to be very little tolerance for ethnic, cultural or racial diversity. People are friendly-as long as you are like them. Omaha has great restaurants with decent service, decent career opportunites for professionals, low housing costs and ridiculously high taxes. There isn't much do outdoors in the city and due to the extremes in weather- bone chilling cold and ice in the winter and strangling humidity in the summer - who would want to do anything outdoors? From what I've seen, people who think Omaha is so great just don't have much to compare it to.
Posted by: Frank at 06/19/2008 03:03:20 PM
--> Ms. W - "activities for kids growing up here. especially those who are underprivileged"...The YMCA offers many programs for all kids. --> T - If you don't like the racism in this city - do something about it instead of adding to it.
Posted by: Loyal to Home at 06/19/2008 03:29:52 PM
Omaha is a wonderful midwestern city with cosmopolitan cultural and educational oppotunities. My family is originally from Scottsbluff, but I was educated at Rosehill Elementary and graduated from Central High under Owen A. Knudsen's superintendency. I have lived abroad now for over 15 years. Recently a British educator told me that a UK family stationed in Omaha after many international relocations claimed that Nebraska has the best schools in the world. This should be not only a great source of pride, but also of confirmation and motivation to the students, parents and educators of the state. If you aren't aware of local resources such as the Children's Museum, the Henle Doorley Zoo, Memorial Park, Creighton University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Opera Omaha, the Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum and Omaha's wealth of libraries and parks, you should check a local directory for more information - even residents may be surprised.
Posted by: C at 06/19/2008 03:51:52 PM
To Ms. W; There is plenty of things for youth to do here in Omaha, you just have to look for it. There are plenty of free parks to take your children to, and many programs geared toward the underprivileged. The crime rate is growing because people are not taking advantage of these wonderful programs, and are letting they children run wild on the streets with no good parental supervision. I work for the Omaha Public School system with many underprivileged children, and they talk about all the programs they are involved with all the time. Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girls Inc. YMCA, they are building one of the few Educare Centers in the Midwest down in South Omaha. A free program dedicated to early childhood development from birth to kindergarten specifically geared toward low income working families. You need to take a deeper look into your community and see Omaha for the amazing place it really is.
Posted by: Luke at 06/19/2008 04:06:18 PM
Ahhh... the ol' there-is-nothing-to-do-here argument. I was raised in rural Nebraska, lived in Golden, CO for a while, and now live in Omaha. At all three places I encountered the there-is-nothing-to-do-here whiners.
Posted by: TLA at 06/19/2008 04:38:55 PM
I've also traveled the country and parts of Europe serving in the military. I've lived here 11 years and find it to be one of the best places I've ever lived. Every city has it's problems and racial divisions. I moved here from Little Rock and by comparison, the diversity here is far and above... as are the schools. For those saying that there is nothing for children to do... I say you aren't looking very hard. There is a free screening coming up at Film Streams, not to mention the free performances of Shakespeare on the Green. The Omaha Parks and Recreation department has a great free summer program for kids called Sun Dawgs. The libraries offer all sorts of free activities for children...Septemberfest, River City Roundup, Jazz on the Green... the list goes on.
Posted by: Rocco at 06/19/2008 05:00:03 PM
I went to law school at Creighton University in Omaha and now I am sorry I left after I graduated. I recently returned to Omaha for a concert and found it to be an incredible city. As to Ms. W moving to Colorado; please go. You can join the rest of the 1 million sluggos from California who have moved there and have greatly contributed to the rising crime rates, traffic congestion, high real estate and decreased quality of life.
Posted by: c2g at 06/19/2008 06:42:29 PM
On the topic of nothing-to-do-in-Omaha, I have to add that I regularly visit relatives there, and I'm exhausted by the time my visit is half over; they keep me occupied from the moment I arrive until it's time to leave again. There is so much to do in Omaha--and they're always giving me a list of things we didn't have time to do that would be great to do next time! It's definitely not a boring place to be.
Posted by: Mr, C at 06/21/2008 10:32:20 PM
Ms. W said "I don't think any of you are going to sell your house, pack your things, quit your job(s), yank your children out of their school and away from their friends, to move to Omaha. This would be foolish" Color me foolish, but that's exactly what I did. We moved from Florida to come here 2 years ago, and I can't say enough good things about Omaha. It's people are friendly, it's crime (relative to Florida) is low, there are plenty of family activities, shopping, & restaurants. A 4 br home can be had in a good neighborhood for +/- 175,000; this is unheard of in many parts of the US -- even with the housing downturn. To Mrs. W & T -- sorry it's not working out here for you, and I hope you're happy in your future endeavors. For my family, this was a great move.
