As the name suggests, West Central Omaha is more like a sprawling segment of the city than a neighborhood. It stretches all the way from Interstate 680 in the west to the Benson entertainment district in the east, with the West Dodge Road thoroughfare running through its center. Residents are about midway between Downtown Omaha and the parks, lakes and golf courses in the city’s northwest reaches.
Home prices here suit a wide range of budgets. Recently, properties sold from the mid-$100,000s to over a million. The median price is $325,000, which is only slightly higher than the citywide median. While buyers have options across multiple price points, the market stays competitive. Listings tend to sell in about 17 days, more than three times faster than the national average of 55. Also of note: Nebraska’s property taxes are high by national standards, which increases monthly costs.
West Central Omaha covers a lot of ground, and housing styles vary, with build dates ranging from the 1950s to the 2020s. You’ll find everything from midcentury ranch-style and split-level homes to modern Craftsman and contemporary builds. According to Brandon Benson, a real estate agent with Nebraska Realty who’s been selling in the area for 21 years, older homes might have some drainage issues. “The thing about those neighborhoods and drainage is that when those houses were built, sump pumps weren’t standard,” he says. “So, looking at the gutters, downspouts and grading around the foundation of those homes is paramount.”
West Central Omaha is made up of numerous subdivisions. Here’s a partial list:
Near the intersection of West Dodge Road and I-680, shoppers will find Westroads Mall, Nebraska’s largest. Clothing and department stores like Old Navy, JCPenney and Von Maur fill the space, and restaurants cluster around the perimeter. The neighborhood is home to Smitty’s Garage Burgers & Beer, where sports fans catch games in a lively diner-style setting. Locals head to WheatFields Eatery & Bakery for fresh bread and other baked goods, including cakes for special celebrations. Grocery options include Hy-Vee and Whole Foods Market.
Although the distance to Downtown Omaha varies depending on what section of the neighborhood you’re in, commute times aren’t really affected by the difference. It should take 10 to 15 minutes to drive downtown, whether you’re coming from the western region near the interstate or the area just south of Benson. And speaking of Benson, this is the best part of the neighborhood if you want to be within walking distance of nightlife and restaurants. “In that Benson area, especially right around 60th and Maple Street, they’ve done a really good job making that into an entertainment district,” Benson says. “I bring buyers up there because they want to be able to walk up there and get a cup of coffee, or a slice of pizza, or go to a concert.” Other areas have sidewalks for afternoon strolls or walking the dog, but most of the commerce isn’t easily accessible on foot. Finally, know that Metro buses are available, but the commute downtown can take 40 minutes to an hour that way.
Most students attend schools in the Omaha Public Schools district. Depending on their address, they might be zoned for one of the following elementary schools:
A lot of people wonder how West Central Omaha compares to other parts of the city, like Midtown Omaha or northwestern suburban areas like Eagle Run or Ramble Ridge. The most obvious answer: Midtown is closer to downtown and the Old Market, while the northwest sections are much farther away. Location isn’t the only factor to consider, though. You’ll have more single-family homes to choose from in West Central Omaha than you would in Midtown, which is a renter-heavy area. In contrast, most northwestern neighborhoods are more residential overall, with access to recreational lakes like Standing Bear and Flanagan. Since Omaha is still growing to the west, there’s newer construction up that way, too. If cost is a concern, Midtown’s median home sale price is lower than West Central Omaha’s. Prices vary in the northwest, but the median price in Ramble Ridge is lower than the citywide median.
Nico Marasco
BHHS Ambassador Real Estate
(712) 227-7380
254 Total Sales
2 in West Central Omaha
$450K - $510K Price Range
Steve VanHerpen
Real Broker NE, LLC
(712) 217-2780
208 Total Sales
1 in West Central Omaha
$290,000 Price
Charlie Sutton
BHHS Ambassador Real Estate
(531) 233-2613
102 Total Sales
1 in West Central Omaha
$570,000 Price
Vickie Jenkins
BHHS Ambassador Real Estate
(712) 217-2851
188 Total Sales
1 in West Central Omaha
$300,000 Price
Ashlee O'Malley
BHHS Ambassador Real Estate
(402) 509-1877
150 Total Sales
1 in West Central Omaha
$230,000 Price
Maren Lakers
NP Dodge RE Sales Inc 86Dodge
(308) 248-4897
147 Total Sales
4 in West Central Omaha
$260K - $485K Price Range
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | West Central Omaha | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 4 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 4 | 4 |
| Robbery | 4 | 4 |
| Burglary | 5 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in West Central Omaha, Omaha sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in West Central Omaha, Omaha over the last 12 months is $365,000, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$1,145 - $2,400 per month
$890 - $1,285 per month
$800 - $1,465 per month
$1,135 - $1,990 per month
$1,375 - $1,870 per month
Bikeability
Walkability
Transit
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
