Underwood Avenue

“Underwood Avenue is a great neighborhood for first-time home buyers and young families,” says Will Hagel, Realtor with BHHS Ambassador Real Estate. “It’s incredibly walkable to everything – schools, restaurants, parks – and for many folks, it’s even close to work,” he mentions, alluding to its location blocks from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Home buyers find historic homes similar to those in Dundee but at a more competitive price. Buyers here are preservationists and lovers of old homes. There’s a community feel to Underwood Avenue that shows in frequent outdoor events including parades on all major holidays, ice cream parlors throughout the area, and plenty of benches and sidewalks wherever you walk.

Immediately due south of pricier Dundee, Underwood Avenue offers more turn-of-the-20th-century cottages and bungalows with slightly fewer square feet. A two-story colonial built in 1922 with 2,500 square feet, a fenced-in yard, and plenty of upgrades recently listed for $399,000. A classic Dundee Craftsman with three bedrooms, 1,784 square feet, a detached two-car garage, and original hardwoods recently sold for $280,000.

Dundee Elementary offers pre-K through sixth grade with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 16-1. Lewis and Clark Middle and its partner Central High are both International Baccalaureate Program schools that offer required and elective STEM courses. Niche gives Central High an overall A- rating.

Dundee Community Garden opened in 2009 on an empty lot in historic downtown and was thereafter incorporated as a permanent, non-profit organization. The community grows and donates thousands of pounds of fruit, vegetables and potatoes each year to needy residents. Nearby 65-acre Memorial Park, founded in 1944 in honor of residents from Douglas County who served in the armed forces, 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.

On the way to work or school, locals love Lola’s Café for their handmade pastries and specialty coffees. Conveniently located on Dodge Street, Lola’s is a particularly welcoming spot with its high ceilings and huge windows that provide sunny views of Dodge Street. A popular after-work spot is Rathskeller Bier Haus and Restaurant which offers German beers, sandwiches and pizzas.

When you host your next party or celebrate a birthday be sure to visit Chris Janicek’s Cake Box, an award-winning bakery. It is the place to go for a one-of-a-kind specialty cake that you might have a hand in designing. Hoping for a cake in the shape of a merry-go-round? A pinata? Or even a red fire engine cake? If you can dream it, they can bake it here at Cake Box.

Grocery shopping is a few blocks east at Walmart Neighborhood Market. Walgreens is just three blocks south off Davenport Street.

There are plenty of unique shops and boutiques in and around Underwood Avenue. Dundee Flea is a favorite place to find eye-catching, upcycled and vintage pieces for your new home. Nearby Albany and Avers’ collection of vintage, preowned and new women’s clothing has plenty of fans. They even offer sustainable items and curated bundles assembled by their creative owners.

Historic homes in Underwood Avenue don’t come on the market every day, but they’re worth the wait if you’re looking for walkability, competitive prices and an unbeatable west Omaha location.

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Seth Johanson

Video By

Mallory Nolte