SperlingViews - Omaha, Nebraska

If you want to live somewhere where you can afford to have the life you want, move to Omaha. From apartments to home ownership you really get the most for your money. [read more...]

I moved from Papillion to Huntsville Alabama a couple of years ago for my job. My property taxes in NE. were right at $5000.00 per year! Do the math. That's over $400.00 a month. I bought a similar home here, (only bigger) and my taxes are $812.00 per year! That's less than my homeowners insurance. Also, you don't have to pay property taxes on your new car here, just sales taxes @7.5% And there is so much more to do here and it is one of the most beautiful states I have ever been in. We are never leaving. Get out of Nebraska while you can!![read more...]

Omaha is supposedly known for “the Good Life,” however someone should change it to “abandon all hope who live here.” After 37 years, I've given up, never to return to Nebraska and Omaha again, only to visit. Omaha is trying to be something that its not, a hip, urban environment made up of trendy, young, urban professionals, working high paying jobs, who live in an interesting city with many interesting things to do. Omaha, currently does not fit any of these categories, must reverse many of the ills that plague the city before it reverses the outflow of talent that is leaving the city, and will allow businesses to setup shop here, and create better jobs, which will bring culture to the city. People often tote that the cost of living is cheap here in Omaha. That is true, however it is made up by the high taxes on property and automobile. Because of this, I was never able to afford a house and have a lot of money on the side to license you new vehicle, because it is expensive. Because taxes are so high, very few businesses setup shop in Omaha. Some, like Google, setup in Council Bluffs, Iowa, due to the lower tax rate and other incentives, but no matter how hard the city leaders try to woo businesses to setup shop here, none have. Also good luck trying to establish a career here. The majority of industries revolve around a service based economy (telemarketing, call centers and big-box businesses). Also if you didn't graduate from Creighton Prep/Creighton University, you'll have very little chance of advancing at any of the local companies (Union Pacific, ConAgra, Mutual of Omaha). Yup, the good 'old boy network is alive and well here and isn't going away anytime soon. There is nothing, I mean, nothing to do here. Sure there is a bar and chain restaurant on every corner, however take into account that many of the people here in Omaha are overweight because of this, and not very active in the outdoors. Some would argue the Old Market, Baseball Stadium in downtown Omaha and the Zoo are things to do, but after that, you have basically shot your wad. Also during the Fall, everyone becomes a Nebraska Cornhusker zombie and blindly cheers them on, until they start to lose. Most people stick to their own social clicks and never break out of them. These people are often hanging out with the same group of people that they knew from high school. I found it very difficult to make any new friends here. I feel that because of this, there isn't a sense of community in Omaha. People here are uptight, conservative and unwilling to see political issues from a different angle or other side. These same people are aligned to right-wing Republican ideas, which is really no different from Democrat ideals in the warfare-welfare dictatorship that we live in. Public transportation is non-existence here, and because of that what Omaha has, Metro Area Transit, runs very poorly and is managed poorly. Buses either run ahead of schedule or behind schedule, run limited schedules on the weekends and close down after 11pm. Also if you tell people that you use public transportation, you are looked down upon. I have a car, although I chose to take the bus to work to save money/gas and that was the first question out of everyone's mouth, 'don't you have a car?' Public education in Omaha is terrible. Omaha Public Schools is basically ran like a corrupt 3rd world dictatorship and has its evil tentacles into every other school in Omaha (Metro Community College, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton and the other public school districts). It is rumored that no new businesses want to setup in Omaha because they know the quality of education is lacking. [read more...]