Posted by: NoMoreOmaha at 06/27/2008 03:16:00 PM
Sorry guys, I hate to disappoint you but Omaha should not have made this list, especially not the top 3. Someone said Omaha is racially intergrated. Okay explain this: North, South, West = Black, Hispanic, White. I grew up in Omaha and now live in Virginia....People are leaving Omaha and in fact of the top ten cities listed, Omaha has the lowest growth since 2000 - not even close to the others. I was just in town for the CWS and boy did that suck (unless you drink). It's baseball! Great story this year with Fresno St. but you can catch a good baseball game in any major city. Even the old market seems to be losing its touch.
Posted by: T at 06/27/2008 03:31:18 PM
To Frank: ...I'd like to remain anonymous because just in case you didn't read my comment completely, I did say that I was actively involved in the community (even though I'm not from here) as well as the education system working with disabled students. My entire life is dedicated to helping others. But guess what? In Omaha, people like myself don't get very much help! It's really hard to do something about anything when people don't even admit there's a problem....
Posted by: Jeff at 07/08/2008 05:29:23 PM
Just wanted to comment on everyone saying there's so much to do in Omaha. Omaha's like a parking lot carnival - there's something to do but it's no Disney World!
Posted by: Mrs. H at 07/09/2008 03:04:28 PM
Wow. Folks are certainly passionate on both sides of the fence. My only perspective as a white, middle-class midwesterner is that life, ANYWHERE, is what you make it. I'm certain that many of the minority population in and around Omaha feel they are discriminated against, and while that is unfortunate, and quite probably TRUE, this IS the MIDWEST. It's NOT New York, or L.A., or Atlanta. Personally, I work at a large company (400+ people) in LaVista (West O 'burb) which employs a good percentage of non-caucasian employees, all of whom have equal opportunity for advancement, recognition, etc., and many of whom I consider good friends. I grew up in Omaha, and when I graduated from High School and went off to College I swore I'd never come back. Eight years ago I came "home" to follow a job opportunity, and I've never been happier. The cultural growth in this town over the past 25 years has been phenomenal, and there is no end in sight. From music and the arts, indie film, sports, culinary opportunities, the zoo, the botanical center and so much more... there is a TON of things to do if you just go out and find them!! Omaha is a city that rewards hard work, honesty, and integrity, regardless of your skin color. If you come here looking for a free ride and expect not to be distriminated against, you most likely WILL be disappointed. But come here ready to work and play hard, pay your taxes (yes, they are high) and enjoy the good life, and you will be welcomed with open arms.
Posted by: jason at 07/13/2008 06:58:32 PM
I cant believe omaha is in the top 10 best cities to live. This is one of the dirtiest places i have been to. Just took a trip a month ago, looking for places to live when i get out of college and i was not impressed at all. Of all the places i have visited...the best are Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Austin, Texas.
Posted by: Kyle at 07/18/2008 06:33:04 PM
Sorry to hear you think Omaha is dirty, however you must not get out much. I'm from Omaha and am now living in Phoenix, Omaha is super clean compared to other cities including Phoenix. Like others I swore never to return while I was in my youth, but over the years I, like many, have made my decision to return, it is my home. I believe Omaha will one day become a "destination city" and no longer a "fly over city." And many will find the jewel in the rough.
Posted by: Jim at 07/24/2008 03:01:49 PM
Whoever thinks Omaha is dirty must not get around this country very much. I have lived in many cities throughout the U.S. and must say Omaha was one of the best. Of course it cannot beat the climate now that I reside in Florida- yet Omaha has more wealth per capita than any other city in the U.S. Omaha also has more restaurants as well as hospitals per capita than any other city in the nation. Yes, taxes are high. Yet you get what you pay for. This shows in Omaha (being) first in education....the teachers there are some of the highest paid and educated themselves. I found it to be very clean when I lived there, yet I am originally from St. Louis. I also found Omaha to be extremely culturally diverse for its size and location. Plus the nightlife there for singles is endless. Nothing shuts that city down. It still hustles and bustles even during blizzards...
