[littlebluedot]

I just found this site today and it's really helping me get a new perspective on Omaha. I grew up in central Lincoln, moved to Omaha during college, graduated and found a job. I've been here about 4 years now and my husband and I are looking at buying our first home. We've been living out west this whole time and, no offense to those who choose to live out here, I hate it. Every day I long for Lincoln. I work downtown and my commute is close to 30 minutes on a good day, and can be over an hour in the snow. The houses out here are all new and lacking character (I grew up in a small 1940s brick house), there aren't many trees, the majority of shops and restaurants are national chains, and..well...it's simply not very diverse, or very liberal (although I was pleasantly surprised at my district's turnout for the Democratic Caucus!).

We always said when we decided to buy a house, it was midtown or bust. Well, now we're looking, and I feel pretty lost. Most of our friends and coworkers swear by the West is Best rule, talking of good schools and safe neighborhoods. For as long as I've lived here, I haven't taken the time to gather much info on the heart of Omaha, and the more time I spend looking into it, the more excited I get that Omaha might actually be someplace I could be proud to call home. Still, it's easy to be intimidated, and I just don't know these neighborhoods well. It seems like one block of houses is overflowing with gorgeous well-kept homes, but a stones throw away is a run-down shack next to vacant businesses. We can't afford the houses on the nicer streets, but are a little weary of the cheaper ones. At the moment we're looking at houses that are on the edge or just outside of places like Dundee, Country Club, and Twin Ridge, where the houses start to get a little smaller and a little cheaper. Can anyone give advice on living "just outside" these areas? Are there other areas we should consider as well?

[ehenningsen]

There are areas without many trees, but then there are many many areas just covered in trees...

Honestly, there are very few cities if any that has all of the buildings leased out, as a matter of fact prospective developers usually see a good lease rate to build anything large when the occupancy rate is about 12% of the space still available for lease..

Plus, this is a large city, there are always going to be an ugly house here or there, but apparently Lincoln is your place.

[Dave1215]

Look at the AkSarBen area... those will be the older homes with character you are looking for but probably at a more reasonable price... that area is also getting some cool in-fill development with AkSarBen Village that will really benefit the area in the next few years.

Might also look at the original part of Ralston and Papillion, if you don't want to be in the city core, but don't want the cookie cutter look of West Omaha.

[DTO Luv]

As far as Omaha I would recommend you visit the areas you're looking at. Find a realtor familiar with the area and visit the house yourself. If you can catch neighbors at a house you're looking at, pick their brain for info and what they think. For what it's worth I think there are very, very few places in Omaha I wouldn't live out of safety concerns and how the area looks. I'm a big proponent of the eastern parts of the city.

[buffy888]

Originally Posted by Dave1215

Look at the AkSarBen area... those will be the older homes with character you are looking for but probably at a more reasonable price... that area is also getting some cool in-fill development with AkSarBen Village that will really benefit the area in the next few years.

Might also look at the original part of Ralston and Papillion, if you don't want to be in the city core, but don't want the cookie cutter look of West Omaha.

I love houses in the Aksarben area - lots of character and most are well-kept.

The older part of Ralston would be nice as well and quite affordable right now (these are also the houses on or near the 4th of July parade route). They can be a bit smaller, though, unless owners have built on. Depending on when you leave in the morning, the drive downtown can be about 15 to 20 minutes if you take the interstate. It's not midtown, but not hugely far from it in drivetime.

I'm not familiar enough with the "just outside" of any areas you mentioned. I know there are a lot of rentals in the Dundee area - would it be feasible for you to look into a duplex/quadplex and renovate one of the units to live in while renting out the rest? Not sure how practical that would be - just trying to think of affordability. I am fond of the Dundee area, but I know how costly the houses can be.

Good luck in your search.

[uropaul]

you should also look into the florence area. people say you have to drive through the "bad" area of town but thats not true and there are a number of houses and amenities in various styles and price ranges in the neighborhood.

[DTO Luv]

I used to live in Florence and it was very nice and quiet.

[Victor 13]

We live near the zoo. A quiet older neighborhood. But, I do like Bellevue too!

[camping!]

Try Morton Meadows (the neighborhood around Holy Cross Catholic church), it has the variety you like, and is certainly close to everything. I would also look in Field Club.
Good Luck, those are beautiful areas of town!

[dundeeluver]

I would say i agree with everyones suggestions, the houses in florence are very nice and closer to the downtown area, dundee is a great choice most people there are very well experienced, and the ralston pappilon areas are very unique too. but it all depends on how much money u are willing to spend, so overall they are all great areas.