French for “beautiful view,” Bellevue was more than just a pretty place for European fur traders struggling through a harsh winter when they first encountered Christian missionaries and Native Americans along the banks of the Missouri River in the early 1800s. Beyond the scenery, the help they received there kept them alive and productive, so the traders' choice of name reflected their gratitude when establishing a safe and breathtaking outpost in 1822.
Today, Bellevue is Nebraska’s oldest continuous settlement and is still revered for sweeping vistas of the Missouri River and surrounding hillsides. Fueled in part by a long-standing military presence, it’s the third largest city in Nebraska, behind next-door neighbor, Omaha and the state capital, Lincoln. With about 65,000 residents, “it’s a great location for families with kids because it’s on the outskirts of the metro area, so you can zip downtown quickly for work or maybe a trip to the zoo, but you’re also close to great Bellevue schools – and there are plenty of those,'' says Denny Bray, Realtor with Cuore Realty, LLC.
Bellevue’s history took a turn in World War II when a key bomber factory was sited at what would become Offutt Air Force Base, later the home of the Cold War's Strategic Air Command. Today, Offutt remains the largest employer, home to the reorganized U.S. Strategic Command, with nearly 10,000 employees. Bellevue Public Schools, Wal-Mart Super Center, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are the next largest employers. The growth linked to the military presence is felt region-wide, says Erin Cejka, a marketing and communications coordinator with Sarpy County Museum.
“The newer part of Bellevue has all the comforts of a large city, including apartments and homes, grocery stores, restaurants, schools and entertainment,'' she says. "Bellevue has grown steadily over the years, thanks to Air Force families and those looking for an established community to raise their family with access to Omaha and Iowa.”
Bellevue neighborhoods range from historic to classic to brand new.
Every town needs an old-school Italian joint, and Roma Italian is that place in Bellevue.
Enjoy views of the Missouri River at Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue.
Stella's is always packed and is a Bellevue staple.
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High housing inventory and 20 parks
The city's first home, the Bellevue Log Cabin, was built in 1830 and is managed by the Sarpy County Museum. Today, “There are homes in every price range from early 20th-century cottages for around $80,000 to mid-century homes up to about $200,000 to new, custom-built, five-bedroom homes starting around $600,000,” Bray says. Two-bedroom condominiums have recently sold for about $150,000, while recently built New Traditional homes have sold for around $350,000. The median price runs just above $300,000.
Bellevue maintains 20 diverse parks, covering nearly 700 acres. “The most popular park in Bellevue is Fontenelle Forest,'' Cejka says. "The park is a large, heavily forested area with handicap-accessible walking trails. They have an amazing raptor-recovery program. And their Raptor Refuge allows visitors to walk across a suspension bridge and get up close to owls, hawks and eagles.''
Other parks in the city cater to sports, active play and more passive pursuits. An indoor waterpark is expected to be completed in 2026, Cejka says.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, open since 1894 and today exhibiting nearly 900 animals, is a 5-mile drive away.
A toll bridge across the Missouri River connects Bellevue to Iowa in the east.
Plenty of outdoor parks and activities are right outside Bellevue residents' doors.
Updated split-level homes are a popular style in the established Bellevue neighborhoods.
Residents of Bellevue looking for new construction homes head a few miles west.
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Abundant retail scene and expansive parks
With Bellevue’s history and diverse population, the city lends itself to a quirky array of uniquely named shops, restaurants and businesses. Sickies Garage Burgers and Brews, Lucky Chuck Skydiving and DogGurt (yes, they sell yogurt for dogs) are just a few. Ground Zero Hobby is more than a typical comic book store, offering role-playing games and plenty of board games. Roma Italian Restaurant and Stella’s Bar & Grill are long-standing casual dining favorites.
Walmart Supercenter is located at the intersection of Highway 75 and Fort Crook Road South. Shoppers will find Target, the Village Hotel and the Bellevue Conference Center at Twin Creek Plaza. The largest shopping center in the Bellevue area is Shadow Lake Towne Center, which has more than 80 retailers, restaurants and professional services.
The Sarpy County Museum researches and preserves the history of Nebraska’s settlement and expansion. From archiving Native American stories to digitizing historic photos of early railroad construction, their work is growing with their new museum at the Southwest corner of Highway 370 and 90th Street. The oldest manmade structure in Nebraska, Bellevue Log Cabin, and the oldest standing train depot in Nebraska, Bellevue Depot, are important historic destinations. The Bellevue Arts Museum hosts private events, educational classes and scheduled public events.
