Omaha’s Local Economy
How is the economy going to effect my rent in Omaha?
Omaha is a $37-billion-plus economy and was recently ranked by KPMG as the midsize city with the most amicable tax structure to establish a business. According to the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraska and Omaha work force markets have been notably resilient with total employment indexing above the rest of the country.
What does that mean for you? Continued job growth and a favorable tax structure means Omaha will continue to grow tax revenues through attracting new businesses rather than through existing ones. This means rents are being raised at a rate lower than the national average. According to the latest U.S. census, monthly rent for a citizen in the U.S. is $651 per month. With a median of $537 per month, Omaha is well below the national average.
A growing job market and favorable business taxes are two more reasons apartments in Omaha, Nebraska are so sought-after in our economic climate. |
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Salons and Spas in Omaha
Are there any salons and spas in Omaha?
There are dozens of salons and spas in the Greater Omaha area. Ranging from day spas to full-service spas to full-service salon and spas, Omaha has your every need covered. With spas such as Sirens at the Loft in Old Market, voted “Best of the Big O” 3 years running and Jasmine Salon and Day Spa, one of the first full-service spas to open in Omaha, this city has plenty of options for anyone needing a haircut to an oxygen treatment.
There are many apartments in Omaha conveniently located near several salons and spas, and the Metro Area Transit, or MAT, is always accessible to several points in the Omaha Metropolitan area.
In fact, the competition is so fierce that some salons and spas offer discounts to new clients, students, neighborhood customers and senior citizens; just another perk to think about when searching for your Omaha apartment. |
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Pet-Friendly Apartments in Omaha
Do apartments in Omaha allow pets?
An outdoors delight, Omaha is naturally a pet-friendly city. Though a majority of the public parks are not pet-friendly, if you want your best friend to run through the clean prairie air leash-free, then take him to Hefflinger Dog Park. Located at 112th & West Maple Road, the park is Omaha’s first official dog park. The sixty-seven acre park is an enfolded outdoor domain designed for safe doggie play without the confines of a leash. There is a 5-acre “all-access area” and a separate 2-acre section for smaller dogs to play safely.
A pet-friendly apartment in Omaha typically charges a non-refundable pet fee of $250 to $350 along with a monthly pet fee ranging from $10 to $30 per month, depending on the size of the pet. There is usually a 2-pet maximum and the weight limit ranges from a maximum of 30 lbs. to 50lbs. depending on the apartment complex.
Omaha is a city committed to your pet's happiness; off-leash parks and pet-friendly apartments make finding a home an enjoyable experience. |
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Omaha, the River City
Moving to Omaha, where to get an apartment?
Settled along the Missouri River in the innermost region of the United States, Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska. Omaha’s population is over 430,000, making the city our nation’s 42nd largest. The Greater Omaha area has more than 1.2 million residents within a 50-mile radius of the city’s center. Even though you will experience all four seasons in Omaha, the city boasts some of the best summer nights in the country.
Apartments in Omaha are easy to find and the metro area transit system, or MAT, makes getting to work or finding a relaxing picnic spot along the Missouri easy. MAT reaches throughout the city and boasts seven park-and-rides for suburban commuters to take advantage of.
Omaha hosts some of the most unique attractions in the Midwest. Explore the world's largest indoor rainforest or shop in the Old Market district, which offers authentic cobblestone streets lined with restaurants, pubs, galleries and distinct nightlife. Omaha, Nebraska will suit all of your domestic needs. |
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The Old Market
What are apartments like in Old Market Omaha?
The Old Market Historic District is at the center of Omaha’s arts and entertainment district downtown. Old Market is filled with restaurants, art galleries and plenty of upscale shopping for even the most fastidious shopper. True to its name, the neighborhood preserves much of the late nineteenth century architecture, with brick-paved streets, refurbished brick warehouses and antique fashioned lampposts. While perusing the streets of Old Market, it's not irregular to see horse-drawn carriages, street entertainers or neighboring artists selling their wares.
Old Market Omaha apartments are especially appealing to young residents; however, being within walking distance to so many attractions comes with a premium price, so finding low-cost living is a challenge, though not impossible. Because of the city’s commitment to public transportation, this neighborhood is easily navigated without a personal vehicle. The downtown atmosphere, charming historic district and easy transportation make enjoying an Old Market apartment easy for any young professional. |
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Booming Bellevue, Nebraska
Places for young people to live in Omaha?
