Where to Live: Discover the Counties of Greater Omaha, NE

Courtesy of Roc Hopper Brewing Co.

Greater Omaha, NE, has a lot to offer prospective residents, no matter their stage in life. Whether you’re raising a family or flying solo, building a career or easing into retirement, this region has the resources and quality-of-life offerings that make a difference. Still, it’s important to choose the area that best fits your individual needs. To find your best place to live in the region, check out these six counties that make up Greater Omaha, NE.

1. Sarpy County, NE

Though the smallest geographically, Sarpy County is actually the third-most populous county in the state, claiming five cities and an Air Force base. Greater Omaha, NE, residents love to live here because of its exciting community events, like the Sarpy County Fair in Springfield, the Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna and Winter Wonderland in Papillion, which kicks off the weekend after Thanksgiving.

For year-round entertainment, The Astro, a live music venue in La Vista, hosts various musical and theatrical performances. Outdoor enthusiasts love exploring Fontenelle Forest, which offers more than 20 miles of hiking trails.

When it comes to food, Sarpy County has some notable standouts: Stella’s Bar & Grill in Bellevue is the home of the “Stellanator,” an epic 45-minute eating challenge, while Graley’s Creamery & Confections in downtown Papillion is a classic ice cream parlor in a Victorian-era space.

Courtesy of Ashland Glamping

2. Cass County, NE

This county has some unique claims to fame, thanks to some noteworthy annual events that you won’t find anywhere else, like Avoca’s Quack Off Duck Races and the Round the Bend Steakhouse Testicle Festival, which celebrates battered, deep-fried bull testicles. Of course, you’ll also find more traditional events, like Plattsmouth’s Victorian Christmas on Main, a magical experience on the city’s historic Main Street.

Apart from community events, outdoor recreation is king in Cass County, as it’s home to several state parks, regional trails and even glamping sites, such as Ashland Glamping. Other regional favorites include Wildlife Safari Park, which was voted No. 1 in the nation, as well as Quarry Oaks Golf Course. Fun fact, Cass County is also the headquarters of family-owned and -operated Baker’s Candies, which produces the Nebraska-famous signature meltaways in Greenwood.

3. Pottawattamie County, IA

Located in Iowa but still under the Greater Omaha, NE, umbrella, Pottawattamie County (named for the Native American tribe) offers residents a pretty great place to live. It has a vibrant arts and culture scene, which can be fully experienced through Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment (PACE), a comprehensive facility with galleries and rehearsal and performance space. Additionally, the American Midwest Ballet holds beautiful performances throughout the region at places like the Polina & Bob Schlott Performing Arts Center, Orpheum Theater and The Joslyn.

Beyond art, there’s a strong motorcyclist community here, which loves the annual Bikes on the 100 Block event in Council Bluffs. Enjoying the great outdoors is also a big part of living here, made compelling by five county parks and six habitat areas that are meticulously maintained by Pottawattamie Conservation.

4. Mills County, IA

Also located in Iowa, Mills County contains more than 20 cities and townships. In fact, approximately 15,000 people live in this portion of Greater Omaha, NE. The area is home to the Mills County Historical Museum, which is made up of multiple historic buildings, including a country schoolhouse and machinery hall, putting local history on full display. Also educational is the Pony Creek Nature Center, which teaches visitors about the county’s native plants and animals. Local businesses also thrive in Mills County, such as Keg Creek Brewing, a community hub in Glenwood for locals to gather and drink. If wine is more your style, head over to Bodega Victoriana Winery, a picturesque destination in Glenwood that offers locally produced wine.

Courtesy of Enterprise Media Group

5. Washington County, NE

Outdoor recreation is a staple in Washington County, from hiking and biking to birdwatching and beyond. With two national wildlife refuges, multiple parks and the River Wilds Golf Course, there’s no shortage of places to explore and activities to try.

Washington County is also well-known for bio-manufacturing, as one of the largest companies in the U.S., Cargill, has a location here. Cargill employs more than 600 people at its 650-acre complex in Blair alone, with over 4,000 employees across the state.

Courtesy of Arbor Day Farm

6. Otoe County, NE

Nebraska City, the county seat of Otoe County, is a cool place to live. Besides being one of the oldest communities in the state, it’s also the birthplace of Arbor Day.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Arbor Day Farm and Tree Adventure celebrates this achievement with its family-friendly nature and tree-themed experience. Compounding on that love of trees, the region is also known for its AppleJack Festival each year, which coincides with apple harvest.

Another popular event is GermanFest, which pays homage to many of the area’s original settlers. In addition to a love of trees and local history, Otoe County has a phenomenal arts scene. In fact, a portion of Nebraska City was recently designated a Certified Creative District through the Nebraska Arts Council, which has led to increased arts events. Additionally, the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts is an artist residency program that hosts artists of multiple mediums from all over the world.

This article was sponsored by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.