Omaha is a place that has to be a fit for you. If your from a small town and want to look for something bigger then Omaha is a good stepping stone. Or if your from the big city and want to down grade to something more quiet but be able to drive 3 to 6 hours to a major city then Omaha is good for you. Most of Omaha is Diverse and most of the city is good to live in. Like any other town with a metro approaching 800k ( metro not city limits) It has its bad spots. North Omaha ( actually NE side) is one of the Lowest economical areas in the country and is loaded with issues. NOthin like some areas of larger cities like Chicago KC or LA but for its size it not a great outlook. South omaha has pockets of areas as well that are bad but others that are good. Most of omaha West of 72nd street is great for a first timer here. Now if your looking for tons of things to do then you may want to keep looking. If coming from small town it will seem like a lot but after a few years it gets stale. Omaha is a eatery and drinking town with most of its entertainment coming from Bars religious ect. Omaha is basically on the cusp of trying to become more progressive but is kept in check by the rest of the area. So like I said. it is great for small town people wanting to upgrade to large town wanting to get to something more quite but don't want to be completely in the Sticks.[read more...]

I've lived in Omaha for the past four years on assignment for my job. They are moving me now to Washington, DC for my next assignment. I think Omaha is an okay place to live, but it's far from the best place I've ever lived. My job has taken me to many different cities (Seattle, St. Louis, L.A., Richmond, Dallas, Raleigh, etc.) and I'd say Omaha is towards the bottom of the list I've places I've lived in. The zoo is nice, the Old Market can be fun, and they have a few events like the College World Series, concerts, and theatre shows every now and then. Outside of those things, not much else. It's definitely not recommended for those who love the outdoors or cosmopolitan, big city life, as Omaha severely lacks in both those areas. The weather gets annoying. The summers are unbearable and the winters are unbearable. Very hard to meet people as many people are insular and very close with their cliques from high school. Pretty conservative city, with small microcosms of progressive thought (Benson, Dundee). Lots of Catholics. Catholicism is dying in most places, but seems to still thrive here. It's pretty peaceful and quiet here. It's also pretty bland and boring. Easy place to get comfortable, but hard place to branch out and take risks. Heavy drinking city and a lot of obesity. Gets a lot of accolades from different people, but I'm unsure how many of them are honestly warranted. Easy to get a job if you have roots and connections, but it's just as hard as anywhere else in the country if you don't. Cost of living is low, but so is the list of features. Overall, you are still in the middle of fly over country with no mountains or beaches anywhere close. On my list of places to settle down, that's towards the bottom.[read more...]

Omaha on the economic forefront considering cost of housing and low unemployment rates Omaha has grown tremendously over the last 6 to 7 years I've been here. Aside from the faboulous zoo, CWS (college world series (not particulary a fan)and recent Olympic Swim trials, the Old Market downtown is pleasant but nowhere near say downtown Denver or Seattle, not even close. Occasional good concert comes through town now and again not a whole lot else going on.....'cept of course the cornfields just my two cents[read more...]

I have lived in Nebraska for most of my life. Being a military family, my husband and I have been in other states as well. Nebraska really, truly has nothing at all to offer in the scenery and tourism department. Flat fields. Lots of corn. Lots of cows. That's about it. The sunsets are beautiful, but that's about all it has going for it. What I HATE about Nebraska is the weather. The winters are great (I'm one of those wierdos who LOVE snow and cold temperatures!)and last from November through March, with temperatures reaching around -45 to -50 below zero with the windchill at times, but generally it hovers right around 0. We have roughly 3 to 4 weeks of spring and then summer hits. And Nebraska summers are like four months spent in hell's sauna. Temperatures of 100 plus degrees with 100% humidity and heat indecs of 110 degrees plus (pretty much you step outside, stand perfectly still for 1 minute and are completely drenched in sweat)- this lasts from the middle of May through the end of September and during October, we get a brief fall season, which lasts a few weeks at best before it starts to snow (first snowfall of the season is usually in October). So pretty much, we have a temperature fluctuation of 150 degrees throughout the year (-40 below zero in the winter to 110 or more in the summer!). As for outdoor activities here, unless you like fishing and/or hunting, there really isn't anything (and quite a few Nebraskans that I know go to other states for fishing and hunting opportunities). There is NOTHING to see here. It is really, really difficult to make friends here. Most people really keep to themselves and are wrapped up in their own home lives and the groups that they've been with since they were born pretty much. I'm a very outgoing person, and it is very hard to make friends here! Others that I have come into contact with (especially being military)who have moved to Nebraska from elsewhere have said the same thing about trying to make friends or fit in here. The bugs are terrible here too (hornets the size of your thumb, tons of wasps and creeps spiders too), and prepare to be eaten alive by mosquitos and gnats. Another thing...it *stinks*, literally it stinks. haha. There are so many pig and cattle feedlots here that a drive through the country will compel you to plug your nose and hold your breath. It does have its good points. We have alot of family here (after all I'm pretty sure that that's a big reason why so many people stay here), and the morals and values are still pretty good and down to earth. Much what I imagine the rest of America to have been like 80 years ago. It's a good (albeit, boring) place to raise kids. I grew up here and there was alot of hanging out at the river, cruising county roads, going to the county fair, pasture parties and bonfires, and fishing to keep us entertained. Safe. It's kind of like a trap though...once you get here, you can't get out... especially if you have kids. So, move with caution![read more...]