Bellevue, Nebraska is in the midst of an expansion boom and has seen its population grow by nearly fifty percent since the 1990s. Omaha is located just north of this city and Offutt Air Force Base lies to the south. Offutt Air Force Base is home to the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth and is represented by all branches of the military as well as federal civilians. The city overlooks the Missouri River to the east, and began as a fur post that was rooted by the Missouri Fur Company in the 1820s. The name Bellevue means “beautiful view,” which is an apt description for a place that offers 17 miles of hiking trails in the Fontenelle Forest and gorgeous views of the Missouri River.
Apartments in Bellevue are affordable and monthly rents range from the 400s to the low 800s, depending on size and location. With Bellevue’s growing economy and the opening of the Kennedy Freeway, a limited access highway that is linked to the interstate system, the Metro Area Transit (or MAT) makes the commute to downtown Omaha easy. With the continued expansion of both commercial and residential construction in the "beautiful view" area of Greater Omaha, housing options and amenities are plentiful. |
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Council Bluffs: Iowa’s Leading Edge
What are apartments like in Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs, Iowa is located just east of Omaha, Nebraska bordering the Missouri River. Named for the 1804 meeting of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with the Otoe tribe, Council Bluffs is rich with American Midwest history. Council Bluffs makes up part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area. Council Bluffs plays host to the only casino gaming facilities in the area including Harrah’s and The Horseshoe Casino. Try your luck at the tables, catch a show or dance the night away; there is plenty of nightlife in Council Bluffs.
Apartments in Council Bluffs are among the more affordable within the greater metropolitan area. Metropolitan Area Transit, or MAT, connects the two cities on the river with the ease of public transportation. Affordable living so close to Omaha, coupled with an exciting nightlife, makes Council Bluffs a popular choice among residents.
Council Bluffs is also a short distance to Lake Manawa State Park. The park's 1,529 acres encompass a beautiful 772-acre lake. Enjoy camping, fishing, boating, swimming and picnicking all just less than 3 miles from Council Bluffs. |
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The Heart of the Heartland: Downtown Omaha
What are apartments in downtown Omaha like?
Downtown Omaha is an amazing place to live with affordable apartments around every corner. Apartments in Downtown Omaha are surrounded with trendy restaurants, performing arts, shopping, museums and a multitude of outdoor activities. Experience the arts like never before from the Omaha Symphony to Shakespeare on the Green. Take the kids to the College World Series or the Omaha Children’s Museum. Downtown Omaha is truly the heart of the heartland.
Apartment living in downtown Omaha offers dwellings for everyone. Downtown has hi-rise, riverfront, modern loft layouts and art deco apartment styles for your choosing. Feel like walking? Try the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, connecting your downtown digs to Council Bluffs for some casino excitement. While everything is walking distance away, the Metro Area Transit, or MAT, services much of the downtown area as well as neighboring Council Bluffs. |
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Destination: Midtown
Where in Omaha, NE can I find an apartment for under $400/mo?
Midtown is home to the famous Warren Buffett – the Oracle of Omaha. The richest man in world bought a house in the Dundee-Happy Hollow Historic District for $31,500, noted as being Omaha’s first suburb, and he still lives there today, proof that this neighborhood has staying power. But you don’t have to be a billionaire to live here, just patient and resilient in finding an affordable apartment.
Apartments in midtown Omaha are affordable as well, with prices falling under $400 in some areas. Being so close to downtown has major advantages for those wanting to be near the action but also require a suburban dwelling. Enjoy the large open space of Hanscom Park, located near the southeast corner of Midtown. There is a fishing pond located in the middle of the park as well as significant changes in the elevation that add to the scenery.
Due to Midtown's location, directly west of downtown, the area is easily accessible to the Metro Area Transit, or MAT. If you live and work in Midtown, the area is easily navigated on foot and by using the MAT. |
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Relax in Northwest Omaha
Where can I find an aparment in Northwest Omaha?
Northwest Omaha is a perfect area to find an apartment. Its proximity to downtown and surrounding highways make living here very accessible for commuters. The Metro Area Transit, or MAT, regularly runs routes through this area.
Apartments in Northwest Omaha are primarily located in the southern part of the area. Omaha Country Club borders the northern part with Benson Park bordering the south; Elkhorn, Omaha is the western border with 72nd street on the east. Northwest Omaha apartments are in abundance so take your time and find a right fit for you.
