move to omaha

[ehenningsen]

one thing wrong with that map is that it stretches to 168th street when last year the city limits passed 204th with the annexation of Elkhorn

In reference to the crime map... There's alot of bars and events in DT so the crime is destined to be higher, just like in ALL major cities... Honestly, all you have to do is not open yourself up to trouble... the crime in Omaha is very low compared to most major cities...

[Hawkeye48]

This may help.

http://www.creightonmedical.org/content/view/30/82/ (broken link)


Home Moving to Omaha Omaha Neighborhoods
Omaha Areas
Written by Administrator
If you spend enough time looking, you will probably be able to find a good housing situation in almost any part of Omaha. But if you are unfamiliar with Omaha, you probably don't know where to start looking. This page is has been created help you get more familiar with Omaha, hopefully save you some time, and ultimately help you find a good housing situation.

Some medical students started a public forum for housing listings and ratings. If you read the housing ratings on the webpage Creighton Medical Student Housing Survey, you'll notice that students have been happy with housing from all parts of Omaha. Single students generally can find a good housing situation in almost any area. If you have kids, though, you will probably be a little more selective about what type of neighborhood you move to.

Summary of a few people's suggestions for families:

People with children will probably have a harder time finding a good rental situation in walking distance to Creighton University.
Omaha has been nicknamed the "20-minute city" because most everything is within a 20-minute drive, though with suburban sprawl to the west the nickname is being stretched!
Don't worry too much about proximity to shopping; you'll be within a reasonable drive to wherever you'll need to go.
Also, before selecting housing, find out how the traffic is along the route to Creighton.
The further west you go, the newer the housing and generally the more expensive.
The map below shows the general location of the various areas of town. The borders are obviously not exact. This map is just to give you a general idea of where things are. Below the map, we outlined the pros and cons of the various sections of town.


Downtown

This is as close as you can get to Creighton (5 minute drive). Rentals priced in students budgets are older, smaller, and more run-down, although we know one student who found a good deal and decent apartment downtown. A growing market of loft apartments and condominiums has recently emerged in and around the Old Market. A little distance from shopping areas other than the Old Market. Housing in downtown is generally more expensive than comparable housing in other Omaha areas.

Central/Midtown

A little older housing. There are pockets of good neighborhoods, but you'll have to look carefully to find a rental in a good neighborhood. Those students who decide to buy a house usually buy a house in Central Omaha because it is more affordable. The Dundee area within Midtown has a good reputation and students can find decent housing there. It is semi-close to shopping areas and not far from Creighton, depending on traffic (10-15 minute drive).

Bellevue

Generally good neighborhoods and moderately priced housing. It is further from Creighton (18-25 minute drive), but semi-close to good shopping. However, the traffic is generally crowded and slow when driving north to downtown during the morning, and south to Bellevue in the evening.

South/Southeast Omaha

Older housing in mostly working-class, racially diverse neighborhoods. Some of the neighborhoods are well kept and feel safe (such as Village Green). Others feel a little more run-down. If you are looking to buy a more reasonably-priced house, this might be a good area. We wouldn't recommend renting in this area though. The Zoo, Rosenblatt Stadium, and Botanical Gardens are in this area. It is very close to Creighton (5-10 minute drive), but a little ways from good shopping.

North Omaha

Older, smaller, more run-down housing. A little ways from shopping areas. It can be close to Creighton (5-10 minute drive). Many of these neighborhoods have a bad reputation and we recommend looking elsewhere for housing.

West/Northwest Omaha

Big houses with big yards, in a "suburbia" setting. Moderate to more expensive housing. Close to good shopping areas. It is a longer commute to Creighton (20-30 minutes).

Millard/Southwestern Omaha

Nice housing and neighborhoods, with an excellent school system. Close to good shopping areas., but it is a longer commute to Creighton (20-30 minutes) and housing is more expensive.

Papillion, Ralston, La Vista

Nice housing and neighborhoods. Close to good shopping areas. The commute to Creighton depends on traffic (15-20 minutes), and there is a wide selection of moderately priced rentals. If you are short on time, one person recommends that a good area to focus your search is between Center and Harrison Street, and 120th and 72nd Street. This area refers primarily to the ZIP code 68127. Surrounding ZIP codes include 68124, 68128, 68137, and 68144. (NOTE: Some rental guides include this area as part of their "Southwest" category, and others label it as part of "Midtown").

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Semi-old housing, some newer areas. Generally feels safe. If you are looking for an affordable rental, this might be the area. The west side of Council Bluffs (the area near the downtown Omaha bridge) is close to Creighton (5-10 minute drive), and is close to good shopping.