East Central Omaha

“If a neighborhood can be called ‘high-energy’, this would be the epitome”, says Raquel Ahlvers, a Realtor with Better Homes and Garden Real Estate. “East Central Omaha oozes neighborhood pride, civic involvement and preservationism. The people who live here are not all alike, but that’s another reason it’s such a great place to live.” Ahlvers has lived in the neighborhood her whole life, and she now raises a family that, in her words, can “walk to school, walk to the corner store for a soda, and walk to friends’ homes.” Neighbors run the gamut from parents with young children, to doctors, nurses, professors, artists and retirees. “People here are involved in many things – not just one or two. They raise their kids, they renovate their home, they volunteer at community events, they support the local little league. It’s really amazing how supportive and engaged this community is.”

East Central Omaha borders Historic Dundee to the east, Benson to the north, and Aksarben to the south. While home prices will vary depending on size, location and the relative condition and level of recent upgrades, you can find turn-of the-20th-century homes here that are a bit larger than in some of these nearby areas. You’ll also find a few knock-down-rebuild homes that introduce some modern or progressive home styles. There are no homeowners associations or restrictive covenants, but there are plenty of house-proud home owners that work hard to both preserve and breathe new life into their one-of-a-kind homes. A well-updated four-bedroom, two-story brick home built in 1925, with plenty of upgrades was recently listed for $450,000. A mid-century modern split-level built in 1958 and recently updated on all three levels was recently listed for $499,000.

“You’ll find some of the strongest, most collaborative PTOs in the public schools here,” continues Ahlvers. Parents and teachers work hard to preserve and enhance their historic yet highly competitive schools. Nearby schools are architecturally stunning in design as well as highly ranked. Niche ranks Harrison Elementary 22nd out of 41 Standout Elementary Schools in Nebraska. Lewis and Clark Middle and its partner Central High are both International Baccalaureate Program schools that offer many required and elective STEM courses. Niche gives Central High an overall A- rating.

East Central Omaha literally surrounds two major parks. Elmwood Park is one of the oldest and most well-cultivated city parks. Considered a green oasis just south of the University of Nebraska Omaha, it includes baseball fields, an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool, an expansive playground, and has plenty of mature, landscaped sections such as the Grotto for events like wedding receptions. Memorial Park is in the exact center of East Central Omaha and is known for its beauty and history. Founded in 1944 in honor of residents from Douglas County who served in the military, it is celebrating its 75th year in 2023. Notable events include a rededication, a new exhibit in the on-site Durham Museum and renovations to the stunning 2,500-square-foot plaza, making it more accessible to visitors and neighbors. New landscaping around the grassy hillside will draw attention to the one-of-a-kind bronze sculpture on loan to the park called “Embracing Peace” which evokes the iconic VJ Day photo of a sailor embracing a nurse. Summer concert series are a community favorite and often include fireworks.

Great restaurants are a short drive, if not a short walk away. La Guanaca is more than a five-star rated authentic Latin American restaurant. Yes, they offer papusas and tejadas, but they also offer Philly Cheesesteaks, burgers and oxtail stew. Nearby Avoli Osteria offers authentic Northern Italian cuisine in a lively, elegant setting. Five-star reviews are common, thanks to their classically trained chef/owner. Try their handmade pasta Bolognese Biaco or their Branzini.

Grab your groceries at HyVee on Walnut Street and 52nd Street. Target is just east of 72nd Street, and Walgreens is nearby as well.

You don’t have to go far to find stylish shopping venues. Mainstream Boutique on 157th Street is a mother-and-daughter-owned local franchise that has spread nationwide and specializes in trendy, multi-generation clothes and accessories. BeYourselfBoutique was founded by two Omaha sisters with the goal of making every customer feel beautiful in her own skin.

While you might not have big closets for your new clothes in your 1920s home, “I wouldn’t give up the walkability, the old trees and my awesome neighbors for larger bedrooms or closets,” says Ahlvers with obvious pride. “Certain traditions are hard to beat.”

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Seth Johanson

Video By

Mallory Nolte