[Matilda452]

I'm thinking about moving to Papillion. It seems like a great town. I'm a chef and cooking job scene. Restaurants, upscale assisted living facilities, country clubs, caterers?

Any insider information would be greatly appreciated!

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by Matilda452

I'm thinking about moving to Papillion. ....Restaurants, .....caterers?

Any insider information would be greatly appreciated!

Two or three local caterers - decent, nothing special... BUT probably one of the best caterers in the entire Omaha metro (Hap Abraham) is in Ralston (just North of Papillion) and I think one of his primary chef's lives in Papillion - they do all kinds of stuff, including the high end of Omaha's society/social scene.

A couple of local little bars that serve decent food (e.g. Brownies Watering Hole)... local restraunts with decent food are Ming's (cheap Chinese - I like it), La Mesa (some love and some don't think anything special - but they have one "best of Omaha" awards last several years - I like it), Wheatfields (sitdown - good), Runza (fast food - good), 370 Grill (new so no opinion), and Nebraska Brewing Company (generally good)

Chain restraunts (Old Chicago, Buffalo Wild Wings, FatBurger, Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse, and Tropical Smoothie)

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by Matilda452

I'm thinking about moving to Papillion. .... upscale assisted living facilities,...?

Any insider information would be greatly appreciated!

Hillcrest Country Estates

Immanual Trinity Village

WEL-Life

Papillion Manor

[Matilda452]

Thanks, Dave 1215! Very helpful information. How do you like living in Papillion?

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by Matilda452

Thanks, Dave 1215! Very helpful information. How do you like living in Papillion?

I love the area. Folks outside of Papillion will generally say its just a suburb of Omaha and don't see it as any different. I will tell you that folks in the community generally feel different. Papillion has a long history (founded around 1870) and there are still families here that track back to that original history - which helps remember the small town history/identity.

The town itself seems to be doing lots of things to retain a civic identify. The park system is fantastic (lots of upgrades in recent years). Great trails system. I can walk to my neighborhood park and easily get onto the trails. Can ride a walk or ride a bike anywhere in town.

They have a cool outdoor amphitheater where the town puts on free concerts and movies during the summer. There is both a community band and a community theatre that perform there (just finished South Pacific).

Fantastic outdoor shopping center with a town center feel where they hold free concerts.

I saw the town advertise that they have the lowest city property tax levy of any other city in the Omaha metro area (make sure you understand where you buy a home because an SID next to town could have high property tax).

Good schools, great shopping opportunities, good church, great parks/recration, good youth sports program, always feel safe.

I have had chances to move for job opportunities over the years and the quality of life and affordability of living have played a major role in turning down those offers.



Some links of interest:

• 2009 #3 Best Place to Live (CNN/Money Magazine)
• 2009 Most Affordable Suburb in Nebraska (Business Week Magazine)
• 2007 #6 Best Place to Live (CNN/Money Magazine)
• 2005 #23 Best Place to Live (CNN/Money Magazine)

[GMinSWO]

Most of the Chef-run, Chef-centric upscale restaurants are in Omaha, I don't think many here will argue with that, but these restaurants are at most a 20 minute drive from anywhere in Papillion. Wheatfields is probably the closest to that kind of restaurant in Papillion. Dave was right about La Mesa, I cannot stand it, but many of my firends will not eat anywhere else for Mexican Food. BTW my favorite Mexican place is Rivera's on 120th and Blondo in Omaha, but I digress. Papillion is a very nice town, and if you work in Omaha the commute is negligible. Also, Most of the the Country Clubs are in Omaha also, but I could be wrong.

[Matilda452]

Great advice, GMinSWO. What about local caterers? I have heard many nice things about this part of Nebraska and have always considered myself a Midwestern girl. So, I'm looking to relocate to a part of the country not swamped with the economic downturn and a place that might have some potential for jobs. My entrepeurnial juices are flowing and I want to explore some possibilities in the area.

On another note, are there dog parks and dog friendly trails in the Papillion area?

[omahajosh618]

Originally Posted by Matilda452

On another note, are there dog parks and dog friendly trails in the Papillion area?

Yes, there are. I forgot the "official" name, but there is a nice biking/walking trail that runs from Bellevue to Papillion and into Omaha along the Papio Creek. It sees quite a bit of activity but is certainly not overcrowded. Also the Walnut Creek Recreation Center just south of 96th and Highway 370 is a lovely wooded area with a trail that wraps around the lake. There are also camping, fishing and picnic/BBQ spots. I always enjoy going to Walnut Creek.

I believe both trails are dog-friendly. The Walnut Creek trail actually has an artery that turns into the Papio Creek Trail.

Halleck Park, just north of Highway 370 is another nice park. I believe that is dog friendly as well.

[Matilda452]

I also heard there was a AAA ballpark being built in Papillion. Is that true? Are there alot of basefall fans out in NE or is it mostly football and basketball?

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by Matilda452

On another note, are there dog parks and dog friendly trails in the Papillion area?

There is a specific dog park in Papillion. It is located at the west side of the Walnut Creek Recreation Area... this is a natural area of something like 500 acres with a 100+ acre dam site. Has a 3 mile trail around it with horse trail also. Just past the camp ground but before the boat ramp is the large dog area.

Bellevue also has a new dog park.