If you’re searching for a new home in Nebraska, the Omaha suburbs might be just the ticket. But with so many great options, where do you even begin your home search?
Omaha’s suburbs are fantastic when it comes to relocating to start a family, being a young professional in a new city, or moving to a new state as an older retired couple. We have put together a list of the 12 best Omaha suburbs to meet your unique needs!
Ready to search for Omaha real estate? There are plenty of great options to consider for all types of lifestyles. Keep reading for details.
Gretna
Population: 5,106
Median Income: $85,476
Median Home Price: $194K
Gretna is a suburb of south Omaha that ranks highly as one of the top places to raise a family in Nebraska. Gretna ranks as one of the best suburbs to buy a house in Nebraska and one of the best suburbs to live for renters, with 35% of residents renting their property and 65% of residents owning their homes.
The main features of Gretna are the Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop, Gretna High School, Courtship Maze, Raydale Park, and Merkland Cross. People who live here enjoy going to the Gretna Green to hang out with their family, take photos at the Sculpture Courtyard, and eat at one of the outdoor dining options.
The Gretna real estate market indicates a 13% increase in home prices, with most homes selling within 84 days on the market. The housing market is pretty competitive, with the average home selling for 3% below list price.
Papillion
Population: 23,875
Median Income: $38,657
Median Home Price: $231.6K
Papillion is a suburb and one of the largest cities in south Omaha. It features tons of things to do for families, such as Halleck Park, Papio Fun Park, Prairie Queen Recreation Area, Werner Park, Papillion Landing Community Recreation Center, and Walnut Creek Recreation Area. The majority of residents here are young professionals and families.
This community ranks highly due to the family-friendly atmosphere, crime and safety ratings, public school system, outdoor activities, and overall quality of life. Papillon ranks at the very top as one of the best places to live in Nebraska, raise a family, and suburbs in the state.
Papillion is part of the Papillion-La Vista Public School District and features 15 elementary schools, two high schools, and three middle schools.
The Papillion real estate market in Papillion shows an increase in housing prices up by 1.2% since last year, with most homes selling after just 4 days on the market. The housing market here is extremely competitive, with the average home selling for 2% above the list price.
Bellevue
Population: 62,888
Median Income: $35,169
Median Home Price: $179.3K
Bellevue is a south Omaha suburb on the banks of the Missouri River. Bellevue is one of the top suburbs to move to in Nebraska due to the suburban vibe, ample parks, and lively young professional atmosphere. The main features of Bellevue are:
- The Fontenelle Forest
- Bellevue Berry
- Pumpkin Ranch
- Sarpy County Museum
- TreeRush Adventures
- Willow Lakes Golf Course
- Offutt Base Lake Recreation Area
- Gifford Farm Education Center.
The main schools in this area are a part of the Bellevue Public School, Omaha Public School, Springfield Platteview Community, and Papillion-La Vista Community school district.
The Bellevue real estate market indicates a 12.3% increase since last year, with the majority of homes selling in just under five days on the market. The housing market here is very competitive, with most homes selling for list price and hot homes selling for 3% above the list price.
There are mostly single-family homes for sale in Bellevue, Nebraska, with most dwellings located near Bellevue University and Fontenelle Forest.
La Vista
Population: 16,786
Median Income: $36,631
Median Home Price: $240K
La Vista is an affordable suburb in Sarpy county, a few miles southwest of the city center that provides a suburban vibe, numerous family-owned homes, and young professionals. This area ranks highly in terms of the best suburb for young professionals and diversity in the entire state.
The main attractions of this area are Lucky Bucket Brewing Co., Infinite Loop VR, Kros Strain Brewing, Nebraska Brewing Company, and other restaurants. This neighborhood features tons of restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, and cafes that are great for young adults.
This neighborhood features four elementary schools in the Papillion-LaVista Public School system, one middle school on Edgewood Boulevard, and one high school (Papillion-La Vista Senior High School). There are also private schools in this area of south Omaha.
The La Vista real estate market had a 6.8% decrease since last year, with most homes selling for around $240K. The housing market here is very competitive, with the average home selling for 2% above the list price and selling in under six days.
