West Central Omaha

Pop singer Peter Gabriel made a fortune satirizing the “bigger is better” zeitgeist of the 1980s, making many wonder if we had gone too far with suburban and material excess in America. West Central Omaha, thankfully, has shown over the years that bigger – when used for the improvement of the community – can sometimes actually be better. “This area is unique because it offers homes that are not too big, not too small, but just the right size,” says Susan Colson Wilson with Woods Brothers Realty. “While families with kids do love West Central Omaha, it also attracts buyers who don’t want a huge house, such as empty nest executives, recent retirees, or traveling doctors and nurses.”

West Central Omaha balances the neighborhoods of tranquil and established Regency alongside progressive West Dodge with its mid-century modern ranch-style homes and split levels. As you move closer to the western edge of West Central Omaha, near Happy Hollow Golf Club, you’ll find larger Colonial Revivals and relatively new custom, one- and two-story all brick, executive villas, but no one size or period dominates, resulting in a natural balance of home styles across the area. You can find one-story custom villas with about 5,000 square feet just blocks from Regency Park for around $860,000. Partially updated three-bedroom ranch-style homes from the mid-1950s can be found from $225,000 to about $260,000.

Sunset Hills Elementary is committed to big goals while educating almost 230 students from pre-K through sixth grade. They are clearly making their way as Niche has given them an A rating. Beveridge Magnet Middle encourages artistic dreams through their visual, performing arts and global awareness programs. Their extensive athletic offerings include basketball, soccer, football, swimming, volleyball and track and field. Benson Magnet High offers AP and honors classes to encourage all big dreamers. Career Academies concentrations are offered in one of the following three content areas: Design & Construction, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Health Professions. Academies provide exposure to content-specific curricula, real-world applications, through partnerships with local businesses.

For those fighting the biggest fight of their lives, the 24 Cancer Survivor’s Parks across the U.S. are stunning reminders of how our communities care and will support each other along their journey. Omaha’s 6.8-acre Cancer Survivor’s park is located at South 105th Street and draws visitors into its life-size bronze statue named “Cancer…There’s Hope” by world-renowned sculptor Victor Salmones. One Pacific Place Park has more than 33 acres of walking, biking and hiking trails and plenty of open green space, but what’s most stunning about this park is the beauty of its natural landscapes. Ride your bike along Big Papio Trail and walk or run along Big Papillion Creek which border the north boundary of the park.

You’ll find plenty of restaurants, grocery stores and big-box retailers conveniently located along Cass Street, including Best Buy, Duluth Trading Company, Hobby Lobby and Walgreens. You’ll find more than you might expect at Asian Market, from fresh vegges to seafood and Asian wines. Westroads Mall at 100th and Dodge Street is the biggest mall in Nebraska and, despite the pandemic of 2020, it is still thriving. Some of its big brands include The Container Store, DSW, H&M, and Forever 21.

When you’re craving the perfect burger, head to Smitty’s Garage Burgers & Beer. A lively, well-lit diner, it’s a great place to catch the big game of your choice on one of their TVs, while your kids enjoy the arcade. WheatFields Eatery & Bakery is known for its fresh breads, take out options and its big (and small) cakes. From 6” to 16” rounds to full sheet cakes that serve 40 people, this is the place to call when you’re feeding a crowd.

When you’re back at your new home after a busy day, you may just realize that you have all that really matters -- a life where your experiences are much bigger than your possessions.

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Seth Johanson

Video By

Mallory Nolte