neighborhood suggestions

cosita · Post by **cosita** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 2:39 am

I'm flying out with my family at the end of the month to look at houses in Omaha. We will be there for a week but have never been to omaha before so we're sort of stumbling around via the internet trying to get a feel for different neighborhoods as best we can.
Currently, we live very near downtown San Diego in a very diverse neighborhood and besides the insane col'ing we love it.
I have two daughters ages 3 years and 3 months.
I think I would die living in any sort of suburn mc mansion type area. I would like be within a mile or so of a main street area where I could walk to, weather permiting to do some light grocery shopping or grab some coffee.
From what I've read through the harold and on the business page Downtown Benson seems like it might have that sort of quality to it but when looking at properties in the 68104 zip code I don't know if I should be focusing n,s,e or w of maple. Home prices seem to run the gammet with little rhyme or reason.

Dundee seems nice as well.
We're going to ask our realtor to suggest some house and neighborhood suggestions as well.
Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated beyond words. We're very excited about moving and getting out of California.

Thanks in advance.

Swift · Post by **Swift** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 10:11 am

It sounds to me like you'd enjoy living in or near the old market, but it depends on how much room you want for your two kids.

Finn · Post by **Finn** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 10:22 am

Dundee is a great neighborhood. Short walks to Underwood Ave. to a small commercial area or to Dodge Street for more offerings. The neighborhood is diverse, well-maintained and very friendly. Definitely drive the neighborhood. The Country Club area is north of Dundee and also is nice (comprising moslty English Tudors) and is close to Benson and the commercial area on Maple St. I would suggest staying south of Maple in the Benson area.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 10:33 am

Yeah, it sound to me like you would be a perfect fit for the Old Market. If you're used to San Diego's COL, you won't blink here until you see the property tax bill.

But remember... you can't possibly raise kids without a 4 acre yard and 9 SUVs in Nebraska, so keep that in mind. ;)

-Big E

Locke · Post by **Locke** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 10:51 am

Hmm, I can't remember if there is a grocery store within walking distance, but otherwise the Happy Hollow area might be appropriate.

cosita · Post by **cosita** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:05 pm

So something in this vicinity
http://www.cbshome.com/Consumer/Listing ... =&Cookies=
Vs.
http://www.cbshome.com/Consumer/Listing ... =&Cookies=
Though we live outside of downtown, it's still a neighborhood with houses and the likes. The first area I had checked out was the market area but didn't really see much in the way of houses, just a lot of condos. It's completely possible I just didn't know which area of downtown to look for. I've been thinking of businesses in my area that we frequent and enjoy, googling similar businesses in omaha and then searching the zip codes I come up with on real estate web sites.

My husband is a mechanic and so a garage is a must, we'd also like a nice size backyard for our kids to play in. We're actually selling our auto shop and moving to Omaha with visions of summertime dinners in the backyard while out kids run around playing and we sip iced tea.

There just has to be more to life than working your butt off to pay a mortage on a postage stamp sized house that you're too tired to enjoy. Wearing shorts in december isn't worth all the trouble now that we have kids.

cosita · Post by **cosita** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:06 pm

Sorry for streching out the screen.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:08 pm

By the way-

Welcome to the forum cosita..

..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

Swift · Post by **Swift** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:30 pm

Then yes, I would say Dundee, Country Club, Joslyn Castle or Benson areas. Probably in that order even.

Twilight · Post by **Twilight** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:43 pm

I read on VirtualTourist that there is a strong stockyard-slaughter stench in Omaha. Is this true? I haven't read it anywhere else.

Swift · Post by **Swift** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 1:12 pm

It's not true. Well not entirely true. On hot days you can smell the former stockyards, but only if you are with in a quarter mile of where they used to be. The effected region is only between 33rd and 27th st, between Q and L st. It's pretty far south in the city, pretty close to Bellevue. My aunt lives really close (36th and O) and you can't smell it from her house.

Aside from that small area, the rest of Omaha smells peachy.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 1:28 pm

It smells particularly nice in my section of town, around 102nd & L. When the north breeze blows it smells like warm cookies thanks to the Kellogg plant north of the neighborhood on F Street.

Thinking about Dundee and walking to grocery stores, it'd sure be nice to have a market in that area. Not just a grocery store, but real market like they still have in Europe. I'm sure Streets knows exactly what I'm talking about as well.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 2:05 pm

I don't think any of us mind helping others out with this.

As far as heating costs go it really depends on the size of the house, electric vs gas and how warm you like it. Midtown is definitely something to look into. Destination Midtown, a local organization, defines the area as bordered on the north by Cuming Street, the south by Center Street, the east by 24th Street and the west by Saddle Creek Road. The areas just west of midtown - Dundee, UNO, etc are also very nice areas but can be pricey.

