Omaha
Rising out of the prairies and cornfields of the heartland, Omaha serves as a cultural wellspring and economic powerhouse for the region. Downtown has seen a lot of development in recent years, and now serves up a huge selection of trendy shopping, dining, and entertainment, particularly around the Old Market; the Blackstone neighborhood has also emerged as a new hotspot for adventurous restauranteurs and hip nightlife. The robust live music scene in Omaha is one of the city’s worst-kept secrets, with national publications singing the praises of popular venues like the Waiting Room and the annual Maha Music Festival at Stinson Park. Omaha is serious about college sports – the University of Nebraska’s Cornhuskers are hometown heroes, and the city is the longtime home to the College World Series every summer. For more relaxing downtime, soak in views of the Missouri River (and wave to Council Bluffs, Iowa) from Heartland of America Park, or pack up your picnic basket and head over to Standing Bear reservoir.
Elkhorn
Elkhorn rests along the western frontiers of Omaha. Among the suburbanite apartments and well-cultivated green space, this neighborhood proudly showcases its Western history with century-old architecture and traditional American design in the neighborhood center. Omaha residents love this neighborhood for its countryside peacefulness and old-town feel, plus its comfort and two golf courses. Miles of open countryside and nearby parks cater to neighborhood children, and a range of shopping and dining options can be found at Village Pointe center. From the excellent school system to plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities, Elkhorn ensures a healthy, active lifestyle.
Council Bluffs
Located just across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska, Council Bluffs is the largest city in Southwest Iowa. Council Bluffs’ roots date back to the early 1800s, and the city exudes a distinctive sense of historic charm to this day. Council Bluffs honors its rich past with several historic districts, fascinating museums, monuments, and well-preserved buildings. The city even features gorgeously renovated loft apartments in vintage structures, many of which are available for rent. Along with its unique historic character, Council Bluffs is revered for its natural beauty and the ample opportunities for outdoor recreation it affords. The sprawling Lake Manawa State Park is located in the city, boasting picnic shelters and multi-use trails along a picturesque 772-acre lake perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. Loess Hills National Scenic Byway touts stunning vistas all year as well. Some of the major employers in Council Bluffs include casinos, manufacturing plants, and tech giant Google. Commuting and traveling from Council Bluffs is simple with convenience to Interstates 29, 80, and 480 as well as multiple railroads and Eppley Airfield.