Northwest is so close to downtown, renters will get that downtown feel without a downtown price tag. From friendly local sports bars to outdoor activities, this area is a great place to call home. |
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Enjoy the Outdoors in Southwest Omaha
Apartments in southwest Omaha?
Southwest Omaha covers 15.5 square miles and the population is slightly over 35,000. Its proximity to downtown makes it very accessible to a multitude of modern highways, a benefit to commuters. Several golf courses call this neighborhood home including Tara Hills and Johnny Goodman Golf Courses and Oak Hills Country Club. Southwest Omaha also has Zorinsky Lake Park. The lake's surface area is 255 acres and the park offers two playgrounds, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a football field, hiking and bicycling trails and a fishing pier.
Apartments in Southwest Omaha are easily found and have an abundance to offer any renter. From golf course rental communities and lakeside rentals to pet-friendly living, Southwest Omaha has an apartment for you. Prices range from the low 400s to the mid-1000s for some dwellings, boasting fireplaces and two-car garages. Renting in this area is a challenge with all the choices, so get ready to be picky.
If quiet, spacious apartment living is what you are seeking, Southwest Omaha is your neighborhood. |
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Papillion/La Vista/Ralston Area
Where can I find an apartment in the suburbs of Omaha?
Papillion/La Vista/Ralston area help make up the best-kept secret Omaha living has to offer. Papillion was voted #6 of the “Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine in the 2007 Great American Towns issue. For the most part, it was due to the growing local economy as well as the abundant outdoor recreation. Papillion’s parks make up almost 30% of the town and include a network of bike trails that connect to Omaha’s 120-mile system, according to Money Magazine.
Apartments in Papillion/La Vista/Ralston areas are affordable but not in abundance. With close proximity to Offutt Air Force Base and a buzzing outdoor environment, this area of Greater Omaha is highly sought after - a true suburb experience.
This area is perfect for military personnel wanting to live off base with a short commute, or an outdoor enthusiast searching for their Mecca. Although you should always take your time finding the right place for you, if you find something you like in this area, prepare to sign a lease - fast. |
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Outskirts of Omaha
Where can I find apartments in the surrounding Omaha area?
There are many surrounding Omaha communities to take advantage of in the area. La Vista and Ralston are some of the options to the west of Omaha. La Vista is the newest city in Nebraska, incorporated in 1960, and it is growing fast. Ralston shares its southern border with La Vista and is considered part of the fastest growing area in Sarpy County, Nebraska. Sarpy County is one of the five Nebraska counties that make up the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area.
Apartments in surrounding Omaha areas are easy to find and coveted due to their vast parks and recreation areas. Outdoor enthusiasts will be more than pleased with the 59 parks sprinkled throughout the counties' 247 square miles. Outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, playgrounds, baseball, football and soccer can all be played in this outdoor haven.
The surrounding Omaha areas offer suburban living within bustling metropolis. |
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Finding the Best and Cheapest Apartments in Omaha Metro Area
Where can I find the best and cheapest apartment in Omaha Metro Area?
When searching for an apartment, the first thing renters should do is make a list of the things they want. What is it that you want as a renter? Do you want to live close to nightlife? Do you want to be close to outdoor activities? Do you want the shortest commute possible? Or do you want to be far from work, and commute? All these questions will determine where you will start to search for your next Omaha rental.
After those questions are answered, you need to come up with a budget. Most renters should already have a budget in mind, but you need to come up with a high and low number, excluding utilities, to determine what you are able to afford. Having a budget and a list of what you are looking for in hand will help narrow your search in Omaha.
Keep in mind when searching for an apartment to think outside the box. For example, if you want to live downtown without necessarily hearing the traffic all day, then a hi-rise is probably what you need. If you prefer an outdoors environment, but don't necessarily enjoy a long commute to work in downtown, try looking in areas that are closer, but have a suburban look and feel with parks and recreation – like Midtown.
Wherever you choose to live, to find the best and cheapest rentals in Omaha, understand where and what you are bargain hunting for. |
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Places to Work in Omaha, Nebraska
What places are there to work in Omaha, Nebraska?