Posted by: Sarah at 07/26/2008 10:10:48 AM
I moved from Omaha just last year to get away from the narrowmindedness, prudish and ultra conservative class of people...
Posted by: James W at 07/28/2008 03:22:33 AM
...I came to Omaha 6 weeks ago from Detroit. I do have to say Detroit has a far better and cleaner public transit system. Second I have lived in many cities in the U.S. and Omaha's downtown is the only one were I have heard crickets chirping at midnight in downtown, plus can't forget about the roaches taking over the streets by 12:30a.m. Well, to make a long story short...I am going back east. P.S. campared to most cities of this size, Omaha is dirty.
Posted by: Tradewinds appraisal at 07/28/2008 07:05:29 PM
I attended Creighton U from 1986-1990 and loved the city back then. I hope to return soon.
Posted by: Laura at 08/07/2008 05:16:31 PM
This place really shouldn't be in the top ten. Omaha is very narrow minded and it just gets old and boring after a while. I've lived here for five years, I'm a single woman in my 30's, and I'm leaving for Austin...Yes, it has a nice zoo, but that doesn't help with the lack of geography and scenery.
Posted by: black17 at 08/08/2008 02:13:44 PM
I have read all the comments prior to writing my own. Honestly, I enjoyed reading all the comments as some provided humor and entertainment. I know that what I say won't define Omaha, but I'm attempting to provide an outlook from an educated, sophisticated, knowledgeable youth. Omaha recieves a lot more criticism than it deserves....and after reading some of the comments, a lot more praise as well. Top 3 is a stretch to me. Considering it awful is (a stretch) as well. As a youth, no, there isn't much to do, no matter race, economic status, etc...The city is separated by north, south, and west- black, hispanic, and whites, as an earlier writer mentioned. I, as a black teen, wouldn't contribute that fully to race as much as I would simple economics. But race is there; every part of the city is experiencing renovation except north and south Omaha. It does need to improve in terms of race and diversity, but in my personal opinion, what US city doesn't? I've experienced the "got to get out of this town" feeling, but anymore, I've realized Omaha is on the rise, but again, work needs to be done. Ranked on this list?....maybe....top 3?....probably not. Overall though, a good place, but not one deserving of the high praises and accolades some of you are giving it. Not yet at least.
Posted by: B.K. at 08/08/2008 02:29:50 PM
Omaha is one of those cities where people love it and are very proud of it or hate it and can't leave it fast enough. I'm one of the rare ones who is stuck in the middle. Omaha is okay, not terrific, not terrible, okay. I think putting it in the top ten places to live a bit of a stretch, but there are worse places to live as well as better ones. I really don't find Omaha aesthetically or geographically attractive. The skyline is two semi-big buildings and the Missouri is muddy and brown. It's pretty much flat everywhere and there aren't many trees. No mountains or good bodies of water. It's not a place to live if you're a nature lover. I will agree it's annoying when people whine about there being nothing to do. Sure, it isn't New York, L.A. or Chicago when it comes to culture or nightlife, but Omaha has a fair share of things to do. The zoo is great, the old market is always a good place to get a bite to eat, The Qwest has many concerts and sporting events, and more. Take it for what it is. For a metro area of 800,000, there are a good number of things to do. The weather stinks. The winters are cold and snowy, the summers hot and humid, spring is rainy and lots of thunderstorms. The fall can bring beautiful days though. Lots of taxes so the myth that Omaha is "cheap" to live in is a myth. Public transportation is terrible and Dodge St. is a big mess. Pretty conservative, Catholic and white everywhere. The guy who complains about diversity isn't crazy. Omaha does have a problem with keeping young people in the city...many leave due to the weather, lack of things to do and job opportunities...Many friends I know had to move to Minneapolis, Denver or Chicago to find jobs. Unless you are working a high job at one of the Fortune 500's, it's kind of hard to keep moving forward in your career...I don't live there anymore and really don't miss it that much, but I do enjoy visiting it when I do. If you want to live a quiet life with little worry and lots of consistency, Omaha is a good fit. It's got a small town personality combined with a medium city population and cosmopolitan ambitions. If you are young, single, liberal, enjoy the outdoors, need water/mountains or action all the time, look elsewhere.
