Living in Omaha: What to Know Before You Move

Most Americans have heard of “Minnesota Nice,” but not “Nebraska Nice.” It’s an attitude of genuine politeness and courtesy and a major highlight of living in Omaha. New arrivals are often struck by how kind, helpful, and approachable everyone is. In Omaha, it’s not uncommon for people to strike up conversations with total strangers on the street or at a restaurant. It’s a large town, but the warm attitude gives the place a real sense of community. However, the cordial atmosphere isn’t the only reason people are happy living here. In addition to the friendly residents, there are a lot of other reasons why Americans are excited about moving to Omaha.

Low Cost of Living

Omaha is one of America’s most affordable cities. Residents pay almost ten percent less than the rest of the country for necessities such as food, gas, groceries, utilities, and healthcare. Housing is even more affordable. Though the market is trending upward, as of 2024, the average home costs only $290,000, compared to a national average of $362,000. Apartments range from $700-$2000 per month, with the average unit going for around $1,200, or $500 below the national average.

Resilient Job Market

Unemployment isn’t a problem in Omaha. The city’s jobless rate hasn’t risen above six percent in the past 25 years, not even during the 2008 Financial Crisis or the 2020 COVID Pandemic. In fact, unemployment hasn’t exceeded the national average even once since 1999, thanks largely to the diverse economy, which includes a surprising number of large companies and major industries.

• Logistics. Thanks to its central location, Omaha is a vital transport link between the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western United States. It’s home to the Union Pacific Railroad, one of the largest rail networks in the country. Millions of tons of cargo moves through the city every year, with a corresponding demand for drivers, engineers, and freight handlers.
• Finance. Omaha is one of the largest financial centers in the Midwest. It’s the headquarters for First National Bank of Omaha, the largest privately held bank in the United States, as well as insurance giants Mutual of Omaha and WoodmenLife. It’s also the head office for Berkshire Hathaway, one of the wealthiest investment firms in the world.
• Agriculture. Most of the food produced on the farms outside Omaha is sent here for processing. Local companies such as Viterra, AG Processing Inc., and Greater Omaha Packing buy, store, trade, and ship thousands of tons of crops and livestock to markets all over the world.
• Manufacturing. Most of Omaha’s heavy industry is based around farming and construction machinery, but its proximity to Offutt Air Force Base has also made it a major supplier of aerospace equipment, mostly through Lockheed Martin.

In addition to its traditional businesses, Omaha has a small but growing tech industry focused on software development, network administration, cybersecurity, and IT. Startups and established tech companies are drawn to the area by its skilled workforce and the low overhead.

Great Place to Raise Kids

Omaha is a great fit for families. Childcare is inexpensive and the friendly neighborhoods instill a real sense of belonging, even among newcomers. The city has excellent schools as well. Strong academics, robust extracurricular activities, and special education programs make Omaha public schools a popular choice for students of all interests and abilities.

Small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios ensure every child receives plenty of personal instruction. The district offers advanced placement courses, as well as career and technical classes for older children. There is also a mix of private and parochial schools, with challenging curriculum designed to propel students into higher education. Omaha has the 10th lowest private tuition in the nation. One of the reasons why sixteen percent of Omaha students attend a private school, compared with around ten percent nationwide.

Kids aren’t always enthusiastic about education, but they love the city's attractions. Parents looking for ways to entertain their children certainly don’t lack for options, such as:

• Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Voted the number one zoo in America. Explore a fully enclosed desert, a massive nocturnal habitat, and an underwater kelp forest, and get up close to a wide range of exotic animals, including alligators, orangutans, and sea lions.
• Amazing Pizza Machine. Experience 60,000 square feet of indoor fun, with games, rides, go-karts, laser tag, and a virtual reality play area.
• Omaha Children’s Museum. Gives children a chance to learn about their world through a series of exciting, hands-on exhibits designed to stir their imagination.
• Rose Theater. Stages thrilling and hilarious productions for kids of all ages in a fully restored theater from the golden days of vaudeville.

Farm Fresh Food

Few cities eat as well as Omaha. Beef is Nebraska’s largest industry and practically all of it passes through Omaha, America’s biggest meat packer for the past 75 years. As a result, the city has access to some of the choicest cuts of meat in the country. Its steakhouses are top-notch, famous for their rib-eye, porterhouses, and prime rib with impeccable marbling, texture, and flavor.

But fresh meat isn’t the only advantage of living in Omaha. Its proximity to so much verdant farmland gives it access to a wide range of fresh produce as well. You’ll find local ingredients in everything from pizza to salad to biscuits and French fries. Many of the city’s ice cream parlors even source their products from local dairies.

Short times from farm to table not only reduces spoilage; it improves flavor. Food is served at peak ripeness, often within 24 hours of harvesting, eliminating the need for preservatives and freezing. So whether you prefer eating out or eating in, you can be certain of a good meal.

Top Beer City

The number of breweries in Omaha has exploded in recent years. Thirsty residents have their choice of hand-crafted brews: malts, stouts, sours, lagers, and IPAs. A few places have even experimented with exotic concoctions such as jalapeno ales and espresso infused beer. Most brews are locally sourced and fermented on-site, part of Omaha’s farm to feast lifestyle.

Lots to Do and See

Omaha might have started out as a sleepy farming community, but there’s nothing sleepy about it now. The town is bustling with activity. No matter where you look, you’re sure to discover something exciting. For new arrivals eager to get out and explore, a few of the city’s must-see attractions include:

• Old Market. The core of Downtown Omaha, a recognized landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Its cobblestone streets and early 20th-century architecture look like something out of a postcard. Packed with theaters, museums, shopping boutiques, and concert halls, it’s the place for fun on the weekend.
• Riverfront. Along the Missouri River, you’ll find 70 acres of parkland offering spectacular views of the city skyline and huge, rolling fields where you can spread out and relax. Playgrounds, jogging paths, and dog parks make this the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Don’t miss the summer concerts, held from July through September.
• Hot Shops Art Center. A collective for artists experimenting with glass, metal, and ceramics. Check out the incredible work being done or sign up for a class and learn how to express yourself with glassblowing and sculpture.
• Omaha Fashion Week. A showcase where emerging and established designers explore the latest style trends. Experience the glitz and glamor as artists from all over the world descend on Omaha to present their latest, eye-catching creations.
• Omaha City River Rodeo. Celebrate the city’s western heritage with modern-day cowboys as they rope, ride, and wrestle Nebraska’s orneriest calves, steers, and broncos.
• NCAA Men's College World Series. One of the oldest sporting events in the United States, each June the Men’s College World Series brings together some of the best young athletes in America for ten days of incredible baseball action.

Moving to Omaha

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