Omaha’s economy is diverse and built on professional labor. In 2001, Newsweek magazine honored Omaha as one of the Top 10 high-tech cities in the United States. The city houses five Fortune 500 companies: Union Pacific Corporation, ConAgra Foods, Peter Kiewit & Sons, Inc., Mutual of Omaha Companies and Berkshire Hathaway, the company headed by the legendary Oracle of Omaha and richest man in the world, Warren Buffett.
In addition, Omaha, Nebraska hosts four Fortune 1000 companies: TD Ameritrade, Valmont Industries, West Corporation and Werner Enterprises. Three of the globe's top thirty engineering and architectural firms call Omaha home as well.
High-tech companies have operations or headquarters in Omaha as well like PayPal (an eBay company), Hewlett Packard, First Data, LinkedIn, Bank of the West and soon to be Yahoo!.
Located over the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, the gaming industry is thriving with large gaming facilities like Harrah’s Casino & Hotel, Horseshoe Casino, Ameristar Casino and Harvey’s Casino Hotel. Many Nebraska rentals will put you minutes from all this! |
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Places to Go in Nebraska
Are there places to go in Nebraska?
What is there to see in Nebraska? Nebraska is an outdoor sanctuary for nature and historical enthusiasts. The state is sprinkled with scenic and historical byways making road trips easily navigated and planned. From the 385 Gold Rush byway route to the Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway route, Nebraska rentals are primed for your quick getaway needs.
Hunting anyone? Hunting in Nebraska is as common as cabs in New York City. With over 180,000 acres of public access land, your inner hunter can be let loose on the open prairies on Nebraska. Nebraska has a wide range of hunting opportunities with big game hunting like deer, bighorn sheep, elk and pronghorn antelope to small game like foxes to game birds like pheasant, turkey, duck, goose, quail, grouse, partridge, snipe and woodcock. Fishing is also abundant in Nebraska. There are more than 100 species of fish living in the state's bodies of water.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or weekend getaway escape artist, Nebraska has plenty of places to go. |
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Section 8 Apartments in Omaha
Are there Section 8 apartments in Omaha?
According to the Omaha Housing Authority (OHA), their district encompasses the cities of Omaha, Ralston, Papillion, LaVista, Millard County and the county of Douglas. Applicants may reside in any Omaha rental in the aforementioned areas that meet the Housing Choice Voucher standard. If you are not familiar with Section 8 or how the program works we suggest you visit their website.
Affordable living in Omaha is abundant and OHA is committed to subsidizing leases for those who qualify for assistance. Before you can consider speaking to a leaser regarding Section 8, you must first go through the approval process with the housing authority. The sooner you apply the better; there could possibly be a waiting list.
The OHA strongly recommends that an approved lessee search for apartments outside economically distraught neighborhoods. Once approved with the housing authority, a lessee may relocate anywhere in America that offers a Housing Choice Voucher program. |
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Utility Costs in Omaha, Nebraska
What are utility costs like in Omaha, Nebraska?
Nebraska is the only public power state in the U.S. and ranks in the top five for lowest electric utilities. The national average kilowatt-hour, or kWh, is 9.4 cents compared to Nebraska’s 7.3 cents. Not only does Nebraska have these impressive bragging rights, it is also among our nation’s leaders in alternative renewable energy.
Nebraska ranks sixth in the country in wind energy opportunity. Nebraska currently has 73 operational wind turbines with a total capacity of about 153 megawatts. The average annual production could power roughly 47,000 homes. According to the 2007 United States census, that is close to 17% of Nebraska’s total housing units.
Although Nebraska is known for its agriculture and livestock farming, this state is now making a name for itself in Wind Farming. Low utility costs in Nebraska rentals do not seem on the rise anytime soon with this forward-thinking Great Plains state. |
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University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO)
Are there apartments near the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO)?
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is located in the southern part of downtown. The university is among the three largest institutions of higher education in Nebraska and was founded as the University of Omaha at the turn of the last century. The university altered its name after being absorbed into the University of Nebraska system in the late 1960s. The university is composed of three campuses: Dodge Street, Pacific Street and Center Street. The Dodge Street and Pacific Street campuses are connected via Elmwood Park Road and divided by Elmwood Park.
Nebraska apartments near the University of Nebraska at Omaha are more than affordable for students wanting to be off campus but near school. Whether you are attending classes or going to see the Mavericks play in the big football game, navigating through downtown Omaha is simple with Metro Area Transit, or MAT. Buses run regularly through Dodge Street, Pacific Street and Center Street campuses. |
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