Omaha, NE downtown area

2021 Top 100 Best Places to Live In America Sponsored by:

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

liv score
727
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 39
Demographics 56
Economy 60
Education 57
Health 61
Housing 69
Infrastructure 49

#13. Omaha, NE

With trendy neighborhoods and a killer live music scene, Omaha, NE is an excellent place to live. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family or a retiree, you’ll love the low cost of living, the authentic community vibe, the ease of getting around and the abundant outdoor and entertainment options. Plus, Omaha has an innovative food scene, lots of craft breweries and top-notch museums like the Joslyn Art Museum and The Durham Museum. 

Top Colleges/Universities: Creighton University & University of Nebraska Omaha

Top Industries & Employers: Military, health care, finance, transportation and manufacturing

Weekend Plans: Head to The Old Market neighborhood for some leisurely shopping and lunch at M’s Pub, walk or ride bikes along the Missouri River (be sure to check out “Bob,” the 3,000-foot-long pedestrian suspension bridge), then catch a concert at The Down Under or Slowdown.

Favorite Place to Feast: Crescent Moon, a divey bar and restaurant that serves up the original Reuben sandwich, which was invented across the street at the historic Blackstone Hotel.

Beloved Beverage: Cherry Coke, which “Oracle of Omaha” Warren Buffett apparently drinks religiously.

Outdoorsy Activity: Exploring Neale Woods, a stunning 600-acre retreat along the Missouri River with more than 9 miles of walking trails, great birding and a seasonal butterfly garden.

Rooftop Bar: 1912 Benson, located atop a historic circa-1912 building in Omaha’s hip Benson neighborhood.

Why Your Pet Will Love It, Too: Omaha has plenty of shady, spacious dog parks for romping around, like Hanscom Dog Park and Hefflinger Dog Park. Plus, lots of dog-friendly shops and patios like Archetype Coffee

Remote Work Perk: Omaha’s cost of living is so low that your paycheck stretches further when you work remotely here. Plus, with a median home value of $169,864, you can afford to spring for a dedicated home office.

One More Thing … Every summer since 1950, Omaha has hosted the College World Series. Eight college teams from across the country aspire to travel along the “Road to Omaha.”

– Sarah Kuta

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