nothing to do[read more...]

Omaha NE is a very small town having moved on corporate transfer. It's the worst place a headache/migraine sufferer could live from end of Feb - mid Sep. Thunderstorms reck havoc on your body. Nice and beautiful then an hour later your sick. My least favorite place I've lived out of 10 moves. Summer humidity is a killer also. . Enjoy the four seasons but it's unattrictive looking in winter. Most people I meet have lived here all their lives and have large family ties. It's hard to make friends if you don't have kids or go to a religious connection. [read more...]

I have lived in Omaha, NE for over 50 years. There only a few thing not to like here, part of november, December, January ,February , and part of March. Winter days are short and can be cold. You get up in the dark, go to work, and come home in the dark. Bundle up if you want to walk outdoors. Once winter passes days get longer,and the weather improves. You can drive to and from anywhere in this city in minutes, providing it is not rush hour. The strongest economy in the nation. Every thing you need or could want is here for a family. Fall is the most liked season by Nebraskans because of the tree colors and perfect climate, and Nebraska football. The Huskers seems to effect every one who lives here. Many drive to lincoln, NE (60 miles away) to see the games. If it weren't for the winter months I would never consider leaving.[read more...]

crime rate is high here.[read more...]

I'm looking to best living and best school for my daughter's future [read more...]

I have been in Omaha Ne all my life, It is a great place to raise a family, plenty of jobs, great education opportunities, and has all 4 seasons. I personally am not a fan of the 6 months of winter, so plan on moving soon.Omaha has been constantly growing over the last 10 years, but there still is no amusement parks for us thrill seekers. I feel Sales tax is a little steep for such a small city. Cost of living is low with the exception of real estate and vehicle tax is a real blow to the wallet. But if you are one that likes to have all 4 seasons, with pretty hot and humid summers, wet springs, beautiful autumns, and Cold White Winters! then Omaha is for you [read more...]

I moved to Omaha 4 years ago from Texas. This city is booming nicely (not too fast but at a good pace) and the arts and cultural institutions are excellent. The corporate support for events and facilities is amazing. There's usually multiple events going on at one time and so many of the events are free. People here are so nice and the pace is relaxed and you just don't see the stress that you find in most cities. Also people are extremely involved and are proud to call Omaha home.[read more...]

If you aren't about of the small good ol' boy network in this city of conservative, Catholic businessmen, then you might as well move somewhere else as they make all the decisions and foot the rest of the folks with the tax bill to pay for it all.[read more...]

