Omaha relocation guide: what you need to know for a successful transition

Welcome to Omaha, Nebraska! The county seat of Douglas County, Omaha is the most populous city in the state. Living in Omaha means enjoying a city rich in culture and opportunities, along with midwestern hospitality. As Omaha’s longtime community bank, American National Bank is here to help you get settled in your new hometown with checking and savings accounts, home mortgage loans, business banking and more. We created this relocation guide to give you everything you need to know about Omaha. If you have any questions, just reach out and we’ll be happy to help!

A Glimpse into Omaha’s History

Founded in 1854, the city of Omaha was named after the Omaha-Ponca Native American tribe. With its central location near the Platte and Missouri rivers, Omaha soon earned the nickname of “Gateway to the West.” It hosted the World’s Fair in 1898 and served as a central transportation hub for the U.S. in the 19th century. In the 20th century, Omaha became one of the top livestock markets and was known for its meat processing industry. The city’s economic power attracted a diverse population, including immigrants from Europe as well as African Americans migrating from the South.

In the 1990s, information technology companies began to grow in Omaha. The city also serves as headquarters for many large companies, including Mutual of Omaha, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and Union Pacific. Food processing and agriculture are still major industries in Omaha, along with banking, healthcare, higher education, metal fabricating, steel casting and manufacturing.

The Omaha of today also offers plenty of cultural and artistic activities as well. The city is home to several universities and colleges, performing arts centers and museums. Saddle Creek Records, the independent record label that helped launch the career of Bright Eyes, is also based in Omaha. We’ll cover all of this, and more, in greater detail in the rest of the relocation guide.

Understanding the Cost of Living in Omaha

Omaha offers a lower cost of living than the U.S. average, according to Best Places, including food prices, housing, energy and mass transit. The median income for Omaha residents is $70,202. The median home sale price is $260,000. According to the AAA, the Nebraska average for a gallon of gas is $2.944 (as of 2-15-2024) which is lower than the national average of $3.278. You can also get around Omaha with the Metro, Omaha’s Transit Authority. The regular fare is $1.25, but kids five and under and students in K-12 ride free. Passes are also available, including through college programs like UNO, UNMC/Nebraska Medicine/Clarkson College, MCC and College of St. Mary. There are also plans for a new streetcar route.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood for You

Omaha consists of about six distinct areas: Downtown, Midtown, North Omaha, South Omaha, West Omaha and East Omaha. Learning a little more about each neighborhood will help you find the best fit for your lifestyle, needs and preferences. Some popular neighborhoods in the city include:

• Dundee-Happy Hollow Historic District: Originally a separate city, Dundee was annexed by Omaha in 1915. This historic neighborhood is about two miles west of downtown Omaha. Bordering Memorial Park and the University of Nebraska Omaha, the Dundee-Happy Hollow Historic District offers family-friendly living and a variety of architectural styles that delight homeowners. There are also many businesses and amenities in the neighborhood.
• Benson: This was also originally an independent community that became part of Omaha. Located northwest of downtown, Benson is another historic neighborhood, but with a hip reputation because of music venues and neighborhood bars on Maple Street. 
• Aksarben/Elmwood Park: Nebraska spelled backwards = Aksarben. This neighborhood is home to Aksarben Village, an entertainment and shopping community that also features bike trails and green spaces. The Aksarben/Elmwood Park neighborhood is popular with young professionals and couples because of its apartment complexes with luxury amenities and single-family homes in the area.
• Blackstone: Contrary to what New Yorkers claim, this is the place where the Reuben sandwich originated. This neighborhood also caters to young professionals with plenty of apartments, dining and nightlife.

• Little Bohemia: This South Omaha neighborhood is known as the city’s melting pot. This part of town is also in the midst of a transformation that mixes a classic main street with new apartments, restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques.
• Midtown Crossing: Just minutes from downtown Omaha, this walkable and bikeable neighborhood features Turner Park (home of Jazz on the Green) and has amenities for anyone young at heart.
• North Omaha: This is one of the oldest parts of the city and is the birthplace of Malcolm X. Jazz is also a big part of North Omaha’s history. Today, you can catch an art exhibit or music show at Culxr House and enjoy the famous soul food at Big Mama’s Kitchen.

Healthcare and Veterinary Services

Omaha offers a variety of medical providers and specialists. The leading hospitals include Nebraska Medicine, Children’s Nebraska pediatric hospital and medical center, CHI Health, Creighton University Medical Center and Methodist Hospital. There are also a variety of independent medical practices, dental practices for adults and children, and specialty services.

For your pets, veterinary offices are located in every part of the city. Animal hospitals include Omaha Animal Hospital, Loveland Animal Hospital, VCA 80 Dodge Animal Hospital and many more.

Explore Public Parks in Omaha

Living in Omaha means having plenty of access to nature.

• NEW! The Riverfront recently underwent renovations to combine three parks in the heart of downtown Omaha into one identity, serving as a gathering space between the historic Old Market and the vibrant and growing north downtown developments.
• Zorinsky Lake Park: Located in the southwest part of the city, this 255+ acre park on a lake offers fishing, a playground, athletic fields, bicycle trails and more.
• Chalco Hills Recreation Area: This ecological education center offers fishing and boating on Wehrspann Lake, as well as hiking trails.
• Heron Haven Nature Center: Free and open to the public every day, this spring-fed wetland sanctuary offers nature trails, a boardwalk, plus butterfly and caterpillar gardens.
• Standing Bear Lake: This lakeside park offers walking trails, fishing, boating, and ice-skating in the winter.
• Hummel Park Nature Center: An inviting area with hiking trails, disc golf courses, and nature center classes and activities.
• Heartland of America Park: Enjoy panoramic views of the Missouri River at this park located at the crossing between Iowa and Nebraska. Ice skating and roller skating can also be enjoyed, along with bocce courts and Farnam Pier.
• Fontenelle Forest: Just outside city limits, you’ll find over 2,100 acres of natural forest for exploration. Kids and grown-ups alike will also enjoy educational exhibits.
  