Platteview Golf Club is a private 18-hole professional golf course known for its mature oak and cottonwood trees, ponds and elevation changes. Bellevue Soccer Club is one of the state’s most notable youth soccer complexes and welcomes players and teams for instruction, league play and tournaments.
The Bellevue Riverfront Festival features live music, a carnival, food trucks and vendors that bring thousands of people to Bellevue each June. The Offutt Air Force Base Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show also features the Air Force Thunderbirds each August.
Residents of Bellevue stroll the quiet neighborhood streets to meet neighbors and get fresh air.
The city's multitude of parks offer activities and space for all ages.
The small downtown of Bellevue offers shops and restaurants along Mission Avenue.
Bellevue's collectors and hobbyists flock to Ground Zero Hobby for comics, games & action figure
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Environmental stewardship aims to protect Bellevue's future
In 2020, the City Council adopted the Sustainable Bellevue Environmental Stewardship Plan, which aims to minimize environmental threats. Goals include cutting energy usage by 30% by 2050, increasing tree canopy coverage by 40%, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. The plan will be monitored and updated every five years.
Temperatures range from hot in the summer to frigid in the winter, with nearly 3 feet of snow the norm. Tornadoes are a risk from late spring to mid-summer.
Highly rated public school districts serve 22,000 students
Bellevue Public Schools, which has a B-plus grade from Niche, serves most of the city, with parts of western Bellevue along state Route 370 served by Papillion-La Vista School District. Advanced Placement courses are offered at both Bellevue high schools. Papillion-La Vista School District earns an A-minus grade and is ranked the No. 1 school district in Sarpy County by Niche. Bellevue offers private school options, including Gross Catholic High School, which earns an A-minus grade and is ranked the No. 11 private high school in the state.
Bellevue West High is one of the three high schools in Bellevue.
Pawnee Elementary School serves students in grades K-5, many of whom are bilingual.
Logan Fontenelle Middle School is one of several junior high schools serving Bellevue students.
Entrance to Bellevue Jr/Sr High school with horse statue in front in Bellevue.
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Eppley Airfield’s massive expansion supports Bellevue and Offutt Air Force Base
State Route 370 connects western Bellevue to the eastern side and to the Old Town Bellevue area. Census data collected from 2018 to 2023 shows that residents’ mean commute time is about 20 minutes. U.S. Route 75, running north and south, divides Bellevue through its center, connecting residents with Omaha to the north. With this connection and proximity to Omaha, residents appreciate access to the largest airport in the state, Omaha’s Eppley Airfield, which is 15 miles north of Offutt Airforce Base in Bellevue. The airport offers 31 nonstop domestic flights and is amid a $950 million renovation and expansion.
Growth in healthcare and entertainment
Bellevue residents have access to nearby healthcare in the city but also benefit from being close to medical facilities in Council Bluffs, Lincoln and Omaha. Nebraska Medicine Bellevue Health Center opened in 2010 with an emergency center, a primary care clinic, physical rehabilitation services and a surgery center.
Construction on the highly anticipated Bellevue City Water Park is expected to begin in late 2024 or spring 2025. The city is also planning to welcome two new hotels by 2027 to support the water park's tourism. The city’s Capital Investment Program Plan highlights projects that enhance the living experience in Bellevue. Current projects focus on constructing new bike lanes, a new downtown fire station, on-demand transit services and road improvements.
Violent crime reductions are notable alongside population growth
The rate of violent crime in Bellevue tracks generally with that of Nebraska, but higher than the national norms, according to FBI data. Property crime comparisons are similar. According to the most recent crime statistics from the Bellevue Police Department, 2021 revealed a 2.3% reduction in overall crime throughout the Bellevue Community, as compared to 2020. This is notable, considering Bellevue grew by approximately 15,000 citizens over the previous five years due to an aggressive annexation plan.
