Where Should You Live in the Omaha Metro? A Relocation Guide for Families & Newcomers

by Chris Jamison

If you're moving to Omaha or considering a relocation for work or family, one of the first questions you'll face is: Where should we live? The Omaha metro is full of unique neighborhoods and nearby towns, each with its own vibe, lifestyle, and trade-offs. This guide is designed to help you make that decision with confidence, whether you're drawn to the east side of town, the western suburbs, or even Council Bluffs, Iowa.

East Omaha vs. West Omaha

One of the first things you’ll hear from locals is that Omaha feels like it’s split into two: East Omaha and West Omaha. The dividing line is generally considered 72nd Street or I-680.

East Omaha offers more walkable, historic neighborhoods like Dundee, Benson, and Aksarben. Homes here tend to have more character and mature trees. You’ll find local coffee shops, parks, and shorter commutes to Midtown or Downtown Omaha.
West Omaha is where you’ll find newer construction, larger lots, and a more suburban feel. Neighborhoods like Elkhorn, Gretna, Bennington, and Millard are known for their modern homes, family-friendly amenities, and top-ranked schools.

Neither is better—it all depends on your lifestyle.

What Do You Want in a Home?

When working with relocating families, I always ask: What’s most important to you in a home and neighborhood?

Do you want an open-concept layout, newer appliances, and a large backyard? You’ll probably feel at home in West Omaha suburbs like Elkhorn or Papillion.
Prefer charm, front porches, mature trees, and walkability? East Omaha neighborhoods like Dundee or Aksarben might be a better fit.

If you're unsure, browse current listings in East Omaha and West Omaha to get a feel for what's available.

What About Schools?

School quality is a big factor for many families. But what defines a "good school" varies widely. Some prioritize test scores, others care more about music programs, athletics, or community support.

Use GreatSchools.org or Niche.com to see rankings and parent reviews.
High-ranking districts in the Omaha metro include Elkhorn, Millard, Papillion-La Vista, and Bennington.

Explore our Omaha School Districts to see how different areas stack up.

Is It Safe?

Safety is personal. I live in Benson, and I love it—but I also hear the police helicopter fly overhead now and then. For unbiased information:

Visit the Omaha Police Department Crime Statistics
Or check out NeighborhoodScout’s Omaha page

More important than stats? Visit the neighborhood. Take a walk. Grab a coffee. See how it feels.

Council Bluffs: Don’t Overlook the East Side of the River

I’m licensed in both Nebraska and Iowa, and I always encourage clients to consider Council Bluffs. It gets a bad rap sometimes, but there’s more to the story:

Beautiful historic homes
Proximity to downtown Omaha
Access to smaller towns like Glenwood and Underwood
Affordability compared to some West Omaha suburbs

Council Bluffs isn’t perfect—but neither is any city. And for some families, it’s a hidden gem.

Commute Considerations

Traffic in Omaha isn’t terrible—but it exists. A few things to keep in mind:

Working downtown? Consider East Omaha or Council Bluffs for a shorter commute.
Working in West Omaha or remote? Then places like Gretna, Bennington, or even Springfield give you more space with less rush-hour stress.

Check out our Omaha Commute Time Breakdown to compare drive times across the metro.

Not Sure Where to Start? Take the Quiz!

Still figuring out what part of town fits you best? Try our Omaha Neighborhood Match Quiz. In just a few clicks, you'll find out which area of the metro best aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and home preferences.

Get the Free Omaha Relocation Guide

If you're even thinking about relocating to Omaha or Council Bluffs, grab my Free Relocation Guide. Inside you’ll find:

Neighborhood snapshots
Home price breakdowns
School district insights
Coffee shop recs ☕

I built this guide to save you time and headaches—it’s everything I wish I had when I moved back to Omaha in 2012.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding the right place to live. But with the right questions—and the right guide—you can make a confident, informed decision.

If you want help narrowing things down, book a relocation consult and we’ll walk through your priorities together.

Let’s find your place in the Omaha metro.