"Omaha: Good for a one-two day stop" a Omaha Travel Page by kingbk

I am a native Omahan, born and raised for 18 years. I left when I turned 18 and moved to Texas for four years. After my college years, I moved back home. I left again to head to California. Yes, Omaha has grown and changed a lot, but the fact of the matter is it is still a middle-sized city in the middle of America.

With a population of over 400,000, Omaha is the 43rd largest city in the country. The metro size is 800,000, placing it as the 60th largest metro area. Omaha has a low cost of living. Traffic is never a problem. Crime is typical for a city of it's size. It has a zoo that is one of the top in the nation and is home to five Fortune 500 companies.

Two events bring visitors to Omaha. The College World Series and the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting. Omaha has an art scene that is good for a city of it's size. There are a number of eating establishments throughout the city.

I'm not a huge Omaha fan. I think it's a great place to raise a family. It's a slow moving, peaceful sediate place. The natives are for the most part friendly, not southern hospitality friendly, but friendlier than other places. It doesn't cost much to live here. However, what Omaha lacks is the excitement, energy and culture of the big city. Granted for a city of it's size, it's not bad, but Omaha definitely has a conservative, suburban vibe to it. I lived in the lofts downtown for close to two years, and though they are trying hard to make it more hip and appealing to younger people, it still feels kind of smallish and slow. I felt like I had done everything possible and saw everyone over and over again and I got bored with it. It's just the way the city is.

It's not a place for nature lovers. There aren't many trees, hills, mountains, oceans or lakes. Sorry, but the Missouri River doesn't cut it.

If you are looking for a place to raise a family, this isn't a bad option. If you are looking for a place with a slower pace of life, again not a bad option. If you want a fast paced urban lifestyle, look elsewhere.

Omaha is a good one-two day stay. It isn't worth a special trip just for itself, but isn't a bad place on the way to somewhere else or a getaway if you live in a small town close by.