[Aredhel]

Originally Posted by citychik

I just don't want to live in a place that is devoid of creative people, lacks respect for artistic endeavors, and doesn't encourage historical and cultural offerings. Of course I don't expect a smaller city like Omaha to have what NYC has, nor what it seems like Columbus, OH has, but even a small bit of that kind of artistic/creative energy is something that inspires me and makes a place seem alive to me.

Omaha has what you're looking for, then! You actually COULD see a show or go to a concert here every week, if you were so inclined. And it's affordable!

[citychik]

Thank you all for the responses thus far!

I'm doing my preliminary research to narrow down options for myself, but of course I know I will have to visit a place and spend at least a few days or longer to get a feel for it. This evening, I did read a few older threads here in the Omaha forum. It's hard to sift through so many opinions after a while. There are threads about "bad" neighborhoods in Omaha, or crime, or gang activity, or what a neighborhood has to offer -- and for every person who says a particular area is bad or dangerous or boring, there is another who says "No, it's not!" Or when people say there's lots to do and plenty of cultural offerings, then an equal amount of people will say, "Ugh, are you kidding me?" I must admit, as a New Yorker, I find it hard to believe there are violent gangs anywhere in Nebraska, but I know I'll just have to figure it out while visiting. I know every city has its decay but I don't want to relocate somewhere that isn't mostly thriving.

My investigation will continue until I am ready to put my plan into action and travel to visit the places that seem to appeal to me most. So far, though, it looks like Omaha is making it onto my short list.

[Chimook]

Hey Citychick! Did you make it out to Omaha yet to check it out? I am anxious to hear all about it! I, too, am considering a relocation to that area from Florida. I lived 6 years in a very small town about an hour west of Peoria, Illinois so I know I can handle the winters and that sort of thing, but wanted to see what you found and what your thoughts are. I would be re-locating w/ a job, so I would be set in that area, but I, too, have been reading all these threads and seems pretty positive for the most part.