[smydovro]

Okay I think I already know the answer to this but.... My hubby has two job opportunities one is in council bluffs one in sioux city. I told him I don't want to move to Sioux City but he wants me to keep an open mind soooo Omaha Vs. Sioux City. Which is more family friendly?

[ehenningsen]

Wow, that is a tough call..

Entertainment value EASILY goes to Council Bluffs-Omaha by a ratio of 100:1.

But family issues probably are close and since the OMaha core metro is approaching 900,000 to Sioux Cities 175,000 and also throw in the fact that the Lincoln metro is inches now from being included and would make Omaha close to 1.2 million..

I'd have to say that there is a much bigger chance of hitting some weird situations in Omaha, however at the same time, the city has a history of having many family and individual oriented festivities, parks and whatnot..

That's a tough call, what are you looking at as far as family oriented community, some peoples ideas of family orientation are on a completely different scale than others..

I'll say this

Wealth- goes to Omaha
Entertainment- goes to Omaha
Opportunities- goes to Omaha
Crime rate- edge goes to Sioux City
Education- edge goes to Omaha
Individuality- Goes to Omaha

But, to give credit where it is due..

Yes, Omaha is on a huge and extremely impressive boom..

But Omaha has been on this boom for 15 years now, and Sioux City is in its fourth or fifth year of its turnaround, and for its size Sioux City is really on a roll.

Sioux City, not long ago, was a big whole in everybodys pride in their city..

But now, they are getting some pretty good jobs up there and they are gaining in diversity and entertainment is starting to turn a corner.

Overall, in 5 years Sioux City will be that much better and will be a very viable option for those who prefer to livin in a metro of under 500,000 people...

Right now Omaha gets a 10 for a city between 750,000 to 1.5 million, and Sioux City is about a 4 for a city between 100,000 and 300,000, up from a 2 just 5 years ago. And if the city keeps going the way it is, in a few years I predict the city to be at a 7 or higher.

With that said, Omaha is a nationally known boom city..

Sioux City is a 'Becoming City' and in a few years, probably will become another Sioux Falls or small Omaha..

[TommyG]

Hey, it's a topic that's right up my alley! We lived in Sioux City for 8 years before moving to the Omaha area last December.

My biggest concern with Sioux City should be job stability, and the low availability of finding work elsewhere if something goes wrong. A major lack of high-paying jobs and employer layoffs has hit the town hard. We moved to Omaha for expanded job opportunities, and both my wife and I were able to find much better positions and better growth oppportunities here.

A lot of people in Sioux City who used to make good money are now underemployed or working two jobs because they can't find another position, and they can't (or won't) move out of town. Gateway used to employ 9,000 people in the area - today, it's down to about 600. MCI shut down their call center, laying off 2,500. Tyson regularly lays off their salaried staff. If you want to work at a retail store or a fast food restaurant, then yes - there are plenty of jobs there. But if you're interested in something higher paying or skilled, there really isn't much in the area.

You'll find housing prices are considerably cheaper in Sioux City, and the taxes are less (except for the school taxes within SC city limits). Sioux City also has the highest auto insurance rates in Iowa, because it's the auto accident capital of the Midwest. There isn't much serious crime (murder, etc.) in Sioux City, but petty crime is rampant and pretty much ignored by the police. Car break-ins are common, and if you put out Halloween or Christmas decorations, you can pretty much guarantee they'll be stolen and/or vandalized.

As far as entertainment and things to do for the family goes, Sioux City is improving a lot, but Omaha still blows it away. SC has a nice Art Center, and they do hold a few nice sumer festivals around town, but it's pretty much a dry spell in the fall/winter. The Orpheum Theater is a beautiful place to see a play or concert, and the Tyson Event Center is fairly new and comfortable. More national acts now include Sioux City - it used to be that it was passed up completely in favor of Sioux Falls, SD or Omaha - but they seem to be pulling in more diverse concert crowds these days - it's not just the "Redneck Comedy Tour" over and over again.

Despite expanded shopping opportunities, you'll still find that a lot of people in Sioux City will travel to Omaha or Sioux Falls to do a lot of their shopping. They ran a campaign to keep the money in Sioux City, but people still like to get out of town to shop. And keep in mind that there is very little in Sioux City that can be described as "fine dining". A gazillion bad buffets and chain fast food joints are the norm there, but if you're looking for a meal out that might qualify for even one Michelin star, you'll need to head to Omaha.

I don't want to totally sour you on Sioux City. Sioux City gets a negative rap from a lot of people, but overall it's not *that* bad of a place. Oh, sure -- you will immediately know you're there - the "aroma" as you pass the John Morrell slaughterhouse on I-29 will say "Howdy" more than the lighted sign a few yards away.

As mentioned above, it really is in the midst of a turnaround, but keep in mind that the turnaround isn't nearly as progressive or well-thought out as the Omaha area.

We were happy while we lived in Sioux City, but now were even happier in Omaha. Moving away from there and into the Omaha metro was one of the best decisions we've made.

Hope this helps --- Tom

[smydovro]

Well, thanks guys. You two were much more positive than I was expecting. We are hoping for the job in Council Bluffs but I have a feeling its the one in Sioux City that we will be offered. I was okay with the Omaha area because of the boom and because of the size. Coming from Philly, I'm afraid that Sioux City is just going to be too much culture shock for my children and myself. We will see what happens though. I'm trying to keep an open mind but it's hard when I have read so many negative things about Sioux City. Also, being Jewish I wanted to live somewhere with a Jewish community for my children, as far as I can tell Sioux City doesn't have a Jewish community.

