Fontenelle View

With the name Fontenelle View you know right from the start that this neighborhood’s location is unique. Historic Fontenelle Park was conceived in the 1890s as a grand public destination near downtown. Developers envisioned a “Suburban Dreamland” that would be a refuge for residents when they wanted to escape the grime and congestion of the city. By 1920, as automobiles were becoming more common, Fontenelle Boulevard was developed, creating a beautifully landscaped roadway leading north from Benson neighborhood to Belvedere, just north of Fontenelle Park. Today, the park provides abundant amenities from fishing in the recently renovated lagoon to a sprayground, which is a favorite summer spot for local children on hot days. To get your exercise or to cheer on your kids, the park offers walking trails, tennis courts, baseball and football fields. Community attractions include 4th of July fireworks and seasonal concerts, to a speaker’s series, and an adjacent 9-hole golf course.

Fontenelle View’s south edge faces the park and its 108 acres. Homes are a mix of modest, two- to three-bedroom cottages from the early 1900s, and mid-century homes. You can also find a handful of newer homes that were built within the last 20 years. Cottages with about 1,200 to 1,500 square feet can be found from $125,000 to $150,000. One-and-a-half-story homes from 2005 can be found for about $210,000. As Realtor Andrea Lane, with BHHS Realty explains, “This is a great neighborhood for first-time homebuyers and people who want smaller homes. The park is a huge draw, as are the older homes. And with the north Omaha location, you’re conveniently close to schools, shopping and restaurants, as well.” For those who work downtown, it’s about a 10-minute drive to Midtown Crossing and major employers including Offutt Airforce Base, Methodist Health System, University of Nebraska Medical Center and Berkshire Hathaway.

Nearby schools are highly regarded and long-standing. Founded in 1888, Central Park Elementary is one of the oldest public schools in Omaha. It offers pre-K through fifth grade, and Niche gives it a C-minus ranking. It’s also walking distance from most homes in the neighborhood. Nathan Hale Magnet offers sixth through eighth grade and has a highly diverse student population. To honor the school’s namesake, the chosen magnet theme is Leadership and Social Justice. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles in school and in the larger community fulfilling the belief that young people can shape the future of our nation in positive ways. Omaha North Magnet High (also known as North High School) has a B-minus rating from Niche, and focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math. It offers numerous clubs, activities, and athletics including football, volleyball, cross country, and softball. North High is one of many historic public schools in the Omaha area and still operates in its original building from 1924.

A little more than a mile east is one of the best-kept culinary secrets in north Omaha. The Student Sage Bistro is staffed and managed by the culinary school at Metropolitan Community College. According to Realtor Lane, “It’s one of the best dining experiences you can have. Student chefs use fresh ingredients from their onsite garden, they discuss each item in detail, and they ask for instant feedback. The whole thing is very interactive and fun. It’s only about $40 a person, but it is really hard to get reservations, so you must book online way in advance. But it’s completely worth it!”

Urban communities offer a wide variety of shopping and dining venues and some of the best are right around the corner. Humble Jumble Thrift Store is a fun vintage venue as well as a community resource of Holy Name Parish. You’ll find everything from clothing and kitchen items to toys and furniture. Urban Casual sells shirts, shoes, hats, sweatshirts and more, and is a popular destination for area students. When you’re ready to stock up your new kitchen, Walmart Supercenter is nearby and offers just about any household goods you could need. It’s easy to pop into Family Dollar for discount groceries and seasonal decorations as they are right at the corner of Ames and Meredith Avenues.

At the end of the day, with a park as your backyard, it will be beyond easy to enjoy a quick run or a walk with family, friends or your favorite K-9. After all, there’s a lot to see in this breathtaking area. What you won’t see, however, are many For Sale signs. So, when a pretty home catches your eye, don’t hesitate to take a closer look.

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Dylan Stowell

Video By

Mallory Nolte