Living In Council Bluffs working in Omaha (Carter Lake, Westside: amusement park, house)

[jude3]

I'll be moving to take a job in Omaha, was interested in info/opinions about living in CB Iowa. Public schools are my primary concern. When it comes to housing CB seems like you get a bigger bang for your buck with less taxes, unsure on the school system. Also is there a double tax working in Omaha & living in Iowa? Schools, Taxes & Housing Oh My...any opinions appreciated. Thanks

[star_gazer]

You may get a better response posting in the Omaha forum. With the housing market the way it is... I'd take a look at homes in Omaha and other Nebraska communities as well... there are likely to be some good deals. When compared with the rest of the nation... I'm sure you'll find ANY school district in the Omaha metro excellent. I personally live in west Omaha and my kids attend/attended Millard schools. I'm a graduate of what I consider to be the best public school system in the metro... District 66 (aka Westside schools). But again, whether you choose CB public... OPS... or another district... I'm sure you'll find they are all very good. Just remember too... the vast majority of your property taxes go towards those schools. You get what you paid for!

Finally, yes... you will need to pay taxes to both the states of Iowa and Nebraska... of course you'll be able to deduct from each what you paid to the other. I know some folks in the same situation who live in Omaha and work in Carter Lake... which you may or may not be familiar with... it's on the Nebraska side of the river... but considered Iowa (kind of funny... changed sides following a late 19th century Missouri River flood!).

[simply1]

You should visit Council Bluffs before moving there, I would never live in CB. Where is your job going to be located at?

[twiztid1]

I love Council Bluffs. Its eastern side is really scenic while the western side is really taking off with development. Plus, the commute to certain areas of Omaha can be a lot quicker from Council Bluffs. I would definitely give it strong consideration.

[scimitar12]

Born and raised in Iowa, and having live in Omaha for 8 years I can tell you that virtually ANY public school system in the area is far better than most other public school systems in the U.S. C.B. did not have the housing developments or retail shops compared to Omaha, but things may have changed since I moved away in '90. I would look at getting a nice house in a good neighborhood somewhat close to where you work. There are plenty of good areas scattered throught out the metro. Good luck in your search.

[Steve_W]

C.B. is much different than it was in the early 90's. They have nearly 30 residential developments on its eastern edge alone.

Commercially it has been much better. Google, Mid America Center, Several new shopping complexes, and they opened 2 new casinos since 1990.

Also, an amusement park on a scale similar to a 6-flags had been approved but I think they are still working on financing for the project.

Anyway, I would say overall C.B. would be an excellent place to consider.