Maple Village - Omaha, NE

Until the mid-1800s, the western prairie known today as Nebraska was populated by the Omaha Indians and the vast herds of bison they depended upon. Under pressure from burgeoning European immigration, the tribe signed a series of treaties that ultimately drove them off most of their lands by 1854, opening the doors to settlement, which focused in the area known today as Omaha. Since then, the town has served as a hub for westward expansion, and the heyday of the railroads and stockyards has given way to modern corporations, including Mutual of Omaha and Berkshire Hathaway.

As Omaha itself has expanded, the once rural northwest region has accommodated the continuing growth of the city. The Maple Village area largely developed at the turn of the 21st century, and this young community bonds with a 4th of July parade, area-wide garage sale and annual chili cook-off.

In the 1950s, Omaha served as home to the world's largest livestock market and meatpacking center, and the Union stockyards made this part of the country famous for its steak dinners. The northwest neighborhoods of Omaha developed after the fall of the local meatpacking industry. However, the local restaurant scene holds its own identity centered on more contemporary trends and ethnic dining, although just about every establishment features a little steak on the menu.

Jim and Jennie's Greek Village, one of the area's oldest restaurants, opened in 1985 and has expanded numerous times to accommodate its customers' love for gyros sandwiches and old-world Greek cuisine. Lemon-marinated veal kabob, moussaka and stuffed eggplant filled with ground beef, kasseri cheese and a creamy bechamel sauce tempt diners seeking complex fresh flavors they can't easily make at home.

On the eastern edge of the neighborhood, The Keystone Kafe specializes in classic home-cooked breakfasts. Eggs, toast, meat and potatoes done any that way makes fans of traditional morning fare happy play a large role in this establishment's menu. A slight nouveau twist keeps things fresh here — try the sea salt caramel French toast for a sweet start to the day. Simple sandwiches and burgers round out the lunch menu, after which this cafe flips over the closed sign.

Happy hour starts at 2 p.m. at Dr. Jack's Drinkery, so nightlife begins early at this rocking bar complex on the west edge of town, which also features a tattoo and piercing parlor. The Harleys roll up on Thursdays for Bike Night, and other nights attract customers looking for pool, darts, beer pong, live music or a hopping place to watch the game in good company.

Maplewood Lanes and Entertainment Center has 36 lanes of bowling, but this community gathering place draws plenty of people who'd rather pick up a pint of craft beer than knock down pins. Separate bar areas, including a private party lounge and an appealing outdoor patio with two fire pits and a waterfall, make this a great hangout. The grille serves chicken wings and the usual plates of deep-fried delights.

The Omaha Metro bus service runs several lines through the North Central neighborhoods, and fares run $1.25 or $55 for a monthly pass. Taxis, Uber and other ride services can be called in, but taxis don't operate widely in this suburban neighborhood. Most roads in this area maintain bike-friendliness despite the lack of designated trails and sidewalks. Overall, transportation favors cars here, although the area's young and health-conscious population increasingly chooses bikes and mass transit for their transportation needs.

More than a dozen golf courses lie within a 15-minute drive of the Maple Village area, including Putting Plus, a mini golf course that the whole family can enjoy. An equal number of city parks feature sports fields and green space for picnics and playing. To get somewhere a little more wild, residents head a few miles north to Cunningham Lake Park, a 1,000-acre park surrounding a scenic no-wake lake ideal for fishing, paddling and wildlife watching. Biking, hiking and horseback riding trails let visitors explore the area, and a small campground encourages people to sleep under the stars.

On West Maple Road 10 minutes west of the neighborhood, Hefflinger's Dog Park features two separated fenced play areas — one for big dogs, the other for small dogs — on 5 acres of open meadows surrounded by trees.

Omaha enjoys a reasonable cost of living despite being Nebraska's largest metropolitan area. Maple Village and the surrounding neighborhoods remain within reach of most middle-class. The average one-bedroom apartment runs about $600 a month, although in this area, town homes dominate the rental listings. Gas prices run about 6 percent lower than the national average. A pint of beer usually costs between $2.50 and $4 at area establishments.

The nearby Bag'n Save and Fareway grocery stores just off Maple Street capture most of the neighborhood's food dollars, but the area features a number of interesting grocery options. Subzi Mundi International sells Indian groceries and halal meat and provides a cheap and bountiful spice department. East of town, No Name Nutrition specializes in health foods and nutritional supplements. Ten minutes south of the neighborhood, Whole Foods features an upscale array of produce and packaged foods. Also south, Omaha Steaks supplies the neighborhood with the region's famous locally raised and expertly processed meats, including the beef that made Nebraska famous. Big box stores and chain retail dominates this modern suburban area, but several unique shops encourage hobbyists to pursue their special interests. House of Trains sells miniature railroad supplies for collectors and adults who love to play with trains. The Next Millennium Metaphysical Books and Gifts sells herbs, tarot cards, crystals, jewelry, games, clothing and supplies for spiritual and metaphysical practices. Walden's Jewelry and Irish and Celtic Shop sells claddagh rings and fine jewelry that celebrates the style and heritage of northern Great Britain. Dee-sign specializes in unique garden supplies, including holiday and seasonal decor, and provides design services to homeowners who need a little help and inspiration. That Pottery Place encourages creative souls to try painting pottery or making mosaics in a friendly art studio and neighborhood gathering place.