Bennington
Population: 2,257
Median Income: $87,500
Median Home Price: $435K
Want to get away from big-city life? Bennington is a peaceful north Omaha suburb considered one of the best places to raise a family in Douglas County due to the low-key suburban feel and high-rated public school system. Bennington is also just 17 miles west of Downtown.
The main features of Bennington are Johns-Bohn Park, Bennington Baseball – Softball Complex, Prairie View Lake & Rec Area, Bennington Elementary School, Bennington Middle School, Bennington High School, Bennington Lake, and Tim Ohrt Park.
The Bennington real estate market experienced a 0.7% value increase since last year, with most homes selling in under one month on the market. The housing market is competitive, with most homes selling in under 28 days and for around the list price.
Ralston
Population: 6,453
Median Income: $34,835
Median Home Price: $233.8K
Ralston is a suburb and a separate city in southwest Omaha highly coveted in terms of housing, nightlife, diversity, and family-friendly vibe. This area is ranked as one of the top locations for older couples and retirees to purchase a house or settle down in Nebraska. The main features of Ralston are:
- The Omaha Lancers hockey team
- Liberty First Credit Union Arena
- Bergan Mercy Hospital
- Entrap Games escape room
- Fun-Plex Water Park & Rides
- Approach Climbing Gym
- Bushwackers Saloon Dance Hall
There are also several parks in and around Ralston for residents that appreciate living surrounded by nature and with plenty of outdoor activities right outside their door. Parks in this city include:
- Oak Park
- Wilderwood Park
- Ralston Park
- Ponderosa Park
- Seymour Smith Park
Ralston is home to the Ralston Public School system, featuring Ralston High School, Wildewood Elementary School, Seymour Elementary School, Ralston Middle School, and numerous other public institutions. There are also private schools in Ralston like Saint Gerald Catholic School and some Montessori options.
Ralston real estate has declined in price 2.7% since last year, but most homes are selling in under 20 days on the market, which is a sign of a healthy, seller’s friendly housing market.
Benson
Population: 23,469
Median Income: $62,240
Median Home Price: $180K
Benson is a historic neighborhood in northwest Omaha, traversed by Maple St. It features the Benson Commercial Historic District, historical architecture, commercial buildings, Masonic Temple, Bank of Benson, B.H. Post Building, and many others. Benson is part of Douglas County and is situated just four miles away from downtown Omaha.
This neighborhood is home to Harrison Elementary School, Benson West Elementary School, Benson High School, Gallagher Park, Beercade, The Sydney, and The Waiting Room Lounge.
The Benson real estate market has shown a steady increase in the median listing home price over the past three years, with the homeprice increasing from below $140K to approximately $180K.
Dundee
Population: 7,163
Median Income: $107,833
Median Home Price: $237K
Dundee is part of the Dundee-Happy Hollow Historic District in Omaha, located between Harney Street, Hamilton Street, Happy Hollow Boulevard, and 46th Street. It borders the grounds of the University of Nebraska.
This neighborhood is home to historical parks, the Omaha Public School district, Brownell-Talbot School, Omaha Central High School, and Harrison Elementary School.
The main features of Dundee are Memorial Park, Elmwood Park, Dundee Theatre, Dundee Dell, Dundee Presbyterian Church, Dundee Community Garden, and Warren Buffet’s home.
The Dundee real estate market is very competitive, with most homes selling after 26 days on the market.
Aksarben
Population: 5,359
Median Income: $80,604
Median Home Price: $224K
Aksarben Village is a neighborhood in central Omaha that has room for research centers, business offices, retail shops, and entertainment spaces. Along with the amenities, Aksarben Village also features 500 accommodation units in two apartment complexes. Amenities in this area include:
- Elmwood 18 Hole Golf Course
- Memorial Park
- Omaha VA Medical Center
- Stinson Park
- Peter Kiewit Institute
- Washington Elementary School
The median age for men and women in Aksarben is around 36 years old, showing how young professionals and young couples live here. Around 32% of people here are a part of family households, with most households containing an average of five people.
The Aksarben Village real estate market shows a 2% drop in housing prices. However, Aksarben-Elmwood Park neighborhood homes sell in less than one week on the market, with the majority of homes selling for 1% above list price.
