Pros/Cons of Omaha

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Ryman66r
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Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by Ryman66r »

I have been planning if moving to Omaha for over a year or so now. I have never been there before and want to really get out of where I live now which is California. Being here in California, school is very expensive, full time jobs are little to none, and people are very unfriendly and unhelpful. If any of you could give me some information on Omaha it would be greatly appreciated. You might ask why would I choose Omaha after never being there before. From all that I have researched, it seems like a relatively safe place with a better job market than where I am currently at. I currently work at a hardware store in which I could move positions down in the area. I would like to attend a school and pursue a real career. So I would make sure I have a job and funds before I made the trip which I have planned on to be this summer. I don't mind the cold which we never get any of where I am at, and I really am not bothered by the thought of tornados or stormy weather. Any feedback would be very helpful!
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Omababe
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by Omababe »

Ryman66r wrote:Any feedback would be very helpful!
The cost of living is very low compared to either coast and the quality of life is generally high in the Omaha area.

It's easy to get around and traffic issues are few and far between.

The economy is more or less stable and unemployment tends to be low.

There's a lot going on in the culture/entertainment sense but sometimes you need to keep your ears open and look around a bit.

We have fairly good air service at a very nice airport and the fares are not as outrageous as in many other markets.

That's the good news.

We have almost no rail service! To call our public transit system a "joke" is to actually compliment it! :( A private car is pretty much a necessity of life here.

Violent crime is embarassingly high! :( (Yes, yes, I know it's mostly confined to certain areas.)

I'm sure I'll think of many more as soon as I hit the send key.
Erik
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by Erik »

Crime rate seems high. But its not significant in any way. Better than average for a large city. Always could do better though.
Ryman66r
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by Ryman66r »

What are some areas to watch for? Not too familiar with the city but I would be looking for a studio apartment for cheap in a decent area.
Omaha1000
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by Omaha1000 »

As far as where to live for a new arrival who has plans to study, I recommend to research housing near the Aksarben area. It is next to the largest university in Omaha, in a central location, has a low crime rate, next to an important bike trail, and has a large volume of new apartments. Compared to many places in California, apartment rent is inexpensive.
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Linkin5
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by Linkin5 »

Airline prices definitely a con compared to other big cities.
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skinzfan23
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by skinzfan23 »

Linkin5 wrote:Airline prices definitely a con compared to other big cities.
Compared to other "similar" sized cities they are good.
Ryman66r
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by Ryman66r »

What would the average price of a studio be in a decent area?
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RNcyanide
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by RNcyanide »

Ryman66r wrote:What would the average price of a studio be in a decent area?
Depending on where you look, expect anything from $600-$800 for a studio. We have a large urban-living apartment boom going on right now. As availability begins to even out with demand, prices may fall somewhat. Aksarben, Midtown, and Dundee are good places to look. So is Benson. Otherwise, anywhere on or near Dodge Street/ W Dodge Rd or I680 would get you almost anywhere you needed to be.
When fortune smiles on something as violent and ugly as revenge, it seems proof like no other that not only does God exist, you're doing his will.

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Ryman66r
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by Ryman66r »

Thank you guys for all of the information. I look forward to be a Nebraskan in the summer!
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RNcyanide
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by RNcyanide »

Ryman66r wrote:Thank you guys for all of the information. I look forward to be a Nebraskan in the summer!
You're welcome :) we look forward to having you here!!
When fortune smiles on something as violent and ugly as revenge, it seems proof like no other that not only does God exist, you're doing his will.

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mcarch
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by mcarch »

I agree with the comments.

Omaha is an area with tons to do, you just have to look for it. Its not a place where it lands in your lap. I have lived here all of my life and have heard tons of people state, "there's nothing to do here." But there always is - open a paper or local magazine - keep your ears open - go to different places in the city.

It is fairly easy to find a job here (full or part time positions). Ours schools are top notch, even our inner city schools. Crime is low. We have several universities/colleges, so you can have your pick. Our housing and rental markets are strong as well.
yard salad
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by yard salad »

mcarch wrote: Omaha is an area with tons to do, you just have to look for it. Its not a place where it lands in your lap. I have lived here all of my life and have heard tons of people state, "there's nothing to do here." But there always is - open a paper or local magazine - keep your ears open - go to different places in the city.
When people say there's nothing to do here, they really mean that there's no professional sports teams or Six Flags-tier amusement parks. I have no problems finding things to do here, and especially during summer I often have to choose between several great choices.
Athomsfere
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by Athomsfere »

As a re-recent transplant here (moved here twice for a job)

Travel, Omaha is stupid cheap for a city of this size. I have seen Las Vegas, Chicago and a few others for $99. Sure you can't be picky and get the best times to anywhere for that but really, for what it's worth it is pretty awesome.