  

Educational Opportunities: School Districts and Universities

Whether you have school-age children or you’re looking at higher education for yourself or your kid, Omaha offers plenty of educational opportunities.

Omaha Public Schools

With 52,000 students, this is Nebraska’s largest district and one of the state’s largest employers. Omaha Public Schools consists of 65 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, nine high schools, and a free Pre-K program for eligible children.

Millard Public Schools

Serving Southwest Omaha, this award-winning district is home to Nebraska’s only K-12 Baccalaureate Program, an accredited preschool through 8th grade Montessori program, multiple Blue Ribbon Schools, as well as a highly regarded music program and a technologically advanced learning environment.

Private Education in Omaha

Omaha has a variety of private school options, including religious and secular, for preschool, elementary school, and middle and high school. 

Higher Education in Omaha

Omaha has 4.2% more college graduates among its residents than the national average.

• University of Nebraska at Omaha: Part of the University of Nebraska system, the Omaha campus has 15,000 students. 
• Creighton University:U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks this Jesuit Catholic university as #1 in the Midwest.
• College of Saint Mary: A private Catholic women’s university
• Nebraska Methodist College: A private Methodist college that focuses on degrees in healthcare.
• Metropolitan Community College: Nebraska’s largest community college with campus throughout the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area.
  
  

Utilities and Services for New Residents

Setting up new utility accounts is part of every move. Here’s what you need to know about utility and Internet service providers in Omaha.

• Omaha Public Power District:OPPD provides electricity to residential and business customers.
• Metropolitan Utilities District: Known as “MUD” to locals, this is the 5th largest public gas utility in the U.S. and provides gas, water and sewar services.
• Internet and Cable: Cox is Omaha’s main cable and internet provider. Other options include Century Link, Google Fiber and Verizon 5G Home Internet.
  
  

Local Attractions and Cultural Festivals

There’s always plenty to do in Omaha, from year-round attractions to annual festivals and seasonal activities.

• Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: “The zoo” was recently named “Best Zoo in the Nation” by USA Today 10Best. You can get close to sea lions, gorillas, walk through an indoor rain forest and stroll under the ocean.
• Joslyn Castle & Gardens: A historic home with beautiful grounds and gardens open to the public.
• General Crook House Museum: This historic home has been authentically restored to show the 1880s Victorian period.
• El Museo Latino:A historic building showcasing Latino art, local history & culture, and offering dance classes.
• Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters:The visitors’ center on this historic location features exhibits about the Latter-day Saints’ westward migration towards Utah.
• Malcolm X Memorial Foundation:Located at Malcolm X’s birth site in North Omaha, the home site and surrounding 17 acres offers educational tours, a community garden, annual Malcolm X birthday celebration, and more.
• Lauritzen Gardens:A100-acre botanical garden with seasonal exhibits.
• The Old Market: Omaha’s historic, older section of downtown has unique shops and restaurants, as well as First Friday tours of art galleries.
• Joslyn Art Museum: World-class art and pink marble create a sense of wonder for visitors. The museum will reopen in 2024 with 42,000 additional square to showcase more of its highly regarded collection.
• Omaha Summer Arts Festival:Performing arts, local art, mural cubes, food vendors and a children’s fair.
• Jazz on the Green:Free, live concerts and area food vendors.
• Chi Health Center: This is where the biggest acts in the nation go as they tour the U.S. You can also see an NCAA basketball tournament game, pro volleyball and much more.
  
  

Sports in Omaha

The biggest name in Omaha sports, and really in all of Nebraska, are the Huskers. Even though the University of Nebraska men’s football team has been trying to rebuild for twenty years, Husker fans are loyal to the core. And all college football fanatics should make the pilgrimage down to Lincoln, NE, at some point. In the meantime, there are plenty of local sports to enjoy right here in Omaha.

• Omaha Storm Chasers: This minor league baseball team plays at Werner Park stadium in Papillion, a suburb of Omaha.
• Union Omaha:This professional soccer team also plays at Werner Park.
• Omaha Lancers A Tier 1 junior ice hockey team.
• College Basketball:The Creighton Bluejays and Omaha Mavericks compete in NCAA Division 1 athletics.
• The College World Series: The NCAA Men’s College Baseball World Series takes place at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha each June. Omaha has hosted the CWS since 1950.
• The Omaha Supernovas: Omaha’s first professional women’s volleyball team is ushering in a new era of volleyball in their inaugural year.
  
  

Business and Employment Landscape

Omaha’s economy is well-diversified and business friendly, with more than 45,000 businesses. Growing industries include finance, insurance, healthcare and IT. Fortune 500 companies located in Omaha include Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific, Kiewit and Mutual of Omaha. Aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners can find resources and support through the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center and SCORE Greater Omaha.

American National Bank is Your Local Financial Partner

American National Bank has been serving clients and the community for 168 years—a demonstration of our stability and strength. If you’re considering a home, our lending team is here to help. Our local staff will provide all the answers and insights you’re looking for. For checking, savings, mobile banking ease and more, contact us today.