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Me and my gf currently live together in Hawaii. We are in our mid to late 20's. She was born and raised here. We both are considering starting school again sometime. We have both been to the mainland before. This is where it splits sort of.
Myself: I have been to a few other states before. Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska (Omaha), Colorado, Georgia, and layovers in a handful of other states. I have also traveled out of country to Japan. I'm not new to seeing a whole bunch of nothing smack dab in the middle of nothing. I actually like countryish places.
Gf: The only two states I know that she has ever been to in the mainland is California (SF) and Las Vegas. She's well acquainted with living in a metropolis. I don't think she's ever been farther than a mile from the nearest skyscraper.
We are both Japanese, though I am brown and often mistaken for Mexican while in the mainland. One of my gf's question to me was if there are any asians in Omaha. I have a lot of white step-family and am rather comfortable living among not-asians. Gf is not prejudice, but I think she doesn't want to feel like 'the only one'. I call it herd mentality, but that's a whole nother discussion.
So I ask, are there any asians in Omaha? More my concern, would a sort-of-youngish asian couple with no children be safe in Omaha? I promise Omaha is safe from me and her! Please forgive me if I seem straight up about asking about racial stats, but I accept no euphanisms and I know racism and prejudism can exist anywhere.
School school and schools. Community college first, then some 4-year one. I suppose I could do my own research on this one though, but if anyone wants to throw me a freebie please do!
Work. I currently work as a "Guest Services Agent" (front desk) at a hotel in Waikiki, and gf does something with medical billing and insurance claims. Are there any opportunities in the tourism industry? Medical billing? We both make about a little more than $17/hr, but I really doubt we're gonna find something like that in Omaha. That's legit anyway. In any case, is there anywhere in Nebraska that have high tourism rate?
Plenty of nothing to do. What kind of activities are there to pass the time in Omaha? Or perhaps weekend excursion ideas etc. I can stay home all day on my computer or I can go hiking all day or just enjoy the wilderness. Gf would probably prefer stuff like... bowling? Shopping? She likes social activities.
Firearms. I own several firearms, some rifles and a handgun, that I will definetely not be leaving behind in Hawaii. For hobby, excercise my rights under the second amendment, and hopefully for sport if I ever get to that.
Political? Living in Hawaii I feel so far away from anything politically significant. I'll be honest I really don't understand politics too much. But I guess to put it in terms that I can understand... I'm wary of states like the People's Republic of Kalifornia. I like places I guess like Texas, though I've never been there. But I hear people actually think for themselves there.
I know I'm missing a few other things I want to throw out there, but this will have to do for now as I'm at work!
Personally and this is just my opinion and no disrespect to Omaha. I think you are especially your wife are going to go through a MAJOR culture shock coming from Hawaii. I would look for something that is a little closer to what you are used to in regards to weather, geography and people.
Dregs,
It is possible to encounter a racist anywhere you go but I doubt if that will be a problem in Omaha.
Right across the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, Iowa you might be able to find a job in one of the Casinos there. Nebraska has not legalized Casino gambling so far so Council Bluffs attracts a lot of out of towners. I would think your girl friend would be able to find a job in medical billing very easily in Omaha. Both the University of Nebraska and Creighton University have major medical schools and there are several major hospitals in the area. Plus there are a lot of Insurance companies operating out of Omaha that might need those job skills.
There are plenty of educational opportunities in Omaha. Creighton University has higher tuition costs but UNO and other public colleges offer fine programs at affordable prices. A lot of your choice of colleges will depend on your major.
There is a wide variety of recreational opportunities in the area. I love to hunt and fish but since I have a family farm in the West end of the State I do most of my hunting and fishing out West. Currently a round trip AMTRAK ticket from Omaha to McCook cost $40.00. In McCook you can rent a car or pickup for less than $100.00 per weekend. If two or three of you pool expenses that would be a fairly cheap weekend. McCook is smack dab in the middle of some of the best hunting and fishing in the MidWest. The ONLY HANGUP to this scenario is that some of the gun control crowd is trying to get legislation passed in Congress to PROHIBIT guns from being carried in luggage on AMTRAK. But so far it is legal to have firearms in checked in luggage. There are several public shooting ranges in Omaha and several indoor ranges. Concealed Carry permits are available in Nebraska but you can carry openly anywhere in the State except for some areas like schools, courts etc. Read up on the gun laws before you arrive.
Politics in Omaha? There are a few misguided souls in the Omaha and Lincoln area that voted for Barack Obama in the last election. However for the most part Nebraska is a so called Red State and our lone Democratic Senator Ben Nelson is squared away.. I have the feeling that if you believe in the Second Amendment you will fit right in. However there are a few pockets of Liberalism in Omaha and Lincoln LOL. If you decide to make Omaha your home visit the Bass Shop, Cabela's and some of the area gun shops and we might cross paths.
Another passion of mine is good food. Spend some time exploring the various neighborhoods when you get here. There are a lot of small Mom & Pop ethnic cafes plus the usual chain types. Get a bicycle and explore the bike trails. Omaha has a decent bus system also although not up to East Coast standards. Great library system, quite a few theaters, some decent music if you look around. I am 63 so the night life I like would probably not be to your liking. Heck I am usually in bed before 10:30 even on Saturday night.
