Wehrspann Lake in the Chalco Hills Recreation Area is considered one of Nebraska’s premier fishing locations.
Chalco has natural splendor and highly rated schools outside Omaha
As Omaha expands to the west, homebuyers are increasingly drawn to suburban communities like Chalco. The census-designated place lies on the city’s southwestern outskirts, about 20 miles from Downtown Omaha. Natural scenery and established homes define the streetscape in this largely residential community. Families are drawn to the area for its access to highly rated schools and the Chalco Hills Recreation Area, a popular spot for hiking, biking, fishing and other outdoor activities.
The highly rated Millard Public Schools district serves local families
Students can attend schools in the highly rated Millard Public Schools district, ranked by Niche as the No. 2 school district in Nebraska. At Millard South High School, they can participate in specialized learning programs like the Business & Entrepreneurship Academy and the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). Millard South also allows eligible students to earn an Associate of Arts degree from Metropolitan Community College through its Early College Program.
What homebuyers can expect to spend in Chalco
Chalco is primarily residential, and single-family homes dominate the property blend. Compared with rapidly growing Gretna, Chalco has a more mature, established housing stock. Most homes are New Traditionals from the 1980s and ’90s, with some midcentury ranch-style designs mixed in. Sale prices usually start in the lower $200,000s and reach the mid-$400,000s, which is in line with many established suburban neighborhoods in the area. While Nebraska property taxes are higher than the national average, homeowners in Chalco generally face tax rates comparable to those in many other Omaha communities.
Ranch-style homes can be found throughout Chalco.
Many homes in the Chalco neighborhood feature custom landscaping.
Many of Chalco's New Traditional homes date to the 1980s and '90s.
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Echo Hills Park is conveniently located next to Echo Park apartments.
Outdoor recreation centers on Chalco Hills and Wehrspann Lake
With the Chalco Hills Recreation Area spilling across 1,200 acres just beyond the community’s edge, outdoor activities are a major draw. Wehrspann Lake anchors the park with a boat ramp, catch-and-release fishing and miles of paved waterside trails. The lake also serves as part of the local flood control system. Walkers, joggers and cyclists might spot white-tailed deer and wild turkeys as they venture away from the lake and through the restored prairies. Within the residential area, you’ll find a looping walking path, a playground, a picnic shelter and a sand volleyball court at Echo Hills Park.
Interstate 80 helps connect commuters to the broader Omaha region
Here on Omaha’s outskirts, Chalco is “a little slice of the country that’s in the city,” says Andrea Lane, a Realtor with BHHS Ambassador Real Estate who has 20 years of local experience. “We don’t have a Starbucks on every corner yet. There are still some cornfields in these neighborhoods.” The area is largely car-dependent, and Interstate 80 runs along the eastern border, connecting commuters to the wider region. “It’s right off two exits of the interstate, so that makes it easy to get to,” Lane says. The commute downtown typically takes 20 to 25 minutes in light traffic. Offutt Air Force Base is about 15 miles away in the Bellevue suburb, a drive that usually takes about half an hour.
Interstate 80 gives Chalco residents easy access to the greater Omaha area.
Winding streets in Chalco offer a break from the standard grid pattern.
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You'll find plenty of retail options in the shopping center across I-80.
Where Chalco residents go to shop and dine out
Chalco has a smattering of restaurants, with more options in the surrounding areas. Here’s a sampling:
Don & Millie’s Restaurant, a local chain serving burgers, Frenchees and margaritas
Ling’s Asian Cuisine, specializing in Vietnamese dishes like pho and fresh spring rolls
Rib Shack Smoke House, known for St. Louis-style ribs, smoked wings and other barbecue favorites
Isla Del Mar Restaurant, a Mexican seafood joint with sushi offerings
Hy-Vee and Walmart Neighborhood Market are both close by when it’s time to pick up groceries. Across Interstate 80 in La Vista, you’ll find chain restaurants and retailers, including a large Cabela’s, in the Southport Center shopping plaza. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is another popular attraction in this area.
Comparing Chalco to other south Omaha suburbs
How does Chalco compare to its closest neighbors? Let’s take a look:
Gretna: A rapidly growing suburb known for new construction homes and major commercial development
Papillion: On the southern edge of the city, with highly rated schools and a broad selection of parks and community amenities
La Vista: Also offers access to Papillion La Vista Community Schools, plus it’s closer to Downtown Omaha
Essentially, Chalco occupies a middle ground between fast-growing Gretna and the more established Papillion-La Vista area. If you’re looking for access to highly rated schools and outdoor recreation, this could be a good fit. Potential drawbacks include slightly older housing stock than you’d find in Gretna and a longer downtown commute than residents usually experience in La Vista or Papillion.
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
Trina Ciochon,
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.
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