Rent. Studio apartments are cheap enough, but even a 1 bed can be had for $500 if you make sacrifices. If you find something that you like just do it, Omaha is easy to get around in.

I work in Millard (West O) and live downtown. I can make the drive in 22 minutes without snow or traffic.

Stuff to do: Always something in the spring / summer. It isn't LA / NY or Chicago but with a little work, you can find it.

If you can't, let me know and I will show you around :D
daveoma
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by daveoma »

Athomsfere wrote:As a re-recent transplant here (moved here twice for a job)

Travel, Omaha is stupid cheap for a city of this size. I have seen Las Vegas, Chicago and a few others for $99. Sure you can't be picky and get the best times to anywhere for that but really, for what it's worth it is pretty awesome.

Rent. Studio apartments are cheap enough, but even a 1 bed can be had for $500 if you make sacrifices. If you find something that you like just do it, Omaha is easy to get around in.

I work in Millard (West O) and live downtown. I can make the drive in 22 minutes without snow or traffic.

Stuff to do: Always something in the spring / summer. It isn't LA / NY or Chicago but with a little work, you can find it.

If you can't, let me know and I will show you around :D
I'm happy you're loving Omaha. Where are you finding $99 flights to Vegas?
Last edited by daveoma on Tue Feb 02, 2016 12:43 am, edited 1 time in total.
Athomsfere
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by Athomsfere »

daveoma wrote: I'm you're loving Omaha. Where are you finding $99 flights to Vegas?
Minus the fact that your first sentence didn't follow standard English syntax ;)

The World Herald has the ads sometimes, but also last minute flights.

The next time I see one I can post them around eOmaha...
daveoma
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by daveoma »

Athomsfere wrote:
daveoma wrote: I'm you're loving Omaha. Where are you finding $99 flights to Vegas?
Minus the fact that your first sentence didn't follow standard English syntax ;)

The World Herald has the ads sometimes, but also last minute flights.

The next time I see one I can post them around eOmaha...
Sorry, stupid autocorrect. I would love it if you posted one of those deals! :-)
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RockHarbor
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by RockHarbor »

Welcome to Omaha (if you end up moving here)! I grew up here, and I'm way more impressed and happy with the city now, than I was growing up. It's a great, ongoing progressing town, with a lot of civic pride. I've heard it said it is "a town that draws people back" (if you moved away), and I can see why that is said. If one grows up here, and happens to move away, it often seems to keep a solid place in one's heart.

In my view, Omaha totally has "welcoming arms" to newcomers. It isn't staunch & old & ultra-traditional and has a "Keep out!" sign, like some of the Eastern cities are known to feel like. It feels more welcoming to the newcomer to me -- like a growing western city, such as Denver, is. Yet, it isn't as uncaring & impersonal as some newer, very-fast-growing cities of the West may feel (say, like Southern California, or Phoenix), imo. This is the Midwest, and we are known to have some of the friendliest folks around.

As far as cons: Being from California, I'm not sure how you would feel about Midwest winters. But, we aren't generally as frigid & cold as, let's say, Chicago or Cleveland are. Plus, I don't care if people believe in this "global warming" or not: Our winters are overall milder, and just not like they used to be. In fact, I think this helps in Omaha's population growing so much. Not only is the city more attractive than it ever has been (imo), the weather is overall milder than it ever has been (to me). So, I would think that helps in more people staying here. (This year, I saw buds on trees coming out before April 1st, and that is somewhat unusual around here. About 3-4 years back, I remember I was writing a check on April 1st, and I put "May 1st" accidentally, it was so green & vibrant out already.)

Anyways, no mountains, no ocean, no warm winters. But, there is a definite beauty here all the same... It's a beauty & feeling that California (with all its beauty & varied landscapes) just can't offer. Rolling green land, with big cottonwoods along streams & rivers, under a great big sky, with an afternoon thunderstorm storm rolling in... The song of the prairie meadowlark on the breeze... (Now, I'm sounding almost cheesy...lol) Anyways, each place in this country has its unique, local charms, imo, and Nebraska is no exception.
I can get pushed out because I'm "too much" for some. Then, an observer of me comes suddenly swooping in to "fill my shoes." People are always more accepting of the new one, because their feathers aren't truly ruffled by them. (Yawn) I can count on it every time.
Carolyn

Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by Carolyn »

Moving to Omaha soon and hope to do well there.
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RockHarbor
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Re: Pros/Cons of Omaha

Post by RockHarbor »

Go, Carolyn! Best wishes on your new life there....
I can get pushed out because I'm "too much" for some. Then, an observer of me comes suddenly swooping in to "fill my shoes." People are always more accepting of the new one, because their feathers aren't truly ruffled by them. (Yawn) I can count on it every time.
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