Omaha Apartments and Rentals

Whether or not Omaha sounds like the big city to you might depend on your perspective. Perhaps you're coming from rural Nebraska? Or, then again, maybe you're applying to one of the Fortune 500 firms that are building skyscrapers along the mighty Missouri? In either case, this metropolis with Midwestern charm will likely surpass your expectations. Rent an Omaha apartment and you'll soon live in a city full of surprises.

Omaha was founded in 1854. Its name means "those going against the wind or current." That suits the city just fine. From Native Americans to railroad laborers, from stock workers to pioneers, this part of Nebraska has attracted those with an independent spirit for centuries. In the 1950s, half of the workers in the city were employed in meatpacking and processing. Those Union Stockyard days are over, though. In the 21st century, Omaha has invested over two billion dollars into developing its riverfront and downtown areas. The results, like the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, are worth coming home to.

If you're not familiar with Omaha, the city is split into five sections: Downtown, Midtown, and North, South and West Omaha. Ethic enclaves like Little Bohemia mix in with redeveloped areas, like Turner Park and Old Market. Some of the oldest homes in town can be found on Prospect Hill. For beautiful architecture, try the Gold Coast neighborhood.

Skilled labor rules modern Omaha's marketplace, with key sectors being banking, insurance, telecommunications, architecture, and transportation. The "Oracle of Omaha," Warren Buffet runs the mega-conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway from here. Other Fortune 500 firms in Omaha are ConAgra Foods, Union Pacific Corporation, Mutual of Omaha, and Kiewit Corporation.

There are two universities and a handful of colleges operating in the Omaha area. The University of Nebraska-Omaha and Creighton University are the two best known, with 15,000 and 8,000 students respectively. Other institutes of higher education include Clarkson College, College of St. Mary, and Grace University.

In 2009, Forbes rated Omaha the country's "Best Bang-For-The-Buck City." That gives you a good sense of what you can expect here in terms of expenses. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $932 a month. The vacancy rate is close to seven percent.

Omaha's biggest attraction is the Henry Doorly Zoo. Its nocturnal exhibit, indoor swamp, indoor rainforest, indoor desert, and geodesic dome are all the largest in the world. Durham Museum tells the story of Omaha's history. The Old Market downtown is shopping central and excellent for those looking for an unpressured day out. Also in Omaha, check out the Joslyn Art Museum, the Lauritzen Gardens, and Love's Jazz and Arts Center.

The NCAA Men's College World Series has been held in Omaha every year since 1950. This event brings the best of competitive college baseball to town each June. The Summer Arts Festival blends visual arts and music while Sand in the City displays the kinds of sculptures one would be more likely to find on a beach. The Red Sky Music Festival lasts six days and the Riverfront Jazz and Blues Festival adds two more days of tunes. For a taste of authentic Omaha, check out the Intertribal Powwow, the River City Rodeo and Stock Show, or the bi-annual Native Omahan Days party.

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