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.
Saint Louis
Stretched along the Mississippi River, Saint Louis is the second most populous city in Missouri. Regarded as the Gateway to the West, Saint Louis was the starting point of Lewis and Clark’s infamous expedition. Saint Louis’ most iconic landmark, the Gateway Arch, is a memorial celebrating the nation’s westward expansion. In addition to its rich history, Saint Louis offers residents access to exceptional amenities and culture. An apartment in Saint Louis affords you the opportunity to climb sculptures composed of reclaimed building materials at the one-of-a-kind City Museum, or watch the Cardinals play ball at Busch Stadium. Hit the town and catch a performance at the Fabulous Fox, or indulge in some retail therapy at the massive Saint Louis Outlet Mall. There’s incredible architecture to admire in the Washington Avenue Historic District, or you could experience the flora and fauna on display at the Saint Louis Zoo and Missouri Botanical Garden. Convenient Interstates make exploring the Saint Louis area and the national forests to the south a breeze.
Evansville
Located along the Ohio River, Evansville combines small-town warmth with city conveniences. The Riverside Historic District features preserved homes with French Second Empire and Renaissance Revival architecture, while the east side offers newer residential developments. Current rental data shows one-bedroom apartments averaging $840, with two-bedroom units at $1,041. These rates position Evansville as one of Indiana's more affordable metropolitan areas. Downtown Evansville centers around the Ford Center and historic Victory Theatre, while the annual West Side Nut Club Fall Festival transforms Franklin Street into one of the country's largest street festivals. The presence of the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana enhances the city's educational landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, home to North America's largest urban old-growth forest. The city's manufacturing heritage earned its recognition as Indiana's American World War II Heritage City, adding to its historical significance.