Swift · Post by **Swift** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 3:38 pm

Most of the areas we have been suggesting are in midtown.

While historically midtown is the area defined by Destination Midtown, there isn't really a firm border. Most people you ask would probably consider midtown to be between 72nd st and the interstate.

loyalomahan · Post by **loyalomahan** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 3:44 pm

My current house doesn't have a heater or an air conditoner.

I guess I didn't see the part about living in San Diego. That is probably the one place you definitely wouldn't need ac or heat. Why on earth would you move away??

cosita · Post by **cosita** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 4:32 pm

loyalomahan wrote:Why on earth would you move away??

The 793 sqft house (and we don't have basements here) down the street with a two story apartment building as a neighboor is going for 450k and to be honest, we think it's a steal.

It's almost impossible to rent a house here and still manage to save money so that you may someday own a home of your own. We don't feel comfortable with a lot of the funny financing that is offered to people in our situation because no matter what anyone says, the market here will go down someday and we'd be stuck up a rut.
And like I said before, there are just some things more important than shorts in the winter. We just hit a spot in life where we realized it's a heck of a lot of work to try and come out ahead here and think that there just has to be more to life. We got married and had children because we love eachother and enjoy eachothers company. Trying to make it out here is denying us and our children of that. Sappy enough for you?

loyalomahan · Post by **loyalomahan** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 4:35 pm

We'd of course love to have you, but I am curious how you decided on Omaha. Are you prepared for the winters? Or perhaps you're originally from the midwest?

Asten · Post by **Asten** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 4:38 pm

Swift wrote:It's not true. Well not entirely true. On hot days you can smell the former stockyards, but only if you are with in a quarter mile of where they used to be. The effected region is only between 33rd and 27th st, between Q and L st. It's pretty far south in the city, pretty close to Bellevue. My aunt lives really close (36th and O) and you can't smell it from her house.

Aside from that small area, the rest of Omaha smells peachy.

Wow, i've never smelled anything down there... at least not since they've been shut down.

Historical lesson for Omaha newcomers: omaha used to have the nation's largest stockyards... however, they're completely closed down (in the 90s, I think). In fact, the huge trading building in the center of the stockyards area is being renovated into housing...

cosita · Post by **cosita** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 4:48 pm

My parents are moving to council bluffs which is what originally got us to thinking about moving.
I'm native to san diego and can count the times I've seen snow on one hand.

If it makes you feel better, I promise to stay off the roads untill after many a lesson by my dh in empty parking lots.

I'll be honest and say, no, I'm not positive I'm ready for the winter. I'll never know unless I try though. If I hate it, I can always move.
My husband is from Michigan so he has a better idea about what to expect weather wise.

icejammer · Post by **icejammer** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 4:48 pm

Asten wrote:
Swift wrote:Historical lesson for Omaha newcomers: omaha used to have the nation's largest stockyards... however, they're completely closed down (in the 90s, I think). In fact, the huge trading building in the center of the stockyards area is being renovated into housing...

The stockyards may be closed down, but some of the packing plants still remain, which is what I suspect some people smell sometimes.

Swift · Post by **Swift** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 5:40 pm

cosita wrote:My parents are moving to council bluffs which is what originally got us to thinking about moving.
I'm native to san diego and can count the times I've seen snow on one hand. If it makes you feel better, I promise to stay off the roads untill after many a lesson by my dh in empty parking lots.
I'll be honest and say, no, I'm not positive I'm ready for the winter. I'll never know unless I try though. If I hate it, I can always move.
My husband is from Michigan so he has a better idea about what to expect weather wise.

Winters are awesome, especially if you are looking to spend some QT with your kids. I think kids pretty much inherently love winter. Playing in the snow is awesome and then you get to come inside and take your wet socks off and drink hot chocolate and warm your bum by the fire.

Yay weather!!

Also, Omaha winters are a lot more mild than Michigan's.

Minneapolis Boy · Post by **Minneapolis Boy** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 6:55 pm

And definitely more mild than Minnesota where I spent a number of years!

Asten · Post by **Asten** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 7:38 pm

Swift wrote:
Winters are awesome, especially if you are looking to spend some QT with your kids. I think kids pretty much inherently love winter. Playing in the snow is awesome and then you get to come inside and take your wet socks off and drink hot chocolate and warm your bum by the fire.

Yay weather!!

Also, Omaha winters are a lot more mild than Michigan's.

