Omaha, Nebraska
"The Good Life"
Omaha's
outstanding lifestyle takes some newcomers by surprise. Most people remark that
Omaha offers all the amenities of a large city without the problems that are
usually associated with it.
A Diverse Economy
Perhaps the key to Omaha's success is its recession proof economy. Since its founding in 1856, Omaha has been a major hub of commercial activity. Because of its diverse economic base, Omaha has survived all of the recessions that hurt so many of the other Midwest cities. Apart from its status as the nation's telecommunications capital, Omaha's economy includes agriculture, food processing, insurance, transportation, healthcare and education. Warren Buffet of Berkshire Hathaway makes his home in Omaha, as do Con Agra, Union Pacific Railroad and Mutual of Omaha Companies, all Fortune 500 Corporations.
A Beautiful Community
Today, Omaha and the surrounding suburbs form a metropolitan community of approximately one million people. The community is clean and every part is easily accessible. It is rare for anyone to have to drive more than 20 minutes to get to work. Crime is below the national average and crime rates continue to fall. The cost of living in Omaha is below the national average, particularly in real estate, utility and food costs.
Housing of all types is readily available and the options range from renovated downtown loft apartments to brand new condominiums in a lakeside gated community. Average rents are less than those of other major metropolitan areas.
Education is an Omaha forte, with its public school system consistently ranking in the top ten percent nationwide. Schools are known for low student to teacher ratio and most people are happy to have their children attend public school. Apart from this, Omaha is home to two nationally known universities, four private colleges, two community colleges, two medical schools, two pharmacy schools, one dental school, one law school and five nursing schools.
Omaha's location on the west bank of the Missouri River in eastern Nebraska gives it a climate typical of the Great Plains. Most newcomers, however, comment that the amount of snow is less than they anticipated and that sunny days are well distributed throughout the year. Winters are cold and dry, summers are warm and annual rainfall is at the national average. Springs and autumns are beautiful.
Recreation
and Entertainment
When it comes to recreation, Omaha has something to offer for everyone. The city is a stopping point for most touring shows, be they from Broadway or the latest popular group. Omaha has more restaurants per capita than nearly any other city in the nation and is home to four major shopping malls with world class shopping. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo is internationally known and contains the nation's largest indoor rainforest and enclosed desert dome. Recently the addition of two casinos to neighboring Council Bluffs has added to the entertainment options.
For arts enthusiasts, Opera Omaha, the Omaha Ballet, the Omaha Symphony and Omaha Playhouse offer over 500 performances annually. The Joslyn Art Museum has an extensive collection and hosts most major traveling exhibits.
For sports fans Omaha offers the NCAA Division I Creighton Bluejays and the AAA Omaha Royals baseball team. The Royals stadium is home to the College World Series every spring. The University of Nebraska Cornhuskers play less than an hour away in Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's claim to the "Good Life" is abundantly clear in Omaha. It is a great place to work and live.