Posted by: Brian at 09/13/2008 05:52:47 PM
Living in North Omaha my entire life (19 years), I have to say i love living here. People will always find something wrong with any city, and to my knowledge some people just like to complain. But I got a great education at Central High School, and to people who say the city is not diverse, go to Central where you will find black, white, hispanic students. Every city has non diverse sections. Go to the rich part of Atlanta and i'm sure you will find that the majority of the those people are white. And to the people who don't like living here, get out. And i guarentee downtown Detroit is more dirty than downtown omaha. The education i recieved allowed me to get a full ride academic scholarship to Creighton University, and after i graduate i see myself living here the rest of my life.
Posted by: Dean at 12/29/2008 11:13:19 AM
Working in the tech field in Omaha is great but living here absolutely sucks. Neighbors are rude and noisy, and other than the casino in Iowa and movie theaters there is nothing to do
Posted by: HJ at 01/25/2009 11:17:50 AM
I've lived in Omaha for 35 years now. I've had to opportunity to live in Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey. Omaha is definitely the blandest of all the places I've lived or even visited. When people are saying they are bored, they say that because there are so little 'hobby' type things to do. I know we have the Qwest Center, The Old Market, The Zoo, Holland Center, etc., but those things get REALLY boring after you've visited them a few times. I think what people are saying is there are minimal 'hobby' type things to do, with minimal outdoor opportunities winter can be a real drag. While in Colorado we had show-shoeing, skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, mountain climbing, etc. People even had frozen lake races with 4x4's. There is NONE of that here. Winter in Omaha is absolutely boring. All there is to do is go to the mall or a restaurant. Right now the wind chill is almost -10. So its too cold to even go outside to go sledding.
Posted by: :( at 03/02/2009 10:15:25 PM
About HJ comment: Winter in Omaha is absolutely boring. All there is to do is go to the mall or a restaurant. You forgot something... drink! People in Omaha have issues. I can't wait to see if SLOmaha makes 2009's list. SMH
Posted by: obiwan at 03/17/2009 01:53:05 AM
I have to say Omaha is a much nicer place to live than the other big cities I've been to (Denver, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta, Orlando, San Francisco, St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago). Everywhere else is a huge struggle to survive the cost of living, sky-high crime and hours-long commutes. Living here is very *peaceful* compared to those places. Some people might call that boring, I call it a great place to raise a family. Yes, at times winter is Alaskan-cold, but it's only that severe 2 months out of the year. There's plenty of indoor recreation to stay busy during those times, you just have to know where to look :) . There's awesome ice rinks here, a huge indoor carting racetrack about 25 min away, indoor mini-golf, laser-tag, indoor amusement rides, an indoor water park, the Qwest center or the Civic Center has something very weekend, the Orpheum Theater has Broadway shows, the Hot Shops art studio workshops, an indoor shooting range, an indoor sports field, cosmic bowling, and YES, the Casinos are fun too :) (And there's more).
Posted by: Princess at 04/05/2009 11:48:44 AM
I lived in Omaha for 4 years and I loved it there very much. I am not white, and I faced some problems there related to my race, but still I can say that I had some very good days there. My children were very happy in school. Schools in Omaha offer a very good quality of education that couldn't be easily found anywhere else. I used to work with some awesome, kind-hearted, simple and hardworking people. However, racism is a major issue in Omaha. People of color are still not getting enough chances to progress. Omaha is devided into North Omaha, South Omaha and West Omaha. But still I miss the peaceful life, the great shopping malls,the smooth traffic, and the wonderful school system. If I have the choice to go back to Omaha, I will definitely do that, after all Nebraska is the "good life" and "home of Arbor Day."
Posted by: surprised at 04/15/2009 11:29:09 PM
I was in Omaha this past year for Olympic Swim trials and I was completely surprised. To start with, everything about the event from the facility to the organization was excellent. The people were gracious and very helpful. I didn't make it away from downtown but what I did see of the city was fantastic. The entire downtown had parks and streams running through it. Everything was clean, safe and easy to get around. The Old Market provided a fantastic escape from the days events with great shopping, meals and drinks. I have heard they may host the event again and I will definitely attend if they do.
Posted by: Susan at 04/21/2009 07:43:19 PM
Wichita was similar to Omaha until people continued to cry racism and follow Affirmative Action. The city was ruined. Whites and others are the victims who need to be recognized for their value as solid people ...everybody has a chance to succeed so leave the issue where it belongs.
