Moving to OMAHA? 25 ESSENTIAL Things You Need to Know!

Summary

In this video, David Matney from Nebraska Realty covers essential information for those considering moving to Omaha, Nebraska. He discusses the city's geography, grid system, average commute times, and Eppley Airfield's accessibility. David also addresses Omaha's weather, property taxes, affordable housing, low unemployment rate, and major employers. He highlights the city's vibrant tech scene, nicknamed 'Silicon Prairie,' and touches on taxes, healthcare, radon concerns, and crime rates. David also describes Omaha's friendly community, philanthropic spirit, and high quality of life, including its trails, lakes, and recreational areas. He provides insights into the local food scene, public transportation, and the importance of researching school districts. The video concludes with tips for first-time homebuyers and dealing with severe weather.

Takeaways

• 📍 Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska, located in Douglas County with a metro population of nearly 1 million.
• 🚦 The city has a grid system making it easy to navigate, with an average commute time of 20.5 minutes, faster than the national average.
• ✈️ Eppley Airfield is conveniently located near downtown and offers non-stop flights to 30 major airports.
• 🌦️ Omaha experiences all four seasons with unpredictable weather, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and high winds.
• 🏡 Homes in Omaha often have basements due to weather conditions, and radon is a concern, requiring mitigation in some cases.
• 💼 Omaha boasts a low unemployment rate and is home to several Fortune 500 companies, making it a hub for job opportunities.
• 🏢 The city is known as the Silicon Prairie, hosting tech companies like Google and Facebook, which are building data centers in the area.
• 💵 Property taxes in Omaha are high, but they contribute significantly to the well-funded public school system.
• 🍽 Omaha has a thriving food scene with no tax on groceries and a variety of dining options.
• 🏥 Health care is a major industry with several top-rated hospitals and medical facilities, including a level one trauma center.
• 🚗 Omaha has a high rate of car ownership due to extensive road systems and a lack of comprehensive public transportation alternatives.

Q & A

What is the population of the Omaha Metro area?

The Omaha Metro area has a population of just under 1 million people.

How is the average commute time in Omaha?

The average commute time in Omaha is 20.5 minutes, which is six minutes faster than the national average.

What is the significance of Dodge Street in Omaha's street system?

Dodge Street divides the city between north and south, and number streets start at the Missouri River and increase as you travel West.

How far is Eppley Airfield from downtown Omaha?

Eppley Airfield is located just four miles from downtown Omaha.

What is the weather like in Omaha, Nebraska?

Omaha experiences all four seasons with cold winters, hot and humid summers, and unpredictable weather throughout the year.

How does Omaha's property tax system work?

Property taxes in Omaha are based on assessed value, and they are paid in arrears, meaning 2022 taxes are paid in 2023.

What is the unemployment rate in Omaha?

Omaha has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at 2.1 percent.

What are some of the major companies headquartered in Omaha?

Omaha is home to four Fortune 500 companies: Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific, Peter Kiewit and Sons, and Mutual of Omaha Insurance.

What is the sales tax rate in Omaha?

The combined sales tax in Omaha, Nebraska is seven percent, with an additional restaurant front tax of two and a half percent.

What are some of the challenges related to health and the environment in Omaha?

Omaha faces challenges such as high levels of radon gas and past pollution from the lead smelting plant, which was declared a Superfund Site.

What is the crime rate like in Omaha?

According to neighborhoodscout.com, the chance of being a victim of violent crime in Omaha is one in 172.

What are some of the attractions and activities in Omaha?

Omaha is known for attractions such as the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Old Market, and various recreational areas like Lake Zorinsky.