Hillsborough - Omaha, NE Area Guide

The modern version of Omaha's history started when the United States acquired the land as part of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The area became a stopping point for settlers heading west in the mid-1800s. The arrival of the railroad in 1865 spurred another population hike, and soon the city's industry included brick making, smelting and breweries.

By 1893, the city had the third-largest stockyard in the nation, providing a shipping point for cattlemen west of the Mississippi River. A massive tornado struck the city on Easter Sunday, 1913, cutting a two-block wide swath through the city. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s provided more hardship for local residents.

The Durham Museum and the Omaha Children's Museum provide a fun cultural experience for area children. Boys Town remains an Omaha institution, complete with a museum and chapel open to visitors. The Joslyn Art Museum has exhibits dating back to ancient times.

Located smack-dab in the middle of the Hillsborough neighborhood, Wave Bistro dishes up delicacies such as Thai green curry shrimp, spring rolls and pistachio-crusted Australian lamb chops. By combining techniques from Japanese, French, Thai and Chinese masters, Wave Bistro adds its own touch to popular favorites. From the time a server brings a basket of warm bread and almond butter to the table to the very last bite, the attentive staff and wonderful flavors make dining here a memorable experience.

Salt takes tried-and-true recipes from the Old World and serves them with an American spin. Located on the downtown side of the neighborhood, Salt provides unforgettable food and outstanding service at a price that doesn't break the bank. Appetizers such as a salt charcuterie board and goat cheese pomodori whet your appetite for the main event. Along with a number of different pastas and wood-fired pizzas, Salt delivers the meat in the form of a 10-ounce tomahawk veal chop, sirloin puttanesca and steak dubrovnik. Rainbow trout with hazelnut breading and plank-fired Scottish salmon head up the seafood offerings. Salt also provides a comfortable atmosphere to share a cocktail, glass of wine or craft beer with friends.

Steak lovers honor the Omaha cattle industry by heading to the south side of the neighborhood and frequenting Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, home of some of the finest U.S. Prime beef to come out of the stockyards. This high-end establishment broils the meat at 900 degrees, then serves it piping hot on a sizzling metal plate. For the traditional steakhouse experience, order a martini and start your night off with a large shrimp cocktail. Move on to the wedge salad with bleu cheese dressing in preparation for the granddaddy of steaks, the 21-ounce Prime cowboy ribeye with a jumbo loaded baked potato on the side. If you can still move, have your friends wheel you home, and go to bed with a smile.

While there are a few good bars in the Hillsborough Neighborhood most locals will head downtown for a drink. Grab a drink and catch the game at the neighborhood Buffalo Wild Wings or visit one of the few local bars scattered along West Maple Road. Sit down and enjoy some whiskey and a good cigar at Safari Cigar & Lounge. With their walk in humidor, a large selection of scotches and whiskey's, comfy leather chairs and a state-of-the-art ventilation system this local favorite is a perfect environment for smokers and non-smokers alike.

Omaha Metro provides bus transportation to the Hillsborough neighborhood and the rest of the metropolitan area. However, most people use personal vehicles to commute and move around town. The neighborhood sits just west of Interstate 680 and north of U.S. Route 6, with easy access to both major highways.

Residents cannot hail a taxi in the Hillsborough neighborhood, but it only takes a phone call to get service at your door. Both Uber and Lyft offer ride sharing in Omaha, where public parking remains free except in the downtown area. Parking meters and public garages provide space for downtown visitors and employees.

The roads in the Hillsborough neighborhood provide a safe avenue for bike riders. Some roads connect with dedicated trails that make biking a popular means of recreation. Hillsborough residents enjoy walking along the wide streets, taking advantage of local trails for daily exercise.

Tranquility Park provides 340 acres for locals to relax, enjoy athletic competition or just take a fun bike ride over a 6-mile course. With 24 tennis courts, eight baseball diamonds and 17 soccer fields, the park stays busy most of the time. The park remains open all year and admission is free.

Standing Bear Recreation Area sits just north of Hillsborough, providing a fun site for fishing, boating and picnicking. This park also provides a popular spot for remote control airplane enthusiasts to practice their sport as well as a 3.3-mile biking and hiking trail.

TD Ameritrade Park in downtown Omaha seats more than 24,000 fans for baseball games. Home to the Creighton University men's baseball team and the Omaha Nighthawks football team, this facility also hosts the NCAA Men's College World Series.

The cost of living in the Hillsborough neighborhood averages 14 percent less than the national norm. A lower than average cost of housing, along with inexpensive goods and services, make the area an affordable option for young families as well as seniors living on a fixed income.

It costs $1.25 to take a bus to downtown Omaha from the Hillsborough neighborhood. A one-bedroom apartment in Omaha averages $746 a month.

Expect to pay about $3.50 for a domestic beer in a local pub. Gas prices typically run 10 percent below the national average.

Located just east of I-680, Westroads Mall remains a popular place for local shoppers to spend a day at major retailers. Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle and DSW Shoes provide an outlet for fashionable shoppers looking for the latest trends. Specialty shops such as Lids, Perfume Palace, Spencer's and Teddy Bear Connection appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Local shoppers love the outstanding customer service at Material Girl, a small boutique offering women's handbags, gifts and accessories. As one of the few retailers in the area specializing in bags, customers enjoy the wide selection of Fossil, Harvey's and Hobo bags. Spanx, maternity tights and fleece-lined leggings are other best sellers from the store.

If you want something that your guests won't stop taking about then visit Whisked Away Cake Boutique and get the perfect dessert for your next special occasion. A local favorite, they make made to order birthday, wedding, and celebratory cakes along with cupcakes and cookies.

The Omaha Farmers Market has been in business more than 100 years at the same location at the intersection of Jackson Street and 11th in downtown Omaha. Local farmers come every weekend during the summer to sell fresh fruits and vegetables in covered spaces. Satellite locations in northwest Omaha and the eastern portion of the city provide local service but are not open as many days of the year.

Hy-Vee provides the Hillsborough neighborhood with a multipurpose grocery store that also serves hot food and houses a dry cleaner and pharmacy. Trader Joe's, Wohlner's and Whole Foods also maintain full-service grocery stores in the Omaha area.