Prospect Hill

Prospect Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in near north Omaha. Early properties were built in the 1880s, and by 1900 the community was known for distinguished Victorian homes and turn-of-the-century American Foursquare homes. Few if any Victorians remain, but thanks to dedicated preservation efforts, you can find updated American Foursquares as well as cottages and bungalows from the 1920s. Streets are lined with mature trees that provide shade in the summer and a carpet of huge leaves in the fall. At points throughout the neighborhood, you’ll catch views of the downtown skyline. While there are rental homes and modern apartment communities in Prospect Hill, the redevelopment vibe of north Omaha communities has increased interest in historic, early 1900s homes. Many older homes that come to market are updated if not fully renovated.

Buyers can find four-bedroom, two-story homes from the 1910s for around $200,000. Updated two-story cottages from 1925 have recently sold for $195,000 to $205,000. As Tina Sempeck, Realtor with eXp Realty says, “Homeowners like this area because it’s close to the best assets of downtown. Imagine being just minutes from the College World Series, The RiverFront and the Kiewit Luminarium. And thanks to the longevity of many of the residents and to the historic value of the area, homes really hold their value, so the neighborhood is considered a particularly smart investment.”

Local schools are dedicated to the community they serve. Kennedy Elementary School offers pre-K through fifth grade and has a favorable student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1. Niche gives Kennedy a C-minus rating. Monroe Middle offers a Gifted & Talented program as well as a variety of clubs including Book Blasters, African American History Challenge and Robotics. Benson Magnet High offers AP and honors classes and a Career Academies concentration in one of the following three content areas: Design & Construction, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Health Professions. Academies provide exposure to content-specific curricula and real-world applications, as well as partnerships with local businesses.

North Omaha neighborhoods boast pocket parks or large municipal parks in all directions. Right in the middle of Prospect Hill is tiny Franklin Park of less than an acre. Its colorful swing set and corner location make it a gathering place for parents with young children. Adams Park’s 60 acres include basketball courts, a playground, tennis courts, fishing and walking paths. Weekends are a great time to visit downtown Omaha and its vibrant cultural scene, including The RiverFront. You’ll be less than a 10-minute drive to Levi Carter Park, which is located on the northwest edge of 1,100-acre Carter Lake. The park has baseball and football fields, basketball courts, walking trails, picnic areas, a pavilion and plenty of open space. Carter Lake itself offers fishing, sailing, boating, and rock climbing.

North Omaha restaurants are stars of the neighborhood. As anchors in a tight-knit community, they not only boast longevity and an abundance of local and national recognition, but they also give back to the community in outstanding ways. Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering is a second-generation family-owned restaurant and catering business that donates more than 25,000 meals each year. Fans praise their homemade daily specials such as perch and walleye fillets as well as their fried chicken and smoked featherbones. Jackson’s Fair Deal Café gives 10% off to first responders, health care providers and college students. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and are known for their catfish special and their hot and barbecue wings.

Styles of Evolution is a Black- and veteran-owned fashion-forward clothing store located on Ohio Street, that features suits, formal wear and dress shoes. LeFlores New Look Fashions features men's and boys' suits, hats and sportswear. Pick up fresh meats and fish at Chubb’s Finer Foods. Walgreens is right in the neighborhood, which is not only convenient, but also offers peace of mind when you feel a cold coming on.

Prospect Hill is known as a tight-knit and friendly community. With long-time residents and passionate preservationists as your neighbors, you’ll feel right at home before you finish unpacking.

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Dylan Stowell

Video By

Tyler Belile