A scenic park and top-notch schools draw buyers to Chalco
As Omaha experiences rapid economic growth, homebuyers are increasingly drawn to suburban areas like Chalco. The census-designated place on the city’s southwestern outskirts is part of the greater metro area and home to 11,000 residents. But with 20 miles separating it from downtown Omaha, “it’s a little slice of the country that’s in the city,” says Andrea Lane, Realtor with BHHS Ambassador Real Estate. “We don’t have a Starbucks on every corner yet. There are still some cornfields in these neighborhoods.” The Chalco Hills Recreation Area, a popular green space spanning nearly 1000 acres, contributes to the pastoral vibe. Families with young children also benefit from access to top-notch schools.
Rock Creek Road Park is a great place to picnic.
Chalco Hills is Wehrspann Lake is considered one of Nebraska’s premier fishing locations.
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Millard Public Schools gets an A from Niche
Most students attend schools in the Millard Public Schools district. Niche gives the district an A and ranks it as the second-best in the state. Through Millard South High School’s Early College Program, students can obtain an Associate of Arts degree from Metropolitan Community College while working toward their diploma.
Four seasons of fun at Chalco Hills Recreation Area
The Chalco Hills Recreation Area surrounds Wehrspann Lake, a man-made reservoir spanning 250 acres. The lake is stocked with catfish, walleye and largemouth bass, making it one of Nebraska’s most popular destinations for catch-and-release. Hiking and biking trails encircle the water, leading past sledding hills, baseball and soccer fields, playgrounds and picnic areas. Chalco is also home to the Omaha Sports Complex, an indoor turf facility and training center for Union Omaha soccer.
Echo Hills Park offers a half size basketball court and sand volleyball.
Rock Creek Road Park has well maintained paths for walking.
Test your tennis skills at Southridge Meadow Park.
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Home prices are lower than the Omaha standard
Chalco homebuyers can expect to pay less than they might in Omaha proper. The median home price is $270,000, whereas Omaha’s median is $295,000. Homes that enter the market get snapped up in about 10 days, compared to the national average of 45 days. As a result, housing inventory is scarce, but single-family ranch-style and contemporary homes sell for about $275,000 to $400,000. As part of the Omaha metro area, Chalco has a higher-than-average tornado risk. Potential buyers should look for homes that include basements or storm shelters and make sure their insurance policies cover wind damage. Crime data for the CDP isn’t readily available.
Ranch homes can be found throughout Chalco.
Many homes in the Chalco neighborhood have custom landscaping.
Many homes in Chalco have double car garages.
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Chalco is 20 miles from downtown Omaha
With minimal public transit options this far outside the city, residents rely on cars to get around. “It’s right off of two exits of the interstate, so that makes it easy to get to,” Lane says. Interstate 80 swings past Chalco and connects to the network of highways surrounding Omaha, 20 miles northeast. That’s where travelers can hop on flights to major U.S. hubs from Eppley Airfield. Construction work on State Highway 50, one of Chalco’s main thoroughfares, is expected to be complete by the end of 2025. In the meantime, commuters should expect traffic delays.
Interstate 80 gives Chalco residents easy access to the grater Omaha area.
Winding streets in Chalco offer a break from the standard grid pattern.
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Jobs in healthcare, distribution and manufacturing
Many residents work in healthcare or social assistance, commuting to CHI Health Lakeside, 5 miles away. Distribution and manufacturing companies contribute more jobs to the workforce. Additionally, Chalco is about 8 miles northeast of Gretna, where construction is nearly complete on what’s expected to be the largest industrial park in the Omaha metro area. “Gretna is growing, and Chalco is connected to that,” Lane says. When finished, the Gretna Logistics Park will include nearly 2 million square feet of warehouse and industrial space. The project is slated for completion by mid-2025.
Grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks on your way to work.
Shopping complex and movie theater across I-80
Hy-Vee is the closest grocery option, located about a half-mile north of Chalco on Highway 50. Across the interstate, large chain stores like Costco and Cabela’s anchor a shopping complex that includes an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, along with several quick-service and sit-down restaurants.
Bring the family to the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to watch the latest movies.
Chalco residents look no further than the Shoppes at Southport for entertainment and shopping.
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Millard Days at Andersen Park
Every August, Millard Days descend upon nearby Andersen Park. The week-long festival features a carnival, parade and beer garden, with proceeds benefiting Millard Public Schools. Chalco is also within 5 miles of Werner Park, where the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers face opponents during home games.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ali McBride,
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 Chalco, NE sell after 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Chalco, NE over the last 12 months is $275,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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