Best Suburbs of Omaha: A Look at the Top 10 Places To Settle Outside the City Center

Living in Omaha comes with affordability, good schools, and low crime rates. But maybe you don’t want to be in the city center. Zoom out, and you’ll find the best suburbs of Omaha, which people are drawn to because of the easy commutes, vibrant communities, and a growing craft beer and culinary scene immersed in a friendly Midwestern culture.

Omaha's suburbs offer something for everyone. The economy is booming, with sectors such as finance, healthcare, and biotechnology most prominent. The cost of living is 10 percent below the national average index, and you won’t have any state income tax. Plus, there’s always something to do with the city's cultural attractions, along with access to its parks, trails, and beautiful lakes. That’s not all you need to know, though.

Omaha, NE, at a Glance

• Omaha, NE, has a population of 488,400.
• Families, young professionals, and retirees alike can find something to love about Omaha.
• Omaha’s average home value is $287,000, a little higher compared to the Nebraska state average of $269,400, but still lower than the national average of $360,700.
• The average rent for a one-bedroom in Omaha is $1,150, compared to $1,400 in the state and $1,750 nationally.
• Overall, the main draws to Omaha include the affordability, top schools, job opportunities, cultural attractions, local events, great dining, wineries, breweries, and access to the great outdoors.

10 Best Suburbs of Omaha

If you’re moving to Omaha from out of state, it can be difficult to know what to expect — and even harder to pick the best spot to live. Here’s an inside look at the best suburbs of Omaha, plus what you can expect once you get there.

La Vista is one of the largest Omaha suburbs, and there’s always something fun to do here.
(Source: La Vista City Centre via Facebook)

1. La Vista

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,175
• Average home value: $301,600
• Great for: Families, retirees, schools, recreation
• Commute to Omaha: 20-minute drive

As one of the largest Omaha suburbs with a population of around 16,000 residents, La Vista is home to many Air Force Airmen and veterans connected to Offutt Air Force Base. The residential areas of La Vista are characterized by split-level and ranch-style homes.

The area is served by the Papillon-La Vista School District, which has an A grade on Niche. The area’s green spaces include La Vista City Park, which features a playground for kids along with a baseball and softball field. And the 18-hole Tara Hills Golf Course has been a local favorite since 1981.

2. Council Bluffs, IA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
• Average home value: $219,300
• Great for: Families, affordability, rich history, entertainment, local events
• Commute to Omaha: 10-minute drive

This suburb might be in a different state, but it’s still considered one of the best Omaha suburbs. It also comes with some of the most affordable home values in the city. You’ll find a wide variety of housing options, ranging from multi-million dollar homes to affordable historic properties built in the early 1900s and 1800s. The historic west side of the town features neighborhoods that have been carefully restored.

Veterans Plaza and Bayliss Park are the central gathering places for the city's residents when it comes to entertainment. The parks also host various events throughout the year, such as the Farmers Market held every Thursday from May to September. Harrah's Casino is another popular destination for adults who love gambling and card games.

3. Papillion

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,275
• Average home value: $497,400
• Great for: Families, young professionals, schools, dining, entertainment
• Commute to Omaha: 22-minute drive

Ranked No. 1 on Niche's best Omaha suburbs list, Papillion is best known for its strong infrastructure, excellent schools within the Papillion-La Vista School District, and its variety of new home subdivisions. (Easy to see why it’s the best place to live in Omaha.)

Downtown is filled with local restaurants known for their quality of service and unique offerings, featuring everything from Pine and Black Bistro to Talus Spirits & Sustenance.

You’ll also find that home games aren’t very hard to come by. Omaha’s minor league baseball team, the Storm Chasers, plays at Werner Park. Some favorite home game traditions: The fireworks display and the Atlas Autograph Bridge (where players stand to give autographs to sports fans).

Is West Omaha safe? Yes, there are plenty of suburbs in west Omaha that are known for their low crime rates, like Papillion.

The brick-filled streets of Downtown Ashland are home to several local businesses and cute shops.
(Source: Ashland Nebraska via Facebook)

4. Ashland

• Average rent (all sizes): $1,550
• Average home value: $376,400
• Great for: Families, retirees, wine tastings, recreation
• Commute to Omaha: 35-minute drive

Ashland is a small suburb that's located near Salt Creek — right between Lincoln and Omaha. The central section of Ashland features homes that are mostly ranch-style, with streets that have narrow sidewalks bordered by mature trees. While its location means it’s mostly a commuter town, it also serves as a hub.

The brick-filled streets in Downtown Ashland are home to several local businesses. Spots like Glacial Till Vineyard serve up local wines produced from grapes grown on-site.

Located near the city's western edge, Wigginhorn Memorial Park features various amenities such as a pool, a pavilion, and pickleball courts. Those who want to bike or hike can also take advantage of the OxBow Trail System, which runs right outside the downtown area.

5. Bellevue

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Average home value: $287,300
• Great for: Families, retirees, recreation, museums
• Commute to Omaha: 15-minute drive

As the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Nebraska, the suburb of Bellevue is another of the largest suburbs of Omaha, known for its panoramic views of the Missouri River.

In Bellevue, there are 20 parks that cover nearly 700 acres. One of the most popular parks is  Fontenelle Forest, a large woodland area with several walking trails and a Raptor Refuge to explore. You won’t find dinosaurs here, but you can get an up-close view of eagles, hawks, owls, and even vultures.

There are lots of ways for residents to get in touch with the local history, including the Sarpy County Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Nebraska's expansion and settlement. It has collections that include Native American stories, historic photos, and railroad engineering memorabilia.