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Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Bellevue, NE sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Bellevue, NE over the last 12 months is $305,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Model Home Not for Sale. Model Not For Sale. Step into the Patriot Model, a thoughtfully designed home that blends modern comfort with elevated style. With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 3-car garage, this home offers both functionality and room to grow. The open-concept layout is enhanced by 11' ceilings, LVP flooring throughout, and an abundance of natural light pouring in through the expansive
Welcome to the Parker floorplan that offers space and affordability all rolled into one fantastic home! This two-story is situated on a west facing lot, boasting a large inviting entry with large windows welcoming natural light, durable LVP flooring throughout the main & an open concept great room/kitchen/dinette. In the kitchen, you'll find quartz countertops, a spacious pantry, and a large
Stop by the model at 12501 Quail Drive on Sundays 1-3 for info. Built by Lane Corp, this west-facing walkout ranch features the popular Allen Park floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage. A split-bedroom layout places the primary bedroom separate from the secondary bedrooms, offering added privacy and a quiet retreat. The kitchen showcases an oversized island, stained fir and
Nestled on 11 wooded acres bordering Fontenelle Forest, this stunning property blends modern luxury with the natural landscape. Defined by soaring ceilings, rich wood beams, and expansive windows, the home is bathed in natural light. The exterior features Hardie Plank siding, a new roof and two large Trex decks perfect for treetop entertaining. The interior has undergone a total renovation, from
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained split-entry situated on a spacious lot with an incredible backyard! The main level features warm wood flooring throughout the living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating a seamless and inviting flow. The kitchen offers timeless all-wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, and plenty of workspace for cooking & entertaining. Downstairs, you’ll find a fully
Unlock the potential in this ranch-style home situated on a spacious 0.24-acre lot! Featuring hardwood floors and vinyl windows, this property is the perfect canvas for your vision. With solid bones and endless possibilities, it's an ideal fixer-upper for investors or buyers looking to create their dream home. Enjoy a convenient location close to schools, Offutt AFB, shopping centers, parks, and
Welcome to this 3-bed, 3-bath, Orchard Valley built ranch in Bellevue's Spring Ridge! With ~2,202 FSF, this home combines modern style with functional living. The exterior shines with striking stone accents & a 2-car garage. Inside, discover an open-concept main floor featuring crisp white trim, gray walls, & luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. The kitchen is move-in ready with
Welcome home to this spacious split on a large corner lot in Bellevue’s established Oakhurst neighborhood! The open kitchen and dining area is perfect for entertaining, featuring granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, vaulted ceilings, and plenty of natural light. The primary suite offers a walk-in closet and an impressive en suite bath with dual sinks, whirlpool tub, and walk-in
Model Home Not for Sale. Model Not For Sale. Step into the Patriot Model, a thoughtfully designed home that blends modern comfort with elevated style. With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 3-car garage, this home offers both functionality and room to grow. The open-concept layout is enhanced by 11' ceilings, LVP flooring throughout, and an abundance of natural light pouring in through the expansive
Open concept ranches in a new community with lots of living space. Discover the nearly completed, spaciously designed floor plan, open-concept ranch-style home. This home features three bedrooms on the main level, with an over sized master suite. The open kitchen has a large island that bring's together the dining and great room. This home boasts luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, elegant quartz
Beautiful well-maintained 4 Bed & 2.5 Bath home in established Bellevue neighborhood is improved and back on market! Conveniently located to Highway 75, just minutes to Offutt AFB or Omaha. This two story home has a lot! Main floor is open concept with living dining and kitchen and sliding door to deck adds a bit of extra living space. Kitchen is well appropriated with large pantry, plenty of
Orchard Valley Inc builds homes that work for real life — with room to grow, space to gather, and features families actually use. Located throughout the Omaha metro, these homes offer huge square footage at affordable prices, making them ideal for busy households. Open-concept layouts with 9’ ceilings create bright, connected living spaces, while durable LVP flooring handles everyday wear and
Welcome to the Hamilton in Lakewood West - a charming ranch-style home offering 1,498 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Step into a bright foyer that leads past two spacious secondary bedrooms and a full bath—perfect for family, guests, or a home office setup. The heart of the home is the open-concept kitchen featuring white cabinetry, stainless steel
Welcome to the Hamilton in Lakewood West - a beautifully designed ranch-style home offering 2,190 sq. ft. of finished living space with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, including a finished basement. From the moment you enter, the bright foyer leads past two spacious secondary bedrooms and a full bath—ideal for guests or a home office. At the heart of the home is an open-concept kitchen featuring
Welcome home to this beautifully updated, move-in-ready property! The spacious main floor boasts brand-new luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring and modern lighting throughout. You'll love the updated kitchen, featuring stylish new cabinets and gorgeous marble countertops. Relax in the large living room, complete with vaulted ceilings and bright skylights, or unwind in the separate recreation room.