Hey Dregs - I'm with Raelyn on this one. You're going to find Omaha to be quite a culture shock. And by this I do not mean that there's anything wrong with Omaha. But you'd be moving from 70-80 degree temps, to 20-below to 99 degree temps. That's going to be a shocker.
On the other hand, there are all manner of people from all races and cultures here in Omaha. You will not "stick out" at all.
If you're looking for an apartment/condo right in the gut of Downtown Omaha, there are plenty there. I don't know what prices you're used to, so I can't guess whether they'll be higher or lower in price than where you are now.
Beyond that, take a good long look at what Gunluvver said. It's very true.
I'll also promise you that IF you guys decide to move to Omaha, there are several people here on this forum that would be happy to help you in any way we can.
So... I can't say whether or not you'd like Omaha. But I can say that my family loves it here!
Having spent time in Hawaii a few times I would say that, other than the weather, you'll be just fine.
I know a handful of people who have moved from Hawaii to Omaha and vice-versa. I don't think you'll have a problem at all. I always find it funny when people say you'll experience culture shock when coming from the east coast, west coast, or Hawaii in your case. Well, there are people from probably every country in the world living in Omaha and/Lincoln and they seemed to do just fine. My point is don't sweat it...but be prepared to swamp your sandals for boots come December!
Granted, the weather will be a bit of an adjustment but you'll also learn to love the changing season. And let's face it...most places are NOT paradise. I would also add don't use the message boards as a way to gauge the political climate in Omaha or Nebraska. I think is what you see on the message boards is the more fired-up positions, from both sides. I would say most in Omaha are pretty moderate.
You should also remember that the city of Lincoln with the University of Nebraska is only about 45 minutes from Omaha and adds another dimension to the area.
Last edited by mattpoulsen; 11-07-2009 at 06:35 PM..
I can go hiking all day or just enjoy the wilderness. Gf would probably prefer stuff like... bowling? Shopping? She likes social activities.
Moving to Omaha you'll be surrounded (360 degrees) by 100+ miles of mostly farmland. If you value the outdoors and pristine natural areas, maybe considering pass on NE. The lakes (man made) and rivers have chemicals from farm pesticide runoff, etc... Though, 8 hours away in Missouri are the Ozarks with some nice rivers and lakes for kayaking and such. Just don't hope for trails on the edge of town. They aren't there. Just corn fields.
Now, if thats not a big deal....
It sounds like you guys could enjoy Omaha. Bowling is a popular activity around town and Omaha has nice shopping (lots of money in the city). I grew up there and was acquainted with a few Asians. I never really heard of any racial tension. Omaha can be a fairly cosmopolitan city for the Midwest. I also had a friend who moved to Omaha from San Diego and he preferred Omaha. Sounds like you guys would really enjoy Omaha. Midwest peeps are generally nice. I moved out west and noticed a lack of Midwest/Southern type of Hospitality. Omaha can be a cool place depending on your interests.
Last edited by InLimbo520; 11-07-2009 at 11:13 PM..
Very well stated, but you have to be realistic...it is going to be different. VERY DIFFERENT. Not bad...just different.
Quote:
Originally Posted by InLimbo520
Moving to Omaha you'll be surrounded (360 degrees) by 100+ miles of mostly farmland. If you value the outdoors and pristine natural areas, maybe considering pass on NE. The lakes (man made) and rivers have chemicals from farm pesticide runoff, etc... Though, 8 hours away in Missouri are the Ozarks with some nice rivers and lakes for kayaking and such. Just don't hope for trails on the edge of town. They aren't there. Just corn fields.
Now, if thats not a big deal....
It sounds like you guys could enjoy Omaha. Bowling is a popular activity around town and Omaha has nice shopping (lots of money in the city). I grew up there and was acquainted with a few Asians. I never really heard of any racial tension. Omaha can be a fairly cosmopolitan city for the Midwest. I also had a friend who moved to Omaha from San Diego and he preferred Omaha. Sounds like you guys would really enjoy Omaha. Midwest peeps are generally nice. I moved out west and noticed a lack of Midwest/Southern type of Hospitality. Omaha can be a cool place depending on your interests.
One more thing... I don't think its mentioned or recognized enough nationally, but Omaha:
Is a nice restaurant/foodie city. Many great places to eat. Many different styles of food are represented there. (Except HI plate lunch, which i've found in Oregon) Since leaving thats one element I miss. So if you two like going out to eat, you'll enjoy the options i'm sure.
Also, overall and not just because I grew up there, but I'd take Omaha over Kansas City any day.
Yes there are asian people in Omaha just like there are in any major city. I don't know what would make you think otherwise.
My sister in law's family is from Hawaii and they much prefer Omaha to Hawaii.
Politically You'll find it to be 55-45 with the left leaning views surging in number over the last decade (Thankfully ). It will largely depend on where in Omaha you live too. The city itself east of 72nd street is largely liberal and the other ares are mainly moderates and conservatives.
The city itself east of 72nd street is largely liberal and the other ares are mainly moderates and conservatives.
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). It will largely depend on where in Omaha you live too. The city itself east of 72nd street is largely liberal and the other ares are mainly moderates and conservatives.