Valley
Population: 2,982
Median Income: $66,923
Median Home Price: $336K
Valley is a small town in west Omaha that has a more suburban and rural feel, making it a great spot for families and individuals who want a low-crime and family-friendly town with a laid-back atmosphere.
This neighborhood is well known for its calm vibe, tree-lined streets, favorable education systems, and ample shopping and restaurant opportunities. The main features of Valley are:
- Valley City Park
- Ginger Cove
- Valley High School
- Mallard Lake
- The Pines Country Club.
The real estate in Valley are mostly spacious suburban homes priced at a median of around $336K. There’s also plenty of new construction homes in this suburb, so if you want to move to a new home in Nebraska, this might be the ideal location for you.
Old Market
Population: 2,087
Median Income: $80,629
Median Home Price: $463K
The Old Market District is a historic neighborhood in the heart of Omaha home to boutiques, shopping centers, eateries, galleries, cultural attractions, and renovated homes. The best options for young professionals, couples, and new families looking for a bustling, urban lifestyle.
The main features of this era include the ample restaurants, Orpheum Theater, and proximity to the Heartland of America Park at the Riverfront, Gene Leahy Mall at the RiverFront, and Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. In addition locals enjoy proximity to:
- Conagra Lake
- Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts
- Cool Cole Theater.
The Old Market District real estate market indicates a 0.96% decline in price from last year, with most homes selling in less than 60 days on the market.
Ashland
Population: 3,099
Median Income: $32,114
Median Home Price: $695K
Ashland is a suburban town in Saunders County that is known as one of the best places to live in the state due to the high rankings in terms of nightlife, crime and safety, family-friendly vibe, and housing options.
The main features of Ashland are the downtown shopping stores and restaurants, Holy Family Shrine, STrategic Air Command Museum, Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park, Cellar 426 Winery, and Glacial Till Tasting Room.
The top schools in this neighborhood are Ashland Greenwood Elementary School, Ashland Greenwood Middle School, and Ashland Greenwood High School.
The Ashland real estate market shows that housing prices have increased by nearly 75% year over year, with the average price increasing from below $250K to over $690K in around three years.
Frequently Asked Questions: Omaha Suburbs
There are many frequently asked questions that can help homeowners find the best Omaha suburbs and neighborhoods to look for properties.
What housing options are available in Omaha?
There are numerous housing options available in Omaha, such as public housing, affordable housing, and typical housing. The average cost of homes for sale in Omaha, NE, comes to $350,835 per year, which is $1,145 in rent per month.
What is the best place to live in Omaha?
Some of the best neighborhoods and suburbs to live in Omaha are:
- Aksarben and Morton Meadows
- Dundee
- The Old Market
- Papillon
- Downtown Omaha
- Elkhorn
- Chalco.
What is the wealthiest neighborhood in Omaha?
The wealthiest neighborhoods in Omaha are Regency, Linden park, Old Loveland, Fairacres, The Ridges, and Westside.
The median real estate cost in Regency comes to just under $730K, which is more expensive than 86% of homes in the United States.
Is it worth moving to Omaha, Nebraska?
Omaha Nebraska has many positives when it comes to relocating to a new city. This bustling capital is home to a low cost of living, low-priced housing, delicious culinary experiences, great craft beer breweries, and laid-back atmosphere.
Is it cheaper to live in Omaha or Lincoln Nebraska?
Lincoln is slightly more expensive than Omaha, Nebraska. Lincoln is 1.9% more expensive. Lincoln is more expensive in terms of food, groceries, healthcare, median home cost, and miscellaneous. Omaha is more expensive in terms of utilities, housing, and transportation.
Is Omaha in Tornado Alley?
Omaha is in the Northern part of Tornado Alley. Tornado season is usually between April and June in the summer months.
What is the weather like in Omaha?
Omaha is home to humid and warm summers, freezing and snowy winters, and partly cloudy weather in the spring and fall seasons.
Final Thoughts
If you are unsure of where to purchase a home in Nebraska, check out this comprehensive list. Search for real estate by signing up to get alerts of new homes, condos for sale and other listings when they come on the market.
We guarantee that our agents can help you find the house of your dreams, so if you need additional help when relocating to Omaha, contact a local eXp agent today.
