POSTED BY: CJ (May 29, 2008 06:35 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 (May 29, 2008 10:41 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 (May 30, 2008 12:19 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 (May 30, 2008 10:33 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 (May 30, 2008 11:02 AM)
Other than our...mayor, Omaha is indeed a great place to live.

POSTED BY: Dawn (May 30, 2008 04:42 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 (May 30, 2008 09:13 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 (June 02, 2008 04:20 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 (June 03, 2008 08:45 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 (June 03, 2008 05:40 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 (June 03, 2008 11:52 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 (June 05, 2008 02:18 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 (June 05, 2008 01:02 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 (June 05, 2008 05:09 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 (June 07, 2008 05:18 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 (June 18, 2008 07:11 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 (June 19, 2008 02:55 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 (June 19, 2008 03:01 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 (June 19, 2008 03:01 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 (June 19, 2008 03:03 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 (June 19, 2008 03:29 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 (June 19, 2008 03:51 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 (June 19, 2008 04:06 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 (June 19, 2008 04:38 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 (June 19, 2008 05:00 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 (June 19, 2008 06:42 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 (June 21, 2008 10:32 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 (June 27, 2008 03:16 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 (June 27, 2008 03:31 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 (July 08, 2008 05:29 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 (July 09, 2008 03:04 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 (July 13, 2008 06:58 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 (July 18, 2008 06:33 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 (July 24, 2008 03:01 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 (July 26, 2008 10:10 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 (July 28, 2008 03:22 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 (July 28, 2008 07:05 PM)
I attended Creighton U from 1986-1990 and loved the city back then. I hope to return soon.

POSTED BY: Laura (August 07, 2008 05:16 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 (August 08, 2008 02:13 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. (August 08, 2008 02:29 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.