[Kate88]

I'm tossing around the idea of moving to Omaha with a few friends. One has been offered a job there, and we'd all kind of like a change of scenery.

I guess my biggest questions are

a) How is public transportation / walkability? Is it possible to live in Omaha without a car?

b) What neighborhoods or areas tend to have a higher concentration of young people (college students / young professionals)?

c) Approximately what can we expect to pay in rent for a 3-4 BR apartment or house in one of those areas?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by Kate88

a) How is public transportation / walkability? Is it possible to live in Omaha without a car?

b) What neighborhoods or areas tend to have a higher concentration of young people (college students / young professionals)?

c) Approximately what can we expect to pay in rent for a 3-4 BR apartment or house in one of those areas?

The only part of Omaha that would really be walkable is the downtown Omaha area - there are a few small pockets that are walkable, but they generally don't have employment so as a resident you can work/live in that walkable area....

There is one person on the forum that lives on the edge of downtown Omaha and does NOT own a car.... look for DTO_Luv comments on downtown living and what it is like without a car... the key will be that your employment is down there.

Downtown has really grown with living options (condos/apts/etc) and there are a number of young professionals.

If you want an urban enviornment you can't go wrong.

I can't really speak to rents as I live on the edge of town and own a home.

Omaha does not have good public transportaton if you are in the outlying areas of town.

[thatguy1]

Midtown to Downtown seems like your best bet. Typically, downtown rents start at 700+ for one bedrooms.

Try:
Old Market Lofts
JLofts
Macaroni Apts.
Cornerstone Apartments
Midtown Crossing
etc.

I'm sure someone can add to this for ya! Good Luck

[DTO Luv]

Originally Posted by Kate88

I'm tossing around the idea of moving to Omaha with a few friends. One has been offered a job there, and we'd all kind of like a change of scenery.

I guess my biggest questions are

a) How is public transportation / walkability? Is it possible to live in Omaha without a car?

Yes it is possible to live in Omaha without a car if you live and work in the right areas. I live and work Downtown and have not had a car for over 2 years and know others who do the same.

That said it's not without it's challenges. The only times I would say I wanted or needed a car was to do big clothes shopping at a mall or if I wanted to buy a lot of groceries.

The best areas to live in Omaha without a car is definitely anything east of 72nd street and specifcally in Downtown or Midtown and up into the areas around Dodge up to UNO, and as close to Dodge St as possible. In Midtown there are many, many, many rentals that are nice and affordable ranging from 1-brdm apts to large houses. With Midtown Crossing finishing construction this year there will be a 21 and over only movie theater and more shopping options in the area that will make it easier to not have to go west or into Council Bluffs for things.

Downtown is more expensive than Midtown but I prefer it. It's much more walkable and closer to more things to do (Old Market, concerts, parks, civic events) and there is always something going on. There are many tight knit groups in DT that get together and do things regularly so it's a bit easier to get acclimated to Omaha than other parts. One HUGE thing for me is that it is much easier to go to bars DT since I can just walk home. There areas to do this in Midtown but DT is superior. The buses don't run past 11 which sucks. It is also slightly easier to catch a cab downtown.

Originally Posted by Kate88

b) What neighborhoods or areas tend to have a higher concentration of young people (college students / young professionals)?

Again, Downtown or Midtown. Dundee and Benson both have large student populations but it is sprinkled in with families and other homeowners as opposed to renters. The areas surrounding Mutual of Omaha are more exclusively younger people with many people renting a large 3-4 bdrm home. There are also some Creighton frat houses in the area as CU is not far from here. In these areas you will find more of the people that are starting or still in college.

When if comes to Downtown you will find more people on the other side of college. They've graduated and are into their careers. Still a noticeable younger crowd but you will get the 20 something's partying next to the 30's and 40's crowds. This includes me. I'm 22 but I have friends DT ranging from my age to into their 50's. It's a more diverse age range than you'll find around Midtown.

Originally Posted by Kate88

c) Approximately what can we expect to pay in rent for a 3-4 BR apartment or house in one of those areas?

It could range from $500-$1,000 a month. But that's depends on a lot such as how well the property has been kept up and what the area is like. South of DT and north of the zoo isn't a bad area at all. It's like Midtown but a bit more sedate and quiet. You can rent a big house and splitting it between many people would bring the price down.

If you've got any other questions or need more specifics feel free to ask me.

[Kate88]

thanks for the info, everyone!