[twiztid1]

You would probably be better off in the Omaha metro. As mentioned, Sioux City is really a bad place for careers. If the job up there doesn't pan out or you want a change, there aren't many options unless you’re a healthcare professional. In Omaha, there are Fortune 500 companies and just a whole bunch of opportunities in several fields.

I hear about Sioux City's growth but honestly just don't see it around town. I wasn't up there in the 90's so that's probably where the noticeable difference is. If that’s the case, then Sioux City must have been really bad last decade. They are just starting to get a few chain restaurants and stores. The concert scene is better than before they built the new arena but still kind of slow.

I think Omaha’s growth is just on a whole different level and makes it more of an exciting place to live. Downtown, Midtown, West Omaha, and surrounding communities are all going through some significant developments. You will see construction and plans all over town. Omaha’s growth also just keeps coming in waves. Key future projects include a 32 story condo tower and a new baseball stadium.

As stated, Sioux City has a few events in the summer. They also have a few sports teams and a casino. But in Omaha, you really have to make decisions about what you are going to do. For example, this weekend there was a Reba concert Friday night, indoor football game Saturday, and of course the CWS. Last weekend there were two events on the riverfront, a Frankie Valli concert, the circus, and a swimming event. At the end of the month you can go to an arts festival and the Olympic swimming trials. There are tons of concerts all year round at several venues. Council Bluffs has three casinos. And in the fall and winter months, UNO hockey and Creighton basketball are very popular and are sometimes scheduled on the same day. Sioux City can get kind of boring, but there are always things to do in Omaha. I usually have to miss some events due to scheduling conflicts with other events.

To me, the only good thing about Sioux City is that it's a cheap place without any real crime. I hear people talk about a gang problem up there, but I've never felt in danger anywhere in town. I'm more concerned around some of Omaha's suburb communities. Sioux City is also pretty quiet and slow moving. So if a family is your main concern, it could be a good option.

[ehenningsen]

I know that Omaha has a pretty significant jewish community, and if you like family oriented activities with a jewish community, as you obviously probably do, then Omaha may be the better option.

The jewish community is very well organized here.

[TommyG]

Sioux City does have a synagogue - I met the rabbi from there for a World Religions course I took a few years ago. He was a very nice man.

Religion wise, Catholics are the majority in Sioux City; the 2000 census put the Catholic population of Sioux City at around 68%. The Catholic schools in SC are very vocal and active - almost more so than the public schools.

If you choose to move to Sioux City, I'd recommed including the Dakota Dunes, SD vicinity in your home search. If you live across the state line in South Dakota (about 4 miles N of downtown Sioux City) there is no state income tax. Most of the houses in Dakota Dunes are 10 years old or less, but when Gateway and Tyson had their big turndowns, a lot of the houses went up for sale and sat that way for a year or more. It's not uncommon to drive down a street in Dakota Dunes and see half of the houses for sale. So from a buyer's aspect, it may be a good way to get a bargain. Just don't plan on reselling it for a huge equity return anytime soon.

Good luck! Tom

[kdbrich]

I think Omaha smells better...for what it's worth.

[SoCiEtY's ReBel]

Originally Posted by ehenningsen

Wow, that is a tough call..

Entertainment value EASILY goes to Council Bluffs-Omaha by a ratio of 100:1.

But family issues probably are close and since the OMaha core metro is approaching 900,000 to Sioux Cities 175,000 and also throw in the fact that the Lincoln metro is inches now from being included and would make Omaha close to 1.2 million..

I'd have to say that there is a much bigger chance of hitting some weird situations in Omaha, however at the same time, the city has a history of having many family and individual oriented festivities, parks and whatnot..

That's a tough call, what are you looking at as far as family oriented community, some peoples ideas of family orientation are on a completely different scale than others..

I'll say this

Wealth- goes to Omaha
Entertainment- goes to Omaha
Opportunities- goes to Omaha
Crime rate- edge goes to Sioux City
Education- edge goes to Omaha
Individuality- Goes to Omaha

But, to give credit where it is due..

Yes, Omaha is on a huge and extremely impressive boom..

But Omaha has been on this boom for 15 years now, and Sioux City is in its fourth or fifth year of its turnaround, and for its size Sioux City is really on a roll.

Sioux City, not long ago, was a big whole in everybodys pride in their city..

But now, they are getting some pretty good jobs up there and they are gaining in diversity and entertainment is starting to turn a corner.

Overall, in 5 years Sioux City will be that much better and will be a very viable option for those who prefer to livin in a metro of under 500,000 people...

Right now Omaha gets a 10 for a city between 750,000 to 1.5 million, and Sioux City is about a 4 for a city between 100,000 and 300,000, up from a 2 just 5 years ago. And if the city keeps going the way it is, in a few years I predict the city to be at a 7 or higher.

With that said, Omaha is a nationally known boom city..

Sioux City is a 'Becoming City' and in a few years, probably will become another Sioux Falls or small Omaha..

agrees... Omaha has alot more to offer than Sioux City in every aspect!

[billiefan2000]

Originally Posted by ehenningsen

I know that Omaha has a pretty significant jewish community, and if you like family oriented activities with a jewish community, as you obviously probably do, then Omaha may be the better option.

The jewish community is very well organized here.

I agree


plus they have a great small newspaper called The Jewish Press


Jewish Omaha