[art-lover67]

Hi all! First, I want to thank all the people who contribute to this forum. It has been the best source of Omaha information I've found so far on the web!
I especially appreciate all the photos. I have only driven through NE, and didn't realize how quaint and fun it was until I viewed your pictorial tour! Which brings me to my question, what neighborhoods would you recommend for a family that is used to a very urban lifestyle, and who are seeking a more artsy, funky vibe, like SoHo in NYC? I am coming to scout out homes at the end of the month, and I want to make sure I hit all the key areas. Thanks so much for your help!

[Dave1215]

DTO_Luv would be the best person on this forum to give the details to that specific question, but no doubt - downtown Omaha or Midtown (around Mutual of Omaha)... Lots of recent residential living options available there that were not a few years ago... also more and more retailers that support residential living are now making themselves available as well (grocery, etc)....

[Dave1215]

Old Market is an Arts & Entertainment District downtown

Dundee and Memorial Park are areas just a little further west of downtowm (but not even to the center of town now)... might be interested.

Omaha City Weekly and SLAM Omaha are some art & entertainment online sources

[Dave1215]

Might also check Midtown and Benson areas.

Depending on when you are planning to move, keep an eye on AkSarBen area - nice existing urban residential with an infill Urban mixed use development just beginning.

[art-lover67]

Thanks, Dave1215, those sound like good suggestions to me. Can you please tell me the zip code of the AkSarBen area? Do they have good schools?

Also, we are east coasters, and moderately liberal, do you think we'll feel out of place in NE due to our politics?

[schues]

It might be a bit of culture shock, but I don't think you'll have a problem, especially in Omaha (while the state as a whole is largely Republican and conservative, I think probably over half of Omaha residents are not). Case-in-point: the civic auditorium was filled to overflowing (over 11,000 people) when Barack Obama was in town a few weeks ago. Also, speaking from the point of view of a proud, born-and-raised Nebraska Republican, we are generally pretty laid back and, although we may staunchly disagree with your beliefs, we're not likely to give you a hard time about it (although we are willing to debate if you bring it up).

[art-lover67]

Well, that's good to hear. To tell you the truth, the more I read through the older posts on this forum, the more worried I get. Especially the ones from transplants who weren't happy about their move.

It's going to be a tough decision. We would be able to save a few hundred thousand on housing if we move, but we'd have to buy another car. Right now, we have a family of 5 and only need one car because we have great public transit here. Also, I'm not confident about the public schools there, so private school would take a $30,000 chunk out of our budget.

I would however welcome the following changes -- less traffic, less rude people, less overcrowding, stuff like that.

Are there any other benefits to living in Omaha vs. Boston I should know about?

[Dave1215]

The areas of Downtown, Old Market, Midtown, Benson, Dundee, Memorial Park, etc would all be very accepting of a liberal stance. Those are the areas that are probably the most liberal in the State. I don't think I would worry.

Was hoping DTO_Luv would weigh in on the discussion - he's a big advocate of Urban lifestyle in Omaha so would have a great perspective.

All of the mentioned areas are the Omaha school district, which does have a good reputation.

Omaha to people's suprise has a lot of culture and arts. Cost of living is fantastic.

Check out:
Bemis Center for Contemporary Art
Omaha Performing Arts

[downthathighway]

Originally Posted by art-lover67

Well, that's good to hear. To tell you the truth, the more I read through the older posts on this forum, the more worried I get. Especially the ones from transplants who weren't happy about their move.

It's going to be a tough decision. We would be able to save a few hundred thousand on housing if we move, but we'd have to buy another car. Right now, we have a family of 5 and only need one car because we have great public transit here. Also, I'm not confident about the public schools there, so private school would take a $30,000 chunk out of our budget.

I would however welcome the following changes -- less traffic, less rude people, less overcrowding, stuff like that.

Are there any other benefits to living in Omaha vs. Boston I should know about?

I may be one of the transplants that you refer to? I have mentioned regrets about the move here.
If you have taken some of my comments into consideration, thank you for keeping an open mind.
Exactly what I meant when I said one should hear both sides.
Each circumstance is different and my relocation did in fact turn out to be a 'pay cut' due to higher taxes. That is my biggest regret. But I have no children to consider in the move. If I did, I might have been delighted to be in Omaha.
Do the math and see if it will work best for your family.

Omaha would impress you as a VERY family friendly city. It is not unusual to see families walking down the streets, pushing baby strollers, etc. Or at shopping malls, And kids playing outside, riding bikes,etc. 'Pleasantville' so to speak, a step back in time.
BTW most private (Catholic)schools here have very reasonable tuition due to subsidies from their parishes and Archdiocese. Again, I am amazed at how many parishes have worked to keep their schools open. You will no longer see that in Boston.
Compared to Boston, you will laugh at what is considered 'rush hour' traffic here. All commutes are easy. But public transport is limited to the bus system, and those routes are designed to run when/where the most passengers are vs. running straight down this street or that street at designated times.
I have lived in New England, college in VT. We used to go to Boston or NYC weekends for 'city action'. Omaha has plenty of events and activities by itsself.

Omaha is not flat as you may picture NE, but not densely treed either.
You have seen photos of all the older buildings preserved. Alas, if a plan were presented to show something newer and more modern and functional the plans would be made for bonds, taxes, wrecking balls and buildings to compete with the rest of the country. Only select neighborhoods, blocks and buildings have been 'preserved'.

I live in the Aksarben area zip 68106. School district is OPS. And just a couple miles away is Westside Schools, District 66.

Aksarben is an example I was referring to of changes. Aksarben racetrack was here, used for many events. But casinos in IA took gambling revenue, horse racing almost died. However the grandstand and field were a landmark used for many events. Then plans were made for a new center downtown. Aksarben became an 'eyesore' and was demolished. In its place new college research buildings, hospital and medical, condos and shopping. All older housing stock nearby as well as the trailer parks once used by racing employees were condemned so there will be no eyesores in the area.

The Benson area nearby may look good to you also. Walkable 'main street'. Many old time businesses hanging in there, and newer 'artsy' type moving in as well. Most of the housing nearby is very dense and compact though. Smaller, older houses on smaller lots.

Good luck on your choices! Hope we all have been helpful.
Some of us can add more plusses/pros than any chamber commerce type literature you'll find and in between you'll see some of the drawbacks.

[Dave1215]

1. Omaha Summer Arts Festival
2. Durham Western Heritage Museum
3. Blue Barn Theatre (http://www.bluebarn.org/index1.html - broken link)
4. Josyln Art Museum
5. Nebraska Arts Council (official State site)