About this City
Omaha’s success is defined by its Midwestern values. People preach and practice a strong work ethic and modest lifestyle. They also believe in giving back to the community, and that includes the chief executives of the five Fortune 500 companies headquartered here.
Even though the greater Omaha area includes over 500,000 people, Omaha retains its friendly personality. Omaha was ranked in the top 10 in Kiplinger magazine’s 2008 “Best Cities to Live, Work and Play.” Omaha is also in the top 10 nationally for affordable housing. And here’s some more encouraging news: Businesses here are hiring, especially in finance, health care, information technology, transportation and insurance.
But, don't pigeonhole Omaha as insurance, Warren Buffett and mail-order steaks. This one-time Great Plains pioneer town has a stereotype-busting cultural scene. In downtown’s Old Market, red-brick roads run past open-air restaurants, galleries and chic boutiques. Omaha is also the home of the 18,300 seat Qwest Center which hosted the 2008 Olympic Swim trials, first and second round play in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and the NCAA women’s volleyball championships.
The Omaha area boasts 10 challenging golf courses and highly successful college sports programs including the University of Nebraska and Creighton University. And of course, Omaha has been the home of the NCAA College World Series since 1950.
Other attractions include the nationally recognized Henry Doorly Zoo. Here, you can visit the world's largest indoor rainforest, desert and nocturnal exhibits, plus other world-class exhibits including the Scott Aquarium, Hubbard Orangutan Forest and Gorilla Valley, Lozier IMAX Theater, Cat Complex, Bear Canyon and more.
Omaha continues to expand in all directions. Omaha is a community of people moving forward. From the Missouri River to the city’s western edge – the growth in residential and retail development as well as in the neighboring counties is booming. Whether you’re a native or newcomer, Omaha is many things; a vibrant business environment; a viable source for a new career; a starting point for young families. Most of all, it’s a great place to live.
