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.
Abilene
Welcome to Abilene, a West Texas city where frontier heritage meets contemporary living. Home to Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, and McMurry University, the city offers a lively college-town atmosphere. The downtown cultural district showcases the historic Paramount Theatre and The Grace Museum, while Frontier Texas! brings local history to life through interactive exhibits. One-bedroom apartments currently rent for $914 monthly, reflecting a 6.5% annual increase, while two-bedroom units average $1,109, up 6.3% from the previous year. The city features 26 public parks throughout its neighborhoods, and the SODA (South of Downtown Abilene) district offers local shopping and dining options. Dyess Air Force Base, employing over 8,800 personnel, serves as the city's largest employer. Notable areas include the expanding residential developments along Buffalo Gap Road and the tree-lined Sayles Boulevard area with its historic architecture. Originally established in 1881 as a cattle shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railway, Abilene was named after its Kansas counterpart and grew rapidly, with its first land auction selling 139 lots for $23,810.