Don't forget sledding! Heck, I still like to go sledding once in awhile. =)

Memorial Park (near the Dundee area) is prime sledding ground!

joeglow · Post by **joeglow** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 12:02 pm

cosita wrote: We just hit a spot in life where we realized it's a heck of a lot of work to try and come out ahead here and think that there just has to be more to life. We got married and had children because we love eachother and enjoy eachothers company. Trying to make it out here is denying us and our children of that. Sappy enough for you?

-Amen. I have a couple of friends in LA and one in Los Vegas and i feel sorry for them. They save and save and save just to get a house and then work their tails off to make monthly payments. We hope to have our house paid of in 15 years and have enough to retire sometime between 50 and 55. I KNOW this would not be possible out West.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 5:53 pm

I live in area code 68104 exactly a mile from DT Benson. My area's pretty nice. It's pretty racially diverse. If crime is something you're worried about don't worry if others tell you on here that it will be bad. It's not. The area is also kid friendly, close to DTO, AND we're getting a big shopping center in the area so we don't have to drive to 875th and Maple or Council Bluffs to shop. It will have a movie theatre and all sorts of other useful places to have nearby. It's a pretty up and coming place to be. It's not suburban and you're close to the 'city'. I'd recommend 68104.

cosita · Post by **cosita** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 6:11 pm

So could you suggest some areas within 68104?
So far I have south of maple. But how far east or west? And just how south?

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 6:30 pm

I live around 58 and Browne. The close main intersection is 60th and Ames. I don't know if the neighborhood I live in is considered 'Benson'. Benson High School is adjacent to DT Benson. So that area is more lively. The only places I can think of around there to avoid is just south of Ames btwn 60th and 66th. Other than that it would be up to our own personal preferance.

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 10:00 pm

OK I live just to the NW of 78th and Sorensen Parkway -- the subdivision is called the Villages of Glenbrook -- there are several playground areas and walking paths. It is a nice quiet neighborhood and within a half of mile or so of the new shopping area that DTO is talking about. zip code 68122

cosita · Post by **cosita** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 12:11 am

So when I'm looking at homes in the dundee zip code (68132?) there's a nice house on 68th above underwood. What's that area like? I've read about 50th and underwood I believe.
Also, what about properties north of maple near fronterline? (I'm sure I've spelled it wrong but am too tired to look it up.

icejammer · Post by **icejammer** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 8:28 am

cosita wrote:So when I'm looking at homes in the dundee zip code (68132?) there's a nice house on 68th above underwood. What's that area like? I've read about 50th and underwood I believe.
Also, what about properties north of maple near fronterline? (I'm sure I've spelled it wrong but am too tired to look it up.

68th and Underwood would be a very nice neighborhood. A little more upscale than the 50th and Underwood area. Not sure where fronterline is.

Asten · Post by **Asten** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 8:34 am

cosita wrote:So when I'm looking at homes in the dundee zip code (68132?) there's a nice house on 68th above underwood. What's that area like? I've read about 50th and underwood I believe.
Also, what about properties north of maple near fronterline? (I'm sure I've spelled it wrong but am too tired to look it up.

The entire Underwood corridor, in my opinion, is gorgeous. Lots of amazing older houses, storefronts, and character.

lisanstan · Post by **lisanstan** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:10 am

There is a new home for sale in my neighborhood for under 200K on Jackson. Very nice 3 bed/1bath 1600+ sqft. I'm in zip 68106 Dundee/Memorial/Elmwood area. I highly recommend it! I feel safe walking my dog, tons of kids and the lots seem a little bigger than in Dundee proper (north of Dodge).

joeglow · Post by **joeglow** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 8:44 am

Asten wrote:The entire Underwood corridor, in my opinion, is gorgeous. Lots of amazing older houses, storefronts, and character.

BUT, keep in mind that, like most areas, people want these nice locally owned shops, but want OTHER people to use them. There is a nice little hardware store in Dundee that is closing its doors after decades of being there. The neighborhood residents want these type of stores, but when they need a snow blower, they drive out west to Lowe's to save $50.

Same thing just down the street. Residents there had a bowling alley/music hall that added some (and I use the some loosely) character to the neighborhood. However, they apparently did a crappy job of supporting it, so it closed. In its place, they are looking at a WalMart. NOW, these same people who did such a bad job of supporting the previous business are whining that they don't want a WalMart.

Basically, I hope you like living in this type of area and PLEASE, if you want to keep it that way, you need to frequent these shops. Consider their slightly higher prices a "neighborhood fee."

cosita · Post by **cosita** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 12:29 pm

We own a local auto shop here. I'm all about supporting local businesses.
I understand and appreciate the value of chain retailers in a capitalist system, but if given the choice, I'd drive an extra mile to hit up a privately owned coffee shop vs. a starbucks. ;)