Woodlyn Park - Omaha, NE

Though the Omaha Native American tribe held the land for thousands of years, a treaty signed with settlers across the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1854 opened the possibility of claiming land in Nebraska. In 1867, Omaha and Lincoln competed to become the state's capital city, with the latter taking the title. Despite this, later that year business leaders developed the commercial district Jobbers Canyon and many of Omaha's stockyards.

The massive economic benefits of both these projects brought more businesses to the area, resulting in a population boom. To support these new citizens, the city built outward, developing rural areas such as Woodlyn Park. Over time, Woodlyn Park and the surrounding neighborhoods grew in importance as suburban housing for Omaha's professionals. Unfortunately, the lack of public venues means no art scenes or annual events happen within the neighborhood. Furthermore, Woodlyn Park holds no museums detailing its history.

North 120th Street and Highway 64 both hold numerous upscale establishments, such as Dolce. This luxury establishment serves traditional American foods, such as fish, T-bone steak and the TD Niche pork belly, one of the restaurant's signature dishes. Most diners opt for Dolce's five-course chef's meal in an attempt to sample as much of the restaurant's succulent menu as possible.

Inexpensive dining options also exist near Woodlyn Park, including Taxi's Grille and Bar. This restaurant specializes in brunch items. Patrons typically recommend the French toast and Belgian waffles. However, Taxi's serves lunch and dinner menus that feature a selection of delectable soups and their popular crab cakes. Best of all, the restaurants regularly receives commendation for its friendly and attentive staff.

Several ethnic restaurants also operate near Woodlyn Park. For example, the Golden Palace fills the neighborhood's lust for Chinese cuisine. The restaurant's high-quality service and savory dishes have made it a mainstay in Omaha's Oriental dining scene. The Golden Palace's egg rolls and Kung Pao chicken hold a reputation as the restaurant's best items on the menu.

The easiest method of transport in Woodlyn Park undoubtedly remains driving. Major highways servicing the area include Interstate 680 and U.S. 6, though neither pass directly through the neighborhood. North 120th Street forms the east border of the neighborhood and connects Woodlyn Park with the outside world. Because of the lack of public venues, the only free street-side and driveway parking exists in Woodlyn Park. Furthermore, taxis and Uber rarely visit the neighborhood without a call.

The low traffic levels of Woodlyn Park make the neighborhood ideal for pedestrians and cyclists, despite the lack of dedicated bike lanes. Sidewalks connect all of the neighborhood's streets for pedestrians. Furthermore, routes 98 and 22 of Omaha's public transportation system, the Metro, cater to the neighborhood.

One of northwest Omaha's landmark parks, Tranquility Park, sits just a few blocks north of Woodlyn Park. This large park occupies 340 acres of land, and features numerous sporting facilities, including 17 soccer fields, eight baseball fields, 24 tennis courts and 6 miles of mountain biking trails. The park also contains a play area for children, several miles of walking trails and picnic shelters. Though no facilities exist specifically catering to canines, owners frequently bring dogs to the park's large fields and wetland areas. Outside of sporting events and private exercise groups, little to no events occur at Tranquility Park on a regular basis.

Cost of living in Woodlyn Park typically falls below the city average. For instance, a one-bedroom residence in the neighborhood may only cost $700 per month, compared to a citywide average of $800. Gas costs as much as 9 percent lower than the city average and 7 percent below the national average. Additionally, grocery stores, restaurants and pubs in the neighborhoods surrounding Woodlyn Park charge marginally less; for example, a pint at a pub nearby the neighborhood may cost only $4, compared to a citywide average of $5. The one cost Woodlyn Park does not significantly differ in remains public transportation, as the Omaha Metro charges a flat fee of $1.25 regardless of the route.

Unfortunately, no shops operate within the limits of Woodlyn Park, though several stores exist in the adjacent neighborhoods. These stores usually market high values and mostly cluster around West Maple Road north of the community. Though multinational chains make up most of these stores, a handful of locally owned shops still operate.

Baker's fills Woodlyn Park's grocery needs, as well as a handful of farmers markets, such as the Farm Fresh Market, and Stratbucker's Farms and Markets. All of these options make finding fresh food and produce a breeze for Woodlyn Park's residence.

When in need of outdoor decor, plants and landscaping materials, the neighborhood turns its head to Mulhall's. Not only does this store contain a massive selection of plants and flowers, they also deliver and install larger features, such as fountains and outdoor lighting rigs. The staff earnestly tries to pair home owners with decor that suits their home, and this dedication to customer service proves the primary reason people drive from across the city to visit Mulhall's.

South of Woodlyn Park sits one of Omaha's best tennis shops, the Racquet Corner. This store sells and repairs racquets of all kinds, though it primarily focuses on tennis equipment. Furthermore, the Racquet Corner features a unique trial period on all their racquets; patrons may take home one or more racquets for a set period of time to sample them in real-world situations before purchasing.