Been meaning to ask this. Been living here since 2013. With a population of 488K, Omaha is a mid-size city. Homes are going for about $230,100 on average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Has anyone dealt with this? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development.
44 upvotes
14 Replies
Ezra A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 37, moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Lakewood and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
36 upvotes
Kayden Cooper
yep
36 upvotes
Genesis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 1 years. Moved from Nashville for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Alexa Baker
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Highland area are decent. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Isaiah Parker
I work in marketing here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is pretty good. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Wyatt Walker
I've lived in Old Town for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Aiden S.
I'm a contractor and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Landon Stewart
Moved here from Portland about 1 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to traffic but Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Cameron
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Lucy G.
yeah no that's not right
18 upvotes
Waylon Cox
Saving this thread
10 upvotes
Debra L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
7 upvotes
Hazel Miller
I'm a data analyst and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
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