Posted by: Tawanna at 04/26/2009 09:25:28 AM
I am looking to relocate to Omaha...i live in Ohio now and the job rate is terrible and the education is a force to be reckoned with. As, far as the person who stated leave it where it belongs, the truth hurts, doesnt it? Whether you are black, white, purple or green there is always some type of racism....But nevertheless if it is a good place to live, please more info.
Posted by: liz at 04/27/2009 12:33:31 PM
I had grown up in Omaha as a young child. Then my parents have packed me up and moved me all over the world. As a young adult now i cant wait till the summer so can move back. It is the perfect suburbia, to raise your family.
Posted by: Aaron at 05/08/2009 11:38:02 AM
Omaha does have a good economy. The only problem, it is one of the most racist cities in the United States...The city is segregated black, Latino and white. Most of all the money flows to the white neighborhoods and only benefits them. I am a African American and I have been back here for two years. I have a college degree and whites don't care about blacks here. There are some whites who care but not many. Omaha is building but not for everyone, only the elite. How can a city be so wealthy, but when you go to another sector of town (which is historical) North Omaha you can see where whites continue to take money out of black communities and bring it back home...Omaha cries about their crime problem but Warren Buffett and his cohorts could stop it in a minute with all their wealth and resorces...If you a brother or sister from out of state and you want to live in a nice neighborhood and have equal opportunities for your kids, Omaha is not the best choice...all you have to do is look at the statistics. North Omaha is one of the poorest black communities in the nation. Omaha public schools suck were minorities are failing at a startling rate. For Susan you are most likely white and you enjoy that privilege. Try being black for a day in Omaha...
Posted by: Michael at 05/28/2009 04:30:05 PM
Aaron: It is terribly unfortunate that you have such a biased perspective on this town. I moved here five years ago and have found Omaha to be full of opportunity for peoples from all ethnic backgrounds. My company specifically hires talented individuals from many backgrounds and cultures for white-collar work. Most have college degrees. After reading your post, you appear to be a young man who can't get work. Advice: Spend more time improving your attitude and less time pointing fingers. Warren Buffet doesn't hold you back--your poor self-image does. Release your anger and embrace your skills to move ahead. If it's to be, it's up to you--no one else.
Posted by: Jineat at 08/02/2009 01:40:00 PM
Aaron, I will agree with you on your views about Omaha having the poorest African American community, but most of what the inner city is subjected to is done by their own hand. Being an African American female and growing up in Omaha, I have seen the destruction that has been done to our community and have witnessed conversations of racism. You must understand that most of the African Americans that now reside in the black community are not native black omahans, they have come from other less educated black populated areas such as Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois and Georgia. As much as I would like to feel sorry for those who are unfortunate, I can't. I do what I can and give back as much as possible to my community. Until they value education and their life, then will they find their way home to peace and fulfillment. My daughter just graduated from OPS and (she) and several of her close friends are ready to attend college, so can you honestly say that OPS sucks? Aaron, don't let racism make you bitter...give back to the community as much as you can such as myself. Let the higher being do his work and I believe he's already doing it. We are not the only ones suffering now......
Posted by: Cardinal D. at 09/08/2009 01:46:21 PM
...I say this without a hint of scarcasm: This is a really good place if one wants to raise a family. If you do not fall into that category, it can be a challenging place to live. I have lived in Appalachia as well as one of the most conservative states in the South, and never in my life have I been seriously questioned about having children. People around here cannot accept a childfree/childless married couple. This place doesn't tolerate eccentrics very well. Futhermore, this is one of the worst places to shop for apparel, which is funny because the box retailers have decent stuff in other towns. Perhaps the buyers around here have no taste. This place truly is a style desert. I now understand why Quacker Factory on QVC is a hit.
Posted by: GB at 09/12/2009 11:04:02 AM
I grew up in Omaha and loved it. Not surprised that racism still rears its ugly head, shame on you, and I bet you call yourself a Christian as well. It is a very friendly and great place to live and raise a family. No Activities for kids? How about making your kids go out and play in the fresh air, yes even in the winter....remember that? Omaha has more to offer than it did when I lived there. If you don't like something...move. There are so many people there who do not know how lucky they are. Taxes? Try living in a Commonwealth state then get back to me. Wherever you live...it's what you make of it. There are some that need to open their eyes, minds...Omaha does have so much to offer and I'm happy to see it made the '08 list.