Bellevue is a historic Omaha suburb centered on a military base
Established in the early 1800s, the Omaha suburb of Bellevue is the oldest continuous settlement in Nebraska. The name means “beautiful view” in French, and its scenic location on the western bank of the Missouri River supports that claim. With a population of 65,000, the city is the third largest in the state, just behind Omaha and the state capital of Lincoln. Many residents move to the area to be close to Offutt Air Force Base, which borders the city to the southeast. However, highly rated schools attract many non-military families, and historic sites and abundant green space help distinguish Bellevue from the greater Omaha metro region.
Enjoy views of the Missouri River at Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue.
Bellevue is a city along the Missouri River south of Omaha.
1/2
Breaking down the different sections of Bellevue
The city's architectural landscape covers a broad range of housing styles. Single-family homes make up most of the inventory. In the section known as Olde Towne Bellevue, just north of the military base, you’ll find midcentury ranch-style and split-level homes near restaurants, shopping centers and Bellevue University. Farther northwest, farmhouses from the early 1900s share space with more midcentury homes and New Traditionals built in the 2010s. The area southwest of the base has seen significant new construction in recent years.
Updated split-level homes are a common style in established Bellevue neighborhoods.
Bellevue buyers looking for new construction homes head to southwest neighborhoods.
Bellevue neighborhoods range from historic to classic to brand new.
1/3
Housing costs and how they compare to nearby suburbs
Bellevue's housing market caters to a variety of budgets. Manufactured homes might sell for under $100,000, while New Traditionals with four or five bedrooms can command prices in the upper $700,000s. The median home sale price of $300,000 is on par with Omaha’s median, but prices tend to be lower here than in other popular suburbs like Papillion, Gretna and Elkhorn.
Most students are zoned for schools in the Bellevue Public Schools district.
Two highly rated public school districts serve Bellevue students
Bellevue is served by two public school systems. The highly rated Bellevue Public Schools district covers most of the city, but some students might be zoned for Papillion-La Vista Community Schools, which Niche ranks as the No. 1 district in Sarpy County. If you’re interested in those schools, be sure to verify attendance boundaries carefully, as they can fluctuate from year to year. The area around Golden Hills Elementary, one of Papillion La Vista’s highly rated schools, might be a good place to start your search. The city is also home to Bellevue University, which offers various program levels, including doctoral degrees in business administration and human capital management.
How Offutt Air Force Base affects the community
Much of the city’s growth is linked to Offutt Air Force Base, according to 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.” In addition to driving the local economy, the military presence helps shape the city’s identity through events like the Veterans Day parade, the Offutt Air Show and the Bellevue Days summer festival. Neighborhoods close to the base might experience noise from takeoffs, landings and training flights.
Where to find parks, trails and historic sites
Fontenelle Forest spans over 1,500 acres along the Missouri River. Hikers can explore 17 miles of trails through forests, prairie and wetlands, including a 1-mile boardwalk with scenic river views. Younger visitors are especially delighted by Acorn Acres, a natural playscape with a treehouse, slides, climbing nets and a dry creek bed for exploring. Other local green spaces include:
American Heroes Park, featuring a 10-acre fishing pond, a kayak launch, climbing boulders, a hammock grove and a paved walking path
Golden Hills Park, with a playground, picnic tables and a loop trail
Jewell Park, a network of challenging hiking and mountain biking trails
Bellevue also offers several opportunities to explore local history. The Sarpy County Museum is dedicated to the preservation of Nebraska’s early settlement and expansion. Exhibits include Bellevue Log Cabin, widely regarded as the oldest surviving manmade structure in the state, and the Bellevue Depot, which dates to 1869. Additionally, the Bellevue Bay Indoor Water Park, scheduled for completion in 2027, is a major upcoming attraction for this area.
Neighborhood parks offer activities for all ages.
Outdoor recreation is right outside your door in Bellevue.
1/2
What commuters need to know about travel times and traffic patterns
If you’re commuting to Downtown Omaha from Bellevue, the roughly 10-mile drive typically takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your starting point and traffic conditions. U.S. Route 75, known locally as the JFK Freeway, cuts a north-south path through Bellevue and provides a direct route into the larger city. “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,” says Denny Bray, a real estate agent with Realty One Group Authentic who has over 20 years of experience. Traffic along the freeway and around the Cornhusker Road interchange can become congested during morning and evening rush hours, but Omaha travel times are generally more predictable than in larger metro areas like Boston and Los Angeles.
Local restaurants and everyday shopping in Bellevue
Thanks to Bellevue's eclectic dining scene, there's no need to go all the way into Omaha to find a good restaurant. You can grab a meal at these places:
Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews, offering dozens of inventive burger creations and craft beers on tap
Roma Italian Restaurant, a family-owned spot serving generous portions of homestyle pasta
The Bánh Mì Shop, where traditional Vietnamese sandwiches are prepared on freshly baked baguettes
Lil’ Burro, a Mexican restaurant with its own pepper garden
Umami Asian Cuisine, a casual sushi joint tucked into a strip mall
Retail centers around Route 75 and Cornhusker cover basic shopping needs with major stores like Menards and Walmart Supercenter.
Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews is a colorful and eclectic restaurant with a strong local following.
Every town needs an old-school Italian joint, and Roma Italian fits the bill.
1/2
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sheila Ost,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Bellevue, NE sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 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.
OPEN HOUSE - Saturday, August 1 from10am-12pm. Nestled among the rolling hills of Fontenelle Forest, this one-of-a-kind retreat offers breathtaking views, exceptional privacy, and timeless design for everyday living and entertaining. 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, the home features expansive multi-level outdoor decks, a dramatic dual staircase foyer leads to the chef's kitchen with two dishwashers,
*** OPEN HOUSE 08/02/26 SUNDAY 11:30 - 1:00 PM *** A charming home nestled in an established South Omaha neighborhood. Offering a functional layout and comfortable living spaces, this property provides the perfect opportunity for first-time buyers, growing families, or anyone looking to add their own personal touch. The spacious backyard offers plenty of room for outdoor entertaining, gardening,
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
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
Contract Pending On the market for back up offers. Charming remodeled corner-lot gem! Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with finished walk out lower level. Step inside to find a freshly painted interior and brand-new carpet throughout, making this home completely move-in ready. The extensive, fully fenced backyard is perfect for entertaining, gardening, or
If you are looking for move in ready this ones for you! There are lots of new in this 2bed with 1non-conforming in basement 2baths condo/townhome. Best to see it for yourself but ome new updates include all new flooring and lighting, fresh paint and new heating system; see full list in docs.
OPEN HOUSE - Saturday, August 1 from10am-12pm. Nestled among the rolling hills of Fontenelle Forest, this one-of-a-kind retreat offers breathtaking views, exceptional privacy, and timeless design for everyday living and entertaining. 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, the home features expansive multi-level outdoor decks, a dramatic dual staircase foyer leads to the chef's kitchen with two dishwashers,
*** OPEN HOUSE 08/02/26 SUNDAY 11:30 - 1:00 PM *** A charming home nestled in an established South Omaha neighborhood. Offering a functional layout and comfortable living spaces, this property provides the perfect opportunity for first-time buyers, growing families, or anyone looking to add their own personal touch. The spacious backyard offers plenty of room for outdoor entertaining, gardening,
Welcome home to this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch-style home in Bellevue’s desirable Spring Ridge subdivision. The open-concept layout immediately impresses with soaring 11-foot ceilings in the entry and great room, paired with premium white oak plank flooring and upgraded doors and trim throughout. A gourmet kitchen serves as the heart of the home, showcasing custom alder wood cabinetry,
Wake up to the soft glow of east-facing sunrises spilling across the water, coffee in hand on your private tiered deck. This rare beachfront retreat on Chris Lake delivers the kind of quiet, unhurried living that's genuinely hard to find - a private, spring-fed lake community. Inside, bright & open living spaces are filled with natural light with abundant windows framing uninterrupted water
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
Nestled on the tranquil, no-wake shores of Betty Lake, part of a larger interconnected group of small-lake communities that includes Chris Lake and Hanson Lakes, this exceptional beachfront property offers the kind of relaxation that's hard to find—glassy water at dawn and unhurried afternoons spent fishing on the lake. The kitchen features handcrafted cabinetry with a built-in spice rack, an
Step inside the Encore Series Hamilton floorplan & fall. in. love! Durable LVP flooring on the main, design touches can be added throughout, tile floors/quartz countertops in all the bathrooms, and a custom open concept main floor are only scratching the surface of what this home has to offer. Let's also not forget the optional gourmet kitchen for all the cooks out there, with a full
The Davinci is fantastic value in The Encore Collection by Regency Homes. With wide entry and large family mudroom, 3-car garage, and oversized great room, it provides space for the family. Plank flooring through out the entire first floor! Dining area holds a table for 8. Quartz counters and Blanco sink and an enormous pantry with outlets complete the kitchen. Hood vent and built-in GE Profile
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
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
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
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
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
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
Welcome to Fontainebleau Apartments, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Bellevue, Nebraska. Our pet-friendly community offers spacious and affordable two-bedroom homes designed for easy living. Just minutes from Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue University, and major highways, Fontainebleau puts you close to everything, whether you're commuting, studying, or exploring the city.
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
Move-In Special: Enjoy $500 off first month of rent for a limited time!!! Discover Bellevue Hills in Bellevue, NE — an upgraded apartment community offering on-site conveniences designed for comfortable, active living. Residents have access to a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool for seasonal recreation, a dedicated dog park, and a secure package locker system for convenient
A comfortable lifestyle is waiting for you in Bellevue, Nebraska. Enhanced by its lush landscaping and traditional styling, Mansions at Tregaron is a brand new townhome community. We are located on the fairways of Tregaron Golf Course and have something that will appeal to every interest with delicious local eateries, plentiful shopping locales, and gorgeous parks just minutes away. With
Embrace the future of vibrant community living at EOS 75 in Bellevue, Nebraska. EOS 75 redefines your residential experience with an array of modern amenities that cater to your every need. Whether you're seeking the simplicity of a studio apartment or the spaciousness of a three-bedroom floor plan, EOS 75 offers an array of living options to suit your lifestyle. With its
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.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.