6. Gretna

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
• Average home value: $417,400
• Great for: Families, young professionals, parks, shopping
• Commute to Omaha: 30-minute drive

The suburb of Gretna is known for its motto "The Great Life," which derives from the state’s official slogan, “The Good Life,” highlighting the state’s broad appeal. Gretna is located near the Elkhorn River and is considered one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Sarpy County. You’ll still find a Nebraska small-town feel with its rolling hills and picturesque views of the valley.

Gretna manages various parks and community events throughout the year, like Paws at the Park, which is perfect for dog owners. In addition, Gretna Crossing Park features an amphitheater, fishing pond, a disc golf course, and various sports fields.

In 2024, the largest Hyvee grocery store in the area was opened, which has 135,000 square feet of space and features a deli. Nearby Nebraska Crossing is the area’s outlet mall, but it recently received conceptual approval from the city of Gretna to be expanded into a sports hub, housing, and entertainment district.

Bennington is best known for its gorgeous greenery, surrounded by open land and lakes.
(Source: City of Bennington, Nebraska via Facebook)

7. Bennington

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
• Average home value: $405,600
• Great for: Retirees, families, tranquil atmosphere, outdoor activities
• Commute to Omaha: 25-minute drive

Within Douglas County is Bennington, a rapidly growing suburb (it grew by close to 40 percent between 2020 and 2024 alone, according to U.S. Census data) situated about 20 miles northwest of Omaha. It’s best known for its gorgeous greenery, surrounded by open land and lakes.

Prairie View Lake and Recreation Area is three miles west of Bennington. It features three pedestrian bridges that connect inlets and provide access to walking trails. About five miles away is Standing Bear Lake, which features 400 acres of parkland and 135 water acres.

8. Chalco

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
• Median home sale price: $298,500
• Great for: Families, recreation, local events, access to sports
• Commute to Omaha: 20-minute drive

Located about 20 miles from Downtown Omaha, you’ll find Chalco — a popular suburban community ideal for those in search of a serene haven not far from the city’s amenities. Some of the main perks of living in this area are the vast green spaces found at Chalco Hills Recreation Area and the top schools within the Millard Public Schools District. It has an A grade on Niche and has been ranked No. 2 among the best school districts in Nebraska.

Andersen Park is the home of Millard Days, a week-long festival that takes place every August, featuring activities like a parade, beer garden, and carnival. Chalco is also just five miles away from Werner Park, where sports fans in the area can root for the Omaha Storm Chasers.

9. Valley

• Average rent (all sizes): $1,300
• Average home value: $500,000
• Great for: Families, waterfront homes, local events, dining
• Commute to Omaha: 30-minute drive

Farther outside of Omaha’s city limits lies the suburb of Valley, nestled along the Platte River. Its luxurious waterfront properties are a highlight among its residents, making it a favorite among Omaha, NE, suburbs. The area's center is also characterized by narrow sidewalks that lead past ranch-style homes from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Thursday evenings during the summer are where a lot of the action takes place in the community. The Quasar Drive-in Theater hosts “Classics With a Cause,” which shows classic films on a big screen. Free admission is offered, but donations are encouraged to help support local organizations.

There are plenty of great Valley dining spots, including Spruce Street Tavern, which is a great place for fried delights and cocktails. Also, Con Amor Latin Kitchen has been receiving positive feedback from the community for its tasty Latin cuisine.

Known for its small-town charm, Plattsmouth, Nebraska, blends tradition with progress in an ideal location.
(Source: Historic Downtown Plattsmouth Association via Facebook)

10. Plattsmouth

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,110
• Average home value: $299,700
• Great for: Families, small-town feel, entertainment, recreation, museums
• Commute to Omaha: 25-minute drive

Known for its small-town charm, Plattsmouth, Nebraska, blends tradition with progress in an ideal location, staying true to its motto, “Honor the Past, Plan for the Future.” It's situated around 20 miles south of Downtown Omaha, bordered by the Platte and Missouri Rivers to the north and east, respectively.

Calling all thrill seekers! Those looking for an adventurous entertainment option can try skydiving out of the Plattsmouth municipal airport. If you’re seeking something quiet, play golf at the Lake Ridge Golf Course. Eight city parks are also located in the area, including Rhylander Park and Memorial Park. In addition to being an art gallery, Wilkerson Art Works also offers painting classes in its studio.

Suburbs of Omaha — FAQs

Q: What is the wealthiest neighborhood in Omaha?
A: With luxurious waterfront properties that account for higher home values, Valley is considered one of the wealthiest suburbs of Omaha. While Linden Estates is among the wealthiest Omaha neighborhoods.

Q: Where is the cheapest place to live in Nebraska?
A: With an average value of $287,300, Bellevue is considered one of the cheapest places to live (and own a home) in Nebraska.

Q: What is the nicest area of Omaha, Nebraska?
A: Ranked No. 1 among the best Omaha suburbs on Niche, Papillion is considered the nicest area to reside in the city.

Q: What is the largest suburb of Omaha?
A:  Bellevue and La Vista are often considered some of the largest suburbs of Omaha.

PODS Can Help With Your Move to One of the Best Suburbs of Omaha

If you're planning on moving to Omaha, then you should consider using a portable storage container from PODS. Delivered right to your driveway, you can load your items at your own pace and have the container picked up whenever you’re ready. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance. Have the container delivered to your new Omaha home or to a secure PODS Storage Center. One month of storage being built into the cost of every move means you can take your time, no matter which option you choose.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, Zumper, and Zillow; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

(Source for image featured at top: John Matychuk via Unsplash)

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}