Welcome to this spacious 3 bed, 3 bath home in Bellevue. On the main floor you'll find the open concept kitchen, dining and living room, as well as the conveniently located main floor laundry room. Also on this floor are two of the bedrooms, including the primary bedroom which features an ensuite bath with double sinks and a walk in closet. The finished basement offers another living room, the
Pavilion at Twin Creek embodies all the comforts for luxury living. Located in a convenient setting you can easily enjoy the high end shops and restaurants nearby and take pleasure in an active lifestyle. We offer one, two and three bedroom apartment homes. Enjoy the convenience of full size washers and dryers, private balconies, garden soaking tubs, wood flooring, vaulted ceilings and more. Our
Welcome to this pristine 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home located in the Clearwater Falls neighborhood. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a spacious and inviting interior. The living room features a cozy fireplace and the kitchen is equipped with a pantry, an island, and plenty of cabinet and counter space. Upstairs you'll find the generous sized bedrooms and the conveniently located second
Located in Bellevue, Tregaron Oaks is an ideal community for those looking for living spaces with countless amenities. These beautiful one and two bedroom apartments perfectly combine privacy and quality. And this unique apartment community provides its tenants with an outdoor pool, sauna, fitness center and plenty of green space for your pets to enjoy. You'll also have convenient access to
A charming ranch style home with an open concept, 3 beds, 3 baths, and 3-car garage. The main floor features a cozy gas fireplace in the living room as well the a conveniently located laundry room. The kitchen boasts beautiful hardwood floors, a large walk-in pantry, and a dining area with easy access to the deck/balcony via a sliding glass door. The primary bedroom includes a huge walk-in closet
Brand new apartments are available now! Be the first to enjoy these newly-built, beautiful homes! Enjoy the beauty of country living without leaving the city. Fontenelle Hills is a gorgeous apartment community, nestled into 42 acres of lush, wooded land right in Bellevue. Enjoy the quiet and privacy our spacious grounds provide, with a wide range of amenities that make you feel right at home.
Just minutes from Offutt Air Force Base, shopping, dining, entertainment and more, Summit by Broadmoor is perfect for those who are new to town, new to the area or just looking for somewhere new to call home.With a long list of amenities such as two swimming pools, a 24-hour fitness center, movie theater, grilling pavilion and multiple sports courts, there's something fun for everyone at
Redwood Bellevue South 25th Street is where you'll find the single-story apartment you've been looking for. Live in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, pet-friendly apartment rental home with an attached garage. Enjoy being surrounded by charming greenery, with all the amenities you could need just a stones throw away. Plus, you can get to the arts, entertainment, dining and attractions of Omaha in just
Colonial Pointe at Fairview Apartments is proud to welcome you home. Ideally located near Omaha, NE, our pet-friendly apartments in Bellevue bring the best of comfort and convenience together. We used our over 100 years of experience in managing communities to offer you thoughtful support, unmatched amenities and features, and a willingness to listen to our residents' needs. Close to Offutt
See yourself here in this beautiful community where apartment living is not just about four walls, but about the experience. Enjoy our fantastic amenities, beautifully landscaped community and sleek, stylish apartment homes. Our friendly on-site management team is waiting to help you find your new home. Meticulously designed interiors with an aesthetic both modern & timeless. Gorgeous granite
Welcome to South Ridge Apartments in Bellevue, NE! Our pet-friendly community offers convenience with onsite management and maintenance to address any needs promptly. Stay productive in our business center or break a sweat in our fitness center. Each unit features washer/dryer hookups for added convenience, as well as ceiling fans for comfort. Easily manage your rent payments online for a
Timbercrest Apartments provides comfortable living in a quiet residential area of Bellevue, Nebraska. This pet-friendly community features spacious two-bedroom floor plans designed for practicality and value. Residents live a short drive from Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue University, and Highway 75, which allows for efficient travel throughout the Omaha metro area. Each apartment includes large
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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