18 Pros and Cons of Living in Omaha, NE

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Omaha, NE is well-known for its welcoming atmosphere, bustling economy, and assorted cuisine.

There’s nearly a half a million people that live in Omaha.

However, even with there being so many people, it still gives off a small-town vibe.

But, just like any other place in the world, Omaha also has its benefits and downsides.

If you’re thinking about moving to Omaha, it’s critical that you are well aware of what to expect.

So, with that being said, read on to learn about the pros and cons of living in Omaha, NE.

Pros of Living in Omaha, NE

1. Affordable Living

Omaha, NE is affordable for those who live here.

The cost of living here is 4% below the national average.

Omaha also has an index of 89.8 for affordability.

On average, you can expect to pay $805 for a one-bedroom, while the average price of a house is $270,450.

Even though the housing market is a bit wishy-washy, you will still manage to save quite a bit in Omaha.

2. Low Unemployment Rates

Another perk of living in Omaha is the low unemployment rate of 2.1%.

In fact, Omaha has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the entire country.

Unemployment is so low in the city because many big companies are easily attracted to it.

A town with a low unemployment rate is beneficial for businesses looking to expand and grow.

But, not only is Omaha a great place to start a business, you could also find a job very easily here.

3. Many Attractions

Whether you’re looking for something to do by yourself or with a group of individuals, you’ll be sure to find it in Omaha.

For example, if you have children, you can take a visit to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha.

If you love art, you can take a trip to the Joslyn Art Museum.

Do you adore nature?

If so, Lauritzen Gardens has beautiful flowers and much more.

The list of things to do in Omaha is endless.

4. Friendly People

It’s been said that the people living in Omaha are accommodating and friendly.

This is true, for the most part. Omaha has a diverse community of residents all of whom are accepting and un-prejudiced.

With that being said, it doesn’t make a difference whether you are from here or not.

If you are an easy-going, approachable person, you will find it simple to make new friends in Omaha.

5. Not a lot of Traffic

Compared to other big cities, Omaha does not have a lot of traffic.

So, if you commute to and from work, you’ll be glad to hear that you won’t spend as much time sitting in traffic.

Omaha rarely sees any congestion.

This enables you to travel across the town in a matter of minutes.

6. Good Food

Omaha has a variety of excellent culinary options.

You will find dishes from all over the world in Omaha.

It’s obvious that Omaha is known for its steaks and burgers.

Furthermore, many chefs from big cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City are flocking to Omaha to open up restaurants.

This is because Omaha has a promising industry in the world of culinary.

Some of the most well-known restaurants in Omaha include Society 1851, The Hoppy Taco, and Virtuoso Pizzeria.

7. Good Future Outlook

Due to the consistent increase in population, Omaha will always remain an important location for residents to live and work in.

You won’t have to worry about many people leaving Omaha in the near future.

In fact, the population in Omaha has been increasing significantly over the past 10 years.

This is a tell-tale sign that the city is becoming more and more attractive to other U.S. citizens.

More people are flocking to Omaha to experience the low property costs and better quality of life.

8. Bike-Friendly Town

Omaha is also considered a bike-friendly city.

This is yet another reason to consider moving here.

If you live close to the city, you can benefit from shorter distances around town on your bike.

This means that you can rely more on your bike and less on your car when it comes to maneuvering around Omaha.

9. Plenty of Festivals/Events

If you’re an outgoing person, you’ll be glad to know that Omaha hosts plenty of festivals and events year-round.

This means that you get plenty of chances to join in on the community excitement.

For example, you can experience the College World Series, or even attend the Omaha Summer Arts Festival.

Furthermore, Omaha hosts Native Omaha Days, a festival celebrating the diverse heritage of the city.

Cons of Living in Omaha, NE

1. Winters Can Be Harsh

One of the biggest downsides of living in Omaha is the harsh winters.

It can be challenging for people who are not used to dealing with snow and freezing temperatures.

During the winter, the temperature will significantly decrease, and the town will be full of snow.

It can present travel difficulties for many.

Furthermore, the cold weather requires you to wear additional layers or attire.

2. Public Transit Is Limited

The transit system in Omaha could be better than larger cities in the country.

The transit score in Omaha is 24.

This means that you may have to depend widely on your vehicles.

If you do prefer to use public transportation, you may find it extremely challenging.

This is definitely something to consider prior to moving to Omaha.

3. Above Average Crime Rates

Omaha does have higher than average crime rates.

The crime rate in Omaha is 33.9 compared to the national average of 22.7.

However, there are certain towns in Omaha where crime is more prevalent than others.

Your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Omaha are 1 in 172.

In Nebraska, your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 315.

4. High Poverty Rates

The poverty rate in Omaha, NE is 12.1%.

This means that 12% of the population is living below the poverty line.

Although this is considered high, it is slightly lower than the national average of 12.8%.

According to recent statistics, the largest demographic living in poverty in Omaha are women between the ages of 25 and 34.

This can create many social issues and affect your quality of life.

5. Poor Quality Tap Water

Another disadvantage of living in Omaha is that the quality of tap water is poor.

This means that you may have to depend on bottled water or invest in a filtration system for your home.

These things can ultimately result in higher costs.

If you choose to purchase bottled water, this can cause issues for the environment.

6. Poor Air Quality

The air quality in Omaha isn’t that great.

Those who have underlying respiratory issues or allergies may experience minor or even moderate symptoms after being exposed for a long period of time.

The main reason Omaha has bad air quality is largely due to pollution coming from combustion sites, poorly maintained roads, and several other sources.

7. Lower Than Average Median Household Income

Overall, residents living and working in Omaha make an average salary.

This means that if your goal is to get wealthy or rich soon after moving to Omaha, you may be disappointed.

Instead of moving to Omaha, you should consider moving to other areas where you have a better chance of making a higher salary.

8. High Property Tax Rates

Omaha ranks number six for having the highest property tax rate in the country

The study conducted by Roofstock compared several tax rates of big cities in the United States.

According to the published data, the average property tax paid in Omaha is $3,283.

Additionally, Omaha’s property tax rate is approximately 1.71%.

Furthermore, Nebraska ranks number four for having the highest tax burden.

9. No Professional Sports Teams

Unfortunately, Omaha, NE does not have any major league sports teams.

However, Omaha does have a lot of college sports teams such as the College World Series and a couple of basketball teams through the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

But, neither college in Omaha has football teams.

If you want to watch football, you will have to go out of your way to watch the Cornhuskers play in Lincoln, NE.

Pros and Cons of Living in Omaha, NE – Summary Table

Omaha Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Omaha Safety Review

Safety Index:

62

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: LOW
• TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW