Lincoln or Omaha?

[WhiteSandsYucca]

I've always loved Omaha, over Lincoln. But, nothing against Lincoln, as I tend to always like the bigger city. Lincoln is a nice town, for sure, but I feel Omaha has noticably more "buzz" in the air, being much larger, and being the financial center of the immediate region, versus the center of government, Omaha is naturally more burgeoning.

[SunshineSanity]

I grew up in Lincoln and am currently living here.

1.) Lincoln or Omaha? I agree with what mattpoulsen said. It's totally about what you like. Lincoln is 250,00 people but in some parts of the city it can feel like 2,000. It sometimes really has that small town feel. Omaha is more rush rush. Everytime I go to Omaha, I'm still in awe b/c it feels so big!

2.) Cost of Housing? Is good, really good. I have wanted to move out of Nebraska a few times, and the main reason I never have is b/c of the price of housing. A brand new 2400 sq ft 4 bd/2 bath house would run you in the 220's. (thats just one home builder) It depends, of course on the neighborhood, but its not bad.

3.) Taxes? I'm not one to be asking....

4.) School System - It could be better. I think Lincoln Pubic did a good job at educating me, but it certainly could have done better. They are doing a big overhall on all the schools here. Adding new parts to the schools and a/c. They have alot of different clubs that kids can join in on and they go all over the country and the world! Lincoln High's band is going to London this year.

5.) Medical Care Facilities (how advanced); state-of-the art? . . . I'm not insinuating that they aren't up-to-date, but when you move from an area with the Cleveland Clinic, other systems look shy. I have a daughter that has a medical condition. - Bryan LGH is one of the top hospitals for heart surgery/care. I've been in the hospital a few times (bc of my own stupidity) and they didn't just treat me with respect but they were fast and answered all my questions. I'm sure that UNMC (in Omaha) Creighton (in Omaha) and Bryan LGH would by far be able to meet any requirements your daughter needs.

6.) Job Market (in general) - It's actaully pretty good in Lincoln, if you have a degree. Being such a college town, people with degrees are dispensable. Omaha pays better, from what I have seen.

HTH

[Moving South?]

I've lived in Lincoln for 30 years after growing up in rural Nebraska before college. Lincoln and Omaha are TOTALLY different. Omaha is "metropolitan" by Nebraska standards and Lincoln is kind of confused little city. The city fathers of Lincoln want downtown to be like downtown Chicago and the rest of the city to be like Mayberry. Traffic in Lincoln is ridiculous as it takes me 20-25 minutes to go downtown, a total commute of 5 miles. It's all relative of course, but if you are looking for a quiet little town, Lincoln might be your bet. Omaha is more city, and the attitudes of business is totally different as well. Omaha is much more progressive and business friendly. Lincoln just doesn't care about business......under the "we have football' mentality. Many times I've considered moving my business from Lincoln to Omaha for that very reason......Anyway, sorry for rambling. By the way, the three years I did not live in Nebraska, I lived in Norman, Oklahoma. Not a bad place because football's just a game anyway...

[Katarina Witt]

Agree with those who say winter is colder than in Cleveland. Summer also hotter. Look at the statistics. On the plus side, much sunnier.

[ColeSD]

Originally Posted by Moving South?

I've lived in Lincoln for 30 years after growing up in rural Nebraska before college. Lincoln and Omaha are TOTALLY different. Omaha is "metropolitan" by Nebraska standards and Lincoln is kind of confused little city. The city fathers of Lincoln want downtown to be like downtown Chicago and the rest of the city to be like Mayberry. Traffic in Lincoln is ridiculous as it takes me 20-25 minutes to go downtown, a total commute of 5 miles. It's all relative of course, but if you are looking for a quiet little town, Lincoln might be your bet. Omaha is more city, and the attitudes of business is totally different as well. Omaha is much more progressive and business friendly. Lincoln just doesn't care about business......under the "we have football' mentality. Many times I've considered moving my business from Lincoln to Omaha for that very reason......Anyway, sorry for rambling. By the way, the three years I did not live in Nebraska, I lived in Norman, Oklahoma. Not a bad place because football's just a game anyway...

ROFLMAO! The Chicago-Mayberry thing gave me my first big laugh of the day! Thanks!@

[downthathighway]

Originally Posted by Katiana

Agree with those who say winter is colder than in Cleveland. Summer also hotter. Look at the statistics. On the plus side, much sunnier.

In Kentucky, friends of mine had retired there after living in Fremont/Omaha.
When I told them I was moving to Omaha, he 'set me up' for a punch line.
It was April last year. He said it was much colder there. I replied that no, it varied, but it was warmer there at the time.
He replied " Yep, and you'll be saying the same thing by summer also"
True, so true!

[downthathighway]

Originally Posted by tpabes

How dare you mention Oklahoma on this board No one wants to live in the SOONER state

Few years ago, my employer in KY 'loaned me out' to the branch in Oklahoma. They tried to lure me away to transfer there permanently.
No way! I'd have never been able to come back to NE for family reunions !
Wouldn't that be a conversation stopper- "Where do you live?"

[tpabes]

Originally Posted by downthathighway

Few years ago, my employer in KY 'loaned me out' to the branch in Oklahoma. They tried to lure me away to transfer there permanently.
No way! I'd have never been able to come back to NE for family reunions !
Wouldn't that be a conversation stopper- "Where do you live?"

You probably would have took your fair share of ribbing, thats for sure

[jm31828]

I've lived in Lincoln for 10 years, owned a home for the past 4. One thing to say about taxes- property taxes are really high here- from what I read some of the highest in the nation. Of course with housing being rather cheap, the total tax bill doesn't seem too bad so it may not affect you. (On my $110,000 house we pay $2500 annually for property taxes) The other tax that seems high compared to some states is car licensing- there is a wheel tax and a property tax that go along with it, making it an expense of around $100-$300 per year depending on the age/value of your car.
Other than those, the other taxes are in line with other areas.