Omaha, Nebraska. We’re pretty convinced that it doesn’t get the credit it deserves for being a pretty fantastic city — you might even say the best city in the Midwest to live in. The arts and music scene is thriving, the economy is robust due to the presence of some pretty solid Fortune 500 companies, and the people there are just so darn nice. If you’re considering moving to Omaha, here are 7 reasons to be confident you’re making the right choice.
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Warren Buffett says so – and he is pretty smart
Buffet’s company, Berkshire Hathaway, has been growing steadily in Omaha since he took control in the 60’s. In an interview with Business Insider, he mentioned some of the city’s most attractive traits: very little traffic, a slower pace of life, and of course, it’s a considerable distance from the buzz of Wall Street. His employees also like living in Omaha, he says — so why would he live anywhere else?
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It’s a big city with small-town charm (but it still only takes 20 minutes to get anywhere)
If Warren Buffet notices the ease of getting around, you will too. Omaha sits just on that nice edge of having all that a big city offers, including a population of around 430,000, while still maintaining the nicer parts of a small town. You’ll quickly realize that you run into people you know in your neighborhood regularly, and the downtown has that downtown feel without the stressful hum of too much traffic and congestion. Parking is easy to find, and you can easily get around using public transit or walking. Now that’s something you won’t find in many destination cities.
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It has the lowest unemployment rate in America and is home to “The Fab 5” group of Fortune 500 companies
Just a 2.9% unemployment rate, to be exact — well below the national average. That likely has a lot to do with the attraction Omaha holds for Fortune 500 companies who want to get out of the bigger cities and breathe. The economy is growing steadily, and there are still plenty of affordable homes, giving new employees a great incentive to call Omaha home. Oh, and The Fab 5 — ConAgra, Union Pacific, Peter Kiewit Sons’, and Mutual of Omaha call this Midwest city home base, alongside Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway.
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Not to mention its nickname: Silicon Prairie
Tech startups and entrepreneurs are flocking to Omaha to be a part of the economy’s momentum. The city is incredibly friendly to new businesses, and the publication Silicon Prairie will keep you up-to-date on all the latest happenings in the entrepreneurial world. If you’re one of those motivated types, plan to attend The Big Omaha Conference and rub elbows with the innovative and forward-thinking moguls of the area.
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It is one of the friendliest cities in the world
Omahans love visitors, it’s true — they’re always ready with a smile, a greeting, and perhaps an in-depth conversation if you take the time. You won’t see any cold shoulders here.
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Surprise! There are thriving arts and music scene
Just because it’s called The Cornhusker State, don’t expect everyone to be sitting around on Friday night. You might call Omaha the home of Indie Rock with all of the bands that the local Saddle Creek Records has birthed, and the live music scene never leaves you wanting for entertainment. You’ll find yourself looking forward to The Maha Music Festival all year long. The art museums are also top-notch, and Hot Shops Studio or Cali Commons are the spots to see local art at its finest.
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There is always, always something to do
Bottom line? Whether you’re looking to advance your career, raise a family, or get a fresh start in a new city, relocating to Omaha has you covered. It seems like there’s always a festival nearby, Husker Football is THE place to be when there’s a game on, the city is home to the best zoo in the world, and if you’d prefer your animals a la carte? There’s plenty of opportunities to get out for a walk in nature, go paddling or take in the Nebraska vistas.
If you’re still not completely convinced, have a look at this blog post to get the inside scoop on Omaha’s best-kept secrets. Just don’t tell them we told you.
Moving in Omaha? Click here to take a look at Omaha’s most recommended moving companies.
