Best Neighborhoods in Omaha for Families Building a New Home
With its family-friendly atmosphere, strong job market, and excellent quality of life, Omaha is often recognized as one of the best places to live in the entire country. It’s also a great place to build a personalized home, ideally suited to your tastes and family’s needs. Analyzing the best neighborhoods in Omaha is a good way to start your journey.
If you’ve decided to put down roots in “The Gateway to the West,” your next decision is which neighborhood to build in. The city has 159 officially recognized neighborhoods so the choice could be bamboozling. To help you choose the perfect spot, let’s explore five of the very best neighborhoods for families looking to build a new home.
Elkhorn: Suburban Comfort and Top-Rated Schools
Located on the western edge of Omaha, Elkhorn is famous for its family-friendly atmosphere and highly-rated schools. Its population has more than doubled since 2000, and is a 20-40 minute commute from downtown Omaha.
Highlights of the area include:
- Excellent medical facilities
- Casual dining options
- Close to shopping and dining at Village Pointe mall
Families appreciate the combination of suburban tranquility and convenient access to city amenities, making Elkhorn the perfect place to build a family home.
Bennington: Small Town Vibes Close to the City
Situated northwest of Omaha, Bennington is a small city in its own right. Residents enjoy the benefits of a small, safe community while having the convenience of the Omaha metro area just 10 miles away!
From its white picket fences to laid-back parks for family fun, it’s a classic slice of small-town America, and the ideal place to build a new home.
Gretna: Perfect for Families
Located adjacent to the I-80, Gretna is a small city to the southwest of Omaha that offers lots of amenities families love. At a maximum commute of 45 minutes to downtown Omaha, you’ll be home quickly to spend quality time together as a family.
If you’re looking to build your forever family home, rest assured that the kids’ education is well cared for in Gretna. The city is home to:
- Seven elementary schools
- Two middle schools
- Two high schools
Gretna is also famous for its community events that range from family movie nights to puzzles and pie gatherings!
Bellevue: Historic City Looking to the Future
Bellevue holds the distinction of being the oldest city in Nebraska. Since its founding in 1830, it has blossomed into an integral part of the Omaha metro area and features all the amenities families need to thrive.
These include:
- Thriving public schools and Bellevue University
- Fontenelle Forest – 1,400 acres of forest with 19 miles of hiking trails
- Shopping, movie theatres, and golf courses
Located just 8 miles south of downtown Omaha, it’s around a 20-minute drive to the city’s employment and entertainment centers. This combination of convenience for work and excellent amenities on the doorstep makes Bellevue one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Omaha metro area.
Bellevue consistently ranks as one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Nebraska and one of the best for young professionals. So even if you do not yet have a family, this could be the perfect spot to put down roots.
Papillion: Suburban Amenities Meet the Great Outdoors
The county seat of Sarpy County, Papillion’s name was inspired by the multitude of butterflies (papillon is butterfly in French) observed here by early settlers. While modern Papillion definitely has a more urban feel, it still features many places to enjoy the great outdoors. There are numerous parks, recreation areas, and trails to explore.
If coffee shops, shopping, or sports are more your speed, Papillion has got you covered. You can enjoy minor league baseball and soccer at Werner Park. For those who enjoy indoor pursuits, Papillion Landing is a large community center with an indoor water park.
Papillion has topped lists of “best places to live in Nebraska.” Along with its great amenities, families love its highly-rated public schools, low crime rates, and great job opportunities. If you’re serious about building a home in the Omaha metro area, Papillion is well worth considering.
The Perfect Home in the Ideal Neighborhood
At Charleston Homes, we understand that your choice of neighborhood is just as important as your choice of home. We are proud to have built homes in over 150 neighborhoods in the Omaha Metro area. Whether you have a plot in mind or would like help finding the right one, we can guide you every step of the way.
We have model homes in Gretna, Elkhorn, and Papillon, and consider them some of the finest places in the city to build a home and raise a family. Our Sales Agents don’t just know about houses – they understand the importance of community. They will be happy to discuss the amenities that make each neighborhood unique, so you can find the perfect place to put down roots.
Why not visit our model homes to experience the Charleston Homes difference and Omaha’s welcoming neighborhoods firsthand? Contact a member of our sales team today to arrange a visit.
