Exploring Omaha’s Best Affordable Neighborhoods: Finding Your Perfect Fit in the Heart of the Midwest
If you want to enjoy the good life but still have access to big-city perks, Omaha is the right choice. This metropolis has everything you could want, from fine dining to an award-winning zoo to a vibrant indie music scene. It does all that while still offering you the small-town feel you expect from Nebraska. Like most major cities, there are lots of neighborhoods to pick from. You can find one that works for you regardless of your budget here in Omaha.
Gretna is one of the most interesting areas around Omaha, situated about 25 minutes from Downtown Omaha. This community is a mix of historic and modern. Founded in 1886, it was initially part of the Burlington Railroad between Omaha and Ashland. Today, it is home to one of the newest and most eclectic malls in the state, Nebraska Crossing Outlets.
The small town also has a fun new recreational area that includes a water park and many walking trails. However, Gretna's overall walkability score is just 55.
Gretna offers a mix of modern single-family homes, townhouses, and duplexes. It is a choice for families and young professionals looking to have one someday.
Gretna has some of the best schools in Nebraska, which is why it is such a draw for families. Gretna High is among the top-ranked, with a 9 out of 10 rating from GreatSchools. There is a strong sense of community in the town of Gretna. Each year, they host an event I never miss. Gretna Days last four days and feature golf, craft shows, entertainment, rides, and lots of festival food.
Mockingbird Hills is a neighborhood in the southwest part of Omaha, near Ralsont and La Vista. It is best known for its community center, which is a favorite with kids in the area, especially during cold Nebraska winters. The center has an indoor pool and fitness classes for all age groups.
This area of Omaha is also home to the Rockbrook Village Shopping Center. It is full of boutiques and eateries and sponsors many seasonal events, such as craft shows. I usually go there at least once a year for an event.
The other thing people like about this neighborhood is the quiet. It has a reputation as a peaceful place to live. The school system is not the best, according to Great Schools. Most local schools have below-average ratings. The walkability score is 57.
Blackstone recently got a makeover and is now one of the most trendy neighborhoods in Omaha. Located near downtown, it combines historic elegance and hipster charm. The older buildings in Blackstone are now living their best lives as beautifully restored boutiques, restaurants, bars, and even residential lofts. The architecture tends toward Art Deco, making these buildings works of art as much as structures.
Blackstone isn’t all fun and frolic, though. There are residential areas that offer quiet living. It services a mixed group, including young professionals and artists. The homes tend to be modern, with high ceilings and large windows.
It's the right place for you if you want a lively atmosphere with something to do all the time. It has a walkability score of 76, which is good for Omaha.
Dundee Memorial Park is a historic neighborhood about ten minutes by car from downtown. Don’t confuse it with the Dundee neighborhood in Omaha. This one sits next to Memorial and Elmwood parks, close to the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). It features primarily early 20th-century homes and impressive cast iron streetlights. Every May, the community hangs large flower baskets from those streetlights. They remain there until October. The homes represent some of the best architectural styles, such as Tudor Revival, Craftsman, and Prairie. As you probably already know, nature is a big deal in this neighborhood. It showcases the Dundee Community Garden with forty-one plots, rain barrels, and compost piles. They donate much of the harvest to the community. It also has a walkability score of 72, which puts it in the top 20 for Omaha.
Dundee Memorial Park Neighborhood made the top ten for the nation’s best by the American Planning Association. It appeals to a wide demographic that includes young professionals, families, and retirees.
Located in the southwest area of Omaha, the neighborhood of Applewood Heights appeals to families and retirees. It offers tree-lined streets and a suburban charm that is hard to beat. ‘There is plenty to do in Applewood Heights, too. It hosts a public golf course once called Applewood. Today, it is the Johnny Goodman Golf Course, named after the golfer who won the Open in 1933. I don’t golf personally, but my brother says it’s a challenging course.
The schools in this area are promising. Millard West High School, for example, has a 9 out of 10 rating. The homes lean toward single-family split-levels and ranch style. It has a walkability score of just 30.
Oak Heights is a family-friendly neighborhood in west Omaha, about 25 minutes from downtown if you take I-80. It features a mix of home styles and a suburban feel. Most of the homes are single-family split-level or ranch-style. The walkability score is 61, so it is in the top 35 for Omaha. This area is known for its family-friendly style and low crime rates.
The Oak View Mall on S. 144th Street is the main shopping venue in this neighborhood. Local shopping is also available at Millard Plaza.
This is a splendid choice for nature lovers. You can access walking and hiking trails at Zorinsky Lake Park or Chalco Hills Recreation Area.
The school system is a mixed bag, though. Students attend Millard schools both in middle and high school. Millard South High School does offer advanced placement and extracurricular programs but has a low score, just four out of 10, on Great Schools.
If you love a little diversity, Orchard Hill, just 10 minutes from downtown Omaha, is a good choice. This neighborhood offers a mix of older homes and is currently being revitalized. However, the walkability score is just 46.
One of the most prevalent local landmarks is City Sprouts, Omaha’s oldest community garden. It has a fascinating history, too. It was initially formed to bring the community together after a murder tore it apart. Today, City Sprouts provides gardening opportunities to local residents, as well as education and youth internships. It is also close to Creighton University.
Prospect Hill is one of Omaha's oldest neighborhoods. It has classical architecture and historical charm. However, the neighborhood's walkability score is just 39.
The most recognized landmark in this area is the Prospect Hill Cemetery. It is the older pioneer cemetery in the city, with interments that date back to 1858. If you want something a little less haunting, the Miller Park & Golf Course is also nearby. It is a mix of walking trails, green spaces, and, of course, a public golf course.
The historic district of Prospect Hill is a must-see. Called the North 24th Street Corridor, it played a significant role in Omaha’s jazz scene and was once referred to as “The Street of Dreams.”
The demographics tend to be diverse, with a mix of young and old. Many of the homes are older and historic. The community is also undergoing preservation and local improvement projects, which will likely increase its popularity.
Thanks to its innovative redevelopment, Highlander is one of the most intriguing neighborhoods in Omaha. It has undergone a dramatic transformation and is now a poster child for urban renewal and sustainable living. Still, its walkability score is only 55.
One highlight of the neighborhood is the Highlander Accelerator. This 65,000-square-foot building houses everything from a coffee house to an extension of Creighton University. The highlight, though, is the 18,000-square-foot greenhouse and Micro Market.
Housing options are innovative, too. The architecture focuses on contemporary single-family homes, modern townhouses, and multi-housing developments. The demographics represent a mixed-income. There is a blend of affordable options and high-market-rate homes.
The Morton Meadows neighborhood is centrally located in Omaha. It consists of tree-lined streets and mid-20th-century homes, such as Tudors. The neighborhood's walkability score is 68, putting it in the top 20 in Omaha.
Points of interest here include Hanscom Park, which has plenty of walking trails and a dog park. Also nearby is the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens. You’ll find local businesses and family restaurants lining Center Street.
The school system is better than some. The public high school is Central High, with a GreatSchools rating of five out of 10. The Lewis & Clark Middle School fairs are a little worse at three out of 10.
