Papillion is the economic engine of the fastest-growing county in Nebraska
When French explorers surveyed creeks south of Omaha in the early 1700s, they noticed swarms of butterflies so abundant that they “looked like little fires.” The eventual city was named Papillion, French for butterfly. But, it’s perhaps more than a coincidence that today, Papillion’s 21st-century vibe is “a small Nebraska city on fire,” according to Realtor Brian Wilson with BHHS/Ambassador Real Estate. “While the city’s population is steady, the growth on the outskirts is where real estate is exploding. And that’s also true of other exurban Omaha cities like Elkhorn, Bennington, and Gretna.”
“What sets Papillion apart,” Wilson says, “is a strong infrastructure, an excellent school system and lots of land. And with Omaha to the north and Bellevue to the east, there are several major employers. Papillion feels a bit younger, newer, and hipper compared to other cities in the region. It’s exciting to be a part of its current growth.”
The city of about 25,000 people is the economic engine of Sarpy County, the fastest-growing county in Nebraska. Infogroup and the city of Papillion are its largest employers. In 2024, the city opened the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Sarpy County VA Clinic and a 51,000-square-foot warehouse for Facebook.
There are many sculptures of Wings Over Papillion found in the city.
Residents can honor those that served at the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Papillion.
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A wide range of home styles and new subdivisions
The median home price in Papillion is $415,000, nearly equal to the national point at which half the properties sell for less, half for more. In 2024, 814 homes sold, most after 40 days on the market. Midcentury and early 21st-century homes range from $150,000 to about $300,000 in Midtown Papillion South. Ashbury Hills is one of Papillion’s newest subdivisions. Recent listings start around $450,000. Estate-style homes near Walnut Creek Lake can sell into the millions.
There are many styles of homes throughout Papillion.
You can find midcentury homes thoughout Papillion.
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Back to nature and leaps into the future with Papillion Parks and Recreation
Mornings at Walnut Creek Recreation Area offer views of mist rising off the water, from which angles seek bass and bluegill. At The Papillion Landing Community Recreation Center, imaginative architecture, light-filled interiors and gas fireplaces welcome guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows envelop basketball courts. Kids enjoy a lazy river in the aquatic center. The complex also opened a stand-alone indoor training facility next door for soccer, softball and baseball players.
Papillion Landing in Papillion is a great place to play basketball and many other sports during the winter.
Papillion residents love everything Papillion Landing offers during the cold months of the year.
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Highly ranked schools and nearby universities
Papillion-La Vista School District is one of the most highly ranked districts in the metro area and a significant attraction for new residents. The district manages 17 elementary, three middle and two high schools with an overall Niche grade of A-minus. Bellevue University and The University of Nebraska at Omaha are the city’s closest colleges.
Downtown Papillion offers small-town charm and a growing number of restaurants
Laid-back downtown Papillion welcomes people to locally owned coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants. Grace Pizza and Goose’s Bar and Grill are newcomers. In 2021, the Papillion Community Foundation launched “Wings Over Papillion,” an outdoor butterfly bench public art project, in honor of the city’s 150th birthday.
If you love pizza, Grace Pizza in Papillion is the spot.
Warm up with a couple of beverages at Goose's Bar & Grill in Papillion.
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Flooding risk but recent infrastructure investments are significant
In March 2019, record precipitation and snowmelt caused flooding along the Missouri River, including $35 million of damage at the Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility. A rapid response team accomplished repairs and rebuilds in weeks.
Since 2020, Papillion has reported lower than state and national rates of violent and property crimes. The Papillion Police Department offers online crime alerting. The City also announced the expansion and renovation of the Papillion Police Department, which will begin in the spring of 2025.
The Papillion Police serve the residents of Papillion.
The Papio Creek is part of Papillion and offers trails for all to enjoy.
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Papillion has moderate traffic and a nearby airport
Most residents in Papillion will drive to accomplish daily tasks. There is no public transit, but the Special Services Bus provides curb-to-curb transportation for the elderly and disabled. Interstate 80 and State Highway 75 serve the city. Eppley Airfield,15 miles northeast, offers non-stop flights to 30 U.S. cities. Papillion’s location, 12 miles south of Downtown Omaha, connects residents to Fortune 500 companies, including Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific and Mutual of Omaha. Offutt Air Force Base, 9 miles east in Bellevue, is another major employer.
Electric bike transportation in downtown Papillion.
South Washington Street. Downtown Papillion.
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Championship baseball and Werner Park are sources of city pride
Omaha Storm Chasers’ home games at Werner Park welcome 9,000 minor-league baseball fans and entertain with fireworks, luxury suites, the Atlas Medstaff Autograph Bridge and the 6,500-square-foot Centris Family Fun Zone. The SumTur Amphitheater near Papillion-LaVista South High School accommodates 2,000 people with fixed and hillside seating for concerts, symphonies and theater performances.
Residents of Papillion love going to Sumtur Amphitheater for a great show.
The Storm Chasers AAA baseball team play in Papillion at Werner Park.
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Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Kevin Franz
Video By
Colleen Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Greiner,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Papillion, NE sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Papillion, NE over the last 12 months is $415,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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