2023 Best Places to Live in the Omaha Area

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 4.46 out of 5  68 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived here my whole life and I've enjoyed the people and community immensely. The people genuinely seem to care about others and there are lots of small businesses and shops and activities to get involved with. There are lots of things for children. The schools are very good in my experience, the teachers and administrators seem to genuinely care about those they serve. There are lots of opportunities for growth whether that be personally, academically or otherwise. There is a myriad of activities to do for fun, as well.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 23,875

• City in Nebraska

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,293 reviews

Other: Pretty big downtown area, and it has a big stadium where lots of concerts and baseball games are held! I watched Creighton college's game once, it has decent facilities as well. Big suburb area, that provides good schools! Some areas are very expensive, but mostly it is affordable housings.... Read 1,293 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 488,059

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 3.26 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: I love the Chalco area! Houses are in a variety of price ranges. There are plenty of places for kids to be active. We love walking around Wierspan Lake in the Chalco area. It is close to the interstate, which makes it easy to get to various places in the city. Great shopping centers are close by. Nebraska Crossing Outlets are right off of the interstate by Gretna. Oakview Mall is just a few miles away. There is an excellent indoor soccer facility and volleyball courts facility in the area as well. It really is a nice neighborhood right outside the city!... Read 34 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 10,688

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: We built a home 2 years ago in Gretna and have really enjoyed our decision to live here! Currently not many good food options but I do feel like with the current growth rate we will see a lot of new things showing up soon. Neighborhoods are always lively and kids are always playing outside. Love that paved sidewalks are common here.... Read 19 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 5,106

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  35 reviews

Current Resident: La Vista is a beautiful place. Despite being something like 80-85 percent white (and probably higher than that), we do claim the title of most diverse city in Sarpy County. Their is currently a huge redevelopment going on with the final phase not expected to be complete for another, like, 10 or 20 years. There is a lot happening in this pleasant little Nebraska community. If you'd like a fantastic place to raise your kids, this would be it.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 16,786

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 3.98 out of 5  186 reviews

Current Resident: I absolutely love Bellevue, NE. It is an extremely safe area. I wake up to the sound of birds in the morning and see families on evening walks every single day. All of the residents are Midwest polite and will offer help without being asked. If you want to step outside to take the trash out and be greeted by neighbors looking for a friendly afternoon chat this is the place to be. I couldn't say how many times I've accidently left my garage door open all day long and returned with everything untouched. Going for a jog or walk but don't want to carry your house keys? No problem! I regularly step out for some exercise while leaving my place unlocked without a worry in the world. It is a beautiful area with plenty of wide walking paths that hug gorgeous creeks. I've never been more impressed with living in the city. Bellevue has that homey safe feeling while being within minutes of the big city life.... Read 186 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 62,888

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 4.43 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: Bennington is a great small town for families or for people who want to start families. Just 15 minutes from Omaha and 30 minutes from downtown Omaha. There are elementary schools within the town and a junior and senior high school. There are many nice houses and activities that you can enjoy while in Bennington! It is not very diverse, however it is a growing community so it will be soon!... Read 21 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 2,257

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  15 reviews

Former Resident: Actually, if you're gonna live in Nebraska, Ralston is Awesome. Conveniently located to everything. Not so much crime as other areas have. Nice quiet lil' town. Every town has it's drug problems and stragglers, but aside those who try to dirty it up and ruin it, this is a cozy place to call "Home".... Read 15 reviews

• grade B+

• grade C+

• Population 6,453

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: We really enjoy living in Waterloo because it is just far enough from Omaha to be away from the big-city life, but close enough if we wanted to do something. We'd like to have the convenience of a grocery store that is in our town, but we appreciate the isolation, so it's a trade-off. It would also be nice if there was a public golf course in Waterloo or Elkhorn, but there are a few public links opportunities that are a bit further away.... Read 1 review

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 1,022

• Town in Iowa

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  Rating 3.48 out of 5  147 reviews

Current Resident: I’ve grown up in Council Bluffs. I love that it an over all family friendly town. And have great community support and outreach. I just wish there were more activities or places to go/ things to do. It’s all houses and businesses. I’d love more places like the Hub bounce park and the pirate mini golf!... Read 147 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 62,617

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 3.63 out of 5  38 reviews

Current Resident: I have been a resident of Plattsmouth my whole life. I absolutely love the small town community with a larger metropolis just minutes away. Plattsmouth will always be in my heart!... Read 38 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 6,558

• Suburb in Iowa

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  Rating 1 out of 5  1 review

• grade B minus

• grade C

• Population 3,796

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: Valley, NE is a very small town. I was born here and my family is all from this town. Everyone knows each other and it's the perfect size. There are many activities and perfect walking trails around the small town. We have one school in Valley. Douglas Community West High School, has been around for a long time. My parents went here and now I do too. It is my Senior year and I am very excited to see where it takes me after high school. You can catch everyone at the Friday Night football games cheering on our small town school. We take pride in our small town and how safe it makes us feel. I used to live in a neighborhood in Valley, now I live a little bit outside of town. You can't really do small town things when you go to a big school, so that is one reason I love our community. We just had homecoming week and did a parade for it and everything. We have many traditions that we have kept up with for the longest time. There are still historic pieces in town.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 2,982

• Suburb in Iowa

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  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 9,001

• Town in Iowa

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 1,351

• Suburb in Iowa

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  Rating 3.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Niche User: Where I currently live there is no crime in my neighborhood, but other places in my hometown there are places where crime does occur.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 12,605

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Works Here: I love my small town. If someone is in need the whole town comes together and steps up. This is a generous and loving community. Very much like a family.... Read 1 review

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 1,556

• Town in Nebraska

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 1,952

• Town in Nebraska

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 691

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 2.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: Yutan’s school system is great and has a very child friendly environment. Yutan doesn’t have many stores but Omaha is 15 min away. Yutan has some of the highest test scores in the state. I’m happy I chose my child to live here.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Population 1,304

• Suburb in Iowa

• grade B minus

• grade C

• Population 52,433

• Town in Iowa

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 1,451

• Town in Nebraska

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Population 399

• Town in Iowa

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: Great small little farm town close to a large city. Award winning elementary school. Everyone knows everyone and people are not afraid to smile and welcome a stranger.... Read 1 review

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 742

• Suburb in Iowa

• grade C

• grade C+

• Population 1,046