We’ve lived here for four years and it is simply time to move on. While we are middle-aged, we are too young in spirit to go quietly into the night of typical midwestern pastimes such as scrap-booking, watching sports, eating, etc. This place is not good for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities because you are often hampered by the weather, but the lack of infrastructure and cultural values of this town in this regard certainly add insult to injury. Drivers often view pedestrians and cyclists as a nuisance and often cruelly display their displeasure by blaring on horns inappropriately, cutting you very close as they drive by, etc. The average Omahan just doesn’t get it and is content to stay holed up in one’s tacky McMansion watching the Huskers on a wide screen television. For us, there’s more to life than that--a life based on experiences, flow activities, that certainly do not involve passive, directionless activities. For us, working here has been a mixed bag. One of us had a very positive work environment and the other worked in one that was really toxic. People here tend to ascribe to a “herd mentality” and would not think of bucking convention. If you do not ascribe to cultural norms such as church and family, you are basically asking to be ostracized. In addition, the general blandness that permeates Omaha makes for a pretty dull existence that some would find stifling. If that is you, the low cost of living may not offset this---It didn’t for us. Besides, the taxes are absurdly high for what little this region has to offer. We’ve had a heck of a time fitting in, but seemed to have made a few friends here, and interestingly enough, they have either since moved away or plan on doing so within the next year. We are moving to Colorado sometime this summer. While Colorado certainly is no utopia, we can at least have some semblance of a life. [read more...]

Read many of the posts here. A little bit of truth in most of them, probably, from the good to the otherwise.[read more...]

Moved to Omaha from Florida about a year ago and moving out at the end of the month. It's not a terrible place by any means, but there's just not enough to do. Everyone here loves the Huskers and drinking. Most people are Catholic and conservative. A zoo, some cobblestone downtown and having Warren Buffett as a resident aren't enough to make me pay the high taxes that make up for the low cost of living. People are nice, but hard to make close friends because most already have their groups from high school and are closed minded to new additions or thoughts. I'm seeking more outdoor recreation, which is why I'm moving to Colorado. Maybe this is a utopia if you want to raise a family, but I'm far, far away until I get to that point in my life.[read more...]

I read some reviews on Omaha. I am retired now and live in another state. I really enjoyed Omaha. It is a great city and especially nice place to raise a family. The people are friendly and I consider it one of the nicest places I ever lived. But the TAXES! No one warned me what a high tax state Nebraska is. Property taxes are through the roof. License your vehicle and be ready for sticker shock. And worst of all, there is absolutely nada benefits for retirees. There are many, many states that give seniors tax breaks but Nebraska is not one of them. I looked at the situation when I retired and I got out of Dodge as fast as I could. Nebraska has to do 100% better in giving its senior citizens some tax relief. [read more...]

My husband and I were forced to stay here in Omaha after the government screwed up a job offer that was moving us through to Ohio, had a "firm" offer in hand, gave notice to our employers, packed everything, etc. Being former military we have lived in a variety of places, including Offut AFB at one point in time. We had no choice but to stop and try to find work (relocating is NOT cheap,ate almost all of our savings). I have no idea where Sperling's gets the idea this is a "great" place to relocate to. We were used to renting a decent sized house, fairly new construction for between $1100-$1200 a month. Apartments of 1,200 sq. ft. for two bed, two bath, garden soaking tubs, water paid, etc with full fitness centers and garage were running $900 per month....here for anything decent, plan on spending a minimum of $1,600 a month if you rent, plus utilities, plus food. If you buy, be prepared for an outrageous property tax bill. A $225,000 home will cost you between $4,500 to $6,000 a year depending on district. The roads continually need repair and gas prices come close to what they run in San Francisco. I was fortunate enough to find a job, however the pay is 30% less than I am used to making and its salary, not hourly, even worse! There is not much to do here in Omaha, the skyline is boring, the weather is rarely good. I agree that everyone is Catholic and has attended Creighton! And OMG if you aren't a Husker's fan. We're stuck here for awhile though.....just counting the time until we can move down to either Kansas City or back out to San Francisco. Regardless of the "stats" there are jobs in San Fran, more places to go and things to go and better pay for roughly the same cost of living. Sure 5% unemployment sounds good, but if the jobs don't pay enough to make a decent living on....then as far as I am concerned the unemployment here is the same as the rest of the country.[read more...]