Waterfront view of Omaha, NE

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

Omaha, NE is the #20 Best City to Live in the USA

Waterfront view of Omaha, NE
iStock.com/Davel5957
Omaha, NE
Quality of Life
Liv Score

639
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 36
Demographics 69
Economy 71
Education 58
Health 59
Housing 64
Infrastructure 51
Amenities 64

Why Omaha is one of the best cities to live in

More than 20,000 businesses, including the headquarters of Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies, have set up shop in the Omaha, NE metro area, which gives the city a strong economic edge. But, while Omaha is undoubtedly a convenient place to live and work (its central location provides easy access to move about the country), that’s only part of the story. Nebraska’s biggest city offers hip neighborhoods with friendly residents, a cool craft beer scene, a love for local music and one of the best zoos in the world. Plus, as one of the best places to live in the U.S., residents find that their dollar goes further here, with affordable housing and lots of ways to have fun for free, from art museums to concerts and festivals.

What are Omaha’s major industries and employers?

Military, health care, finance, transportation and manufacturing dominate the industry in Omaha. 

What are the major colleges and universities in Omaha?

Creighton University & University of Nebraska – Omaha

What is the weather like in Omaha? 

The weather forecast will throw you more curve balls than the College World Series (which happens in Omaha every summer). There’s snow, ice and thunderstorms, but lake days are in order when it’s hot and humid.

What is there to do outside in Omaha?

Immerse yourself in nature at the Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods, which encompass nearly 2,000 acres of forest, prairie and wetlands along the Missouri River. Then, to spike your visit with some adventure, hit up TreeRush Adventure Park, where the most challenging courses are 55 feet above the ground (and come with birds-eye views of downtown Omaha).

Omaha, NE is Remote-Ready

What makes Omaha a great place for remote workers?

Known as the ‘Silicon Prairie,’ Omaha has a bustling economy and countless opportunities for remote workers. The city is the home base for the headquarters of a number of young tech startups and more than half a dozen Fortune 500 companies. The cost of living here is below the national average, so dollars stretch further here, and a home office is more easily accessible.

What Locals Love in Omaha, NE

What is the best local bookstore in Omaha?

The Bookworm is a 6,000-square-foot, independently owned store. Booksellers keep you up-to-date with what books they’re currently loving with a “We’re Reading” website feature.

How do you spend a weekend in Omaha?

Locals love Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which is consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the world. In addition to animals from around the world, the zoo has a splash pad and carousel.

What can you do for free in Omaha?

Head to Kenefick Park and check out two of the greatest locomotives ever to power the Union Pacific Railroad, Centennial No. 6900 and Big Boy No. 4023.

What’s the best way to spend happy hour in Omaha?

Omaha Dog Bar is a watering hole for pups and their people. (There’s even a dog menu with treats like frozen pumpkin puree). 

What’s something only locals know about Omaha?

You can straddle Nebraska and Iowa at the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, a 3,000-foot-long, cable-stay bridge that connects the two states. Walking the bridge is known as “Bobbing.”

Is Omaha, NE a good place to live?

A strong economy, friendly residents and a low cost of living make Omaha a best place to live in Nebraska.

Thinking of Moving to Omaha?

What is the Omaha, NE Real Estate Market Like?

As one of the top crossroads of America, Omaha, NE real estate is a powerhouse market of the midwest while remaining affordable compared to the rest of the nation. Homes for sale in Omaha, NE are perfect for first time buyers and large families, as there are lots of homes with four or more bedrooms. For historic properties and high walkability, Omaha real estate agents will point you to the neighborhood of Dundee, just west of downtown Omaha.

Quick Facts About Omaha, NE

Average Commute
17.77
Median Home Value
$226,234
Med. Household Income
$65,798
Total Population
492,423
Walk Score
41
Median Property Tax
$1,676

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