The fastest-growing city in the fastest-growing county in Nebraska
Gretna underscores its motto “The Great Life” with growth, proximity to Omaha and broad redevelopment plans. Located in Sarpy County, near the Elkhorn River, it is the fastest-growing city in Nebraska's fastest-growing county. With views of the Elkhorn Valley and its green hills, Gretna maintains a small-town feel.
The city of about 5,000 is a suburb of Omaha. Newcomers to Gretna can tap into the larger city’s Fortune 500 employers, award-winning dining scene and cultural destinations. New schools, housing, parks, and the proposed $3.2 billion Nebraska Crossing Expansion project are visible examples of growth in Gretna. “The expansion project is definitely something we’re looking forward to,” says Karen Jennings, a Realtor with BHHS Ambassador Real Estate for more than 15 years. “The goal is to bring new retail, new businesses and tourism, but it will likely bring the same to Omaha, which is positive for the region as a whole.”
The water tower is a marker for the south side of Gretna and can be seen for miles.
Gretna has small town vibes while being part of the greater Omaha area.
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Midcentury classics, brand-new suburban homes and estates with acreage
Compared to Sarpy County’s median home price of $350,250 and the national median of about $420,000, the median single-family home price in Gretna is $425,000. About 400 homes sold in the city in 2024, from three-bedroom townhouses and midcentury ranch-style homes starting around $200,000 to five-bedroom estates on several acres that have recently sold for about $2,000,000. Toward the south end of town, Pebblebrooke is a planned community with homes ranging between $320,000 and $470,000.
Larger lots are available on the edge of Gretna for residents.
Mid-century modern ranch homes are common in Gretna.
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The largest Hy Vee grocery and a future mixed-use project will change Gretna
The largest Hy Vee grocery store in the region opened in 2024 with 135,000 square feet, or 3.5 acres. The modern grocer offers an upscale giant deli and a Wahlburgers restaurant. Nebraska Crossing, an outlet mall, was approved in-concept by the city to expand into a much larger retail, entertainment, housing and sports hub. The $3.2 billion, 10-year project is expected to drive up property values and transform the city into a regional entertainment destination with 1,000 hotel beds and 3,000 apartment units as well as townhouses and condos. City voters narrowly approved the measure in early 2025, paving the way for revenue collection and reinvestment, though questions of implementation remain.
The largest Hy-Vee can be found near Gretna.
"Go Big Red" is a common phrase if you live in Gretna because you likely love your Nebraska Football.
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Gretna School District recently opened two new schools
The city is zoned for the rapidly growing Gretna School district, which has a B-plus grade from Niche. In response to recent growth, Cedar Hollow Elementary opened in 2023, and Gretna East High opened in 2024. “I’m confident there will be another high school to come,” says Jennings, “and I wouldn’t doubt that we’ll see more elementary schools as well.” The Nebraska Department of Education ranks the district “excellent,” the highest of four possible classifications.
Gretna High School serves South Sarpy County and the surrounding areas.
Squire John Thomas Elementary School serves students in Pre-K through 6.
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Gretna Crossing is the city’s newest park
The city manages eight parks and community-centered events throughout the year, including Paws at the Park, for dog lovers and their pups. Gretna Crossing Park opened in 2023 and attracts young families and outdoor athletes with a fishing pond, an 18-hole disc golf course, sports fields and an amphitheater. It also includes a playground and a new water park with a lazy river central feature.
Gretna Crossing Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
Enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend at the dog park in Gretna Crossing Park.
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Despite growth, low crime rates are a source of pride in Gretna
The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department is Gretna's law enforcement agency. It does not currently publish crime statistics specific to the city, but the overall rate of violent crimes is 1.022 reports per 1,000 residents, while the overall property crime rate is 8.369 per 1,000. Considering only crime rates, Gretna is safer than the Nebraska state average and the national average. Flooding from the Platte River and the Elkhorn River can occur during any season, but the risk is statistically low, according to First Street Technologies. In spring and summer, tornadoes pose a threat.
Limited public transportation but easy access to Omaha
“We’re growing fast in Gretna, and our highways must expand to accommodate that. Right now, another exit off I-80 is in the works,” says Jennings of a project expected to launch in early 2025 and be complete by winter. Travelers along Gretna highways see new development and construction in almost every direction. Interstate 80 connects Omaha to Lincoln and flows through Gretna, making commutes of 30 and 40 minutes, respectively, easy, with ordinarily mild traffic. Highway 370 connects to Papillion, Bellevue, and Offut Air Force Base. Highway 6 connects to Elkhorn in west Omaha. The closest commercial airport to Gretna is Eppley Airfield in east Omaha.
Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Kevin Franz
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
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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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On average, homes in Gretna, NE sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Gretna, NE over the last 12 months is $401,694, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your new home in the heart of Gretna! This beautiful 2 story offers spacious bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 3 car garage. Features an inviting and open floor plan with a grand 2 story entrance that leads into the living room and kitchen with open concept. The perfect flex space on the main level perfect for an office, play room, or extra sitting room! The backyard is the star of the
Welcome to Harvest Hills! Step into this beautifully finished, pre-inspected, 2-year-old home in the highly sought-after Harvest Hills subdivision. Perfectly situated, backing to a peaceful walking trail and just steps from the neighborhood elementary school. Inside, you'll love the modern, high-end finishes with quartz countertops, LVP flooring throughout the main level, and cozy carpet in the
D.R. Horton, America’s Builder, proudly presents the Reagan. The Reagan comes with 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms & a 3-car attached Garage on a corner lot. This home offers a Finished Basement providing nearly 2,500 square feet of total living space! Upon entering the Reagan, you’ll be greeted with an open, spacious Great Room and cozy fireplace. The gorgeous Gourmet Kitchen includes quartz
Now offering exclusive acreage lots in Gretna, Nebraska the perfect canvas for your dream home. These non-builder attached lots give you the freedom to choose your own builder and design a home that fits your vision. Peaceful, upscale neighborhood with rolling terrain and scenic views. These lots strike the perfect balance between serene estate living and modern convenience. Convenient Gretna
Now offering exclusive acreage lots in Gretna, Nebraska the perfect canvas for your dream home. These non-builder attached lots give you the freedom to choose your own builder and design a home that fits your vision. Peaceful, upscale neighborhood with rolling terrain and scenic views. These lots strike the perfect balance between serene estate living and modern convenience. Convenient Gretna
Now offering exclusive acreage lots in Gretna, Nebraska the perfect canvas for your dream home. These non-builder attached lots give you the freedom to choose your own builder and design a home that fits your vision. Peaceful, upscale neighborhood with rolling terrain and scenic views. These lots strike the perfect balance between serene estate living and modern convenience. Convenient Gretna
Home feels like a fresh start at Gretna Landing Apartments in Gretna, NE, where thoughtful design, modern convenience, and everyday luxury come together. Choose from spacious studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts—including two-bedroom homes ideal for a private home office or remote-work setup. Inside your apartment, you’ll enjoy upscale finishes like
On top of your monthly rent, our Apartminium Package includes water, sewer, trash, valet trash, pet rent, garage rent, high speed internet & access to our state-of-the-art amenities. Salute, Bella, Grassetto, & Terrazza floor plans at $250/month. Villa, Fiore, Torre, Chalet, Amalfi, Vinicola, & Prato floor plans are $300/month.
Welcome to Avenue 204 at Royal View, nestled in the charming town of Gretna, NE.Our upscale apartments feature expansive floor plans, tailored for those seeking a comfortable and contemporary living space. Elevate your lifestyle with a range of amenities that make you feel right at home. Cool off in our invigorating pool during hot summer days or unwind and socialize in our welcoming
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