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Ralston

Ralston

$282,702 Average Value
$172 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

Ralston is a family-friendly Omaha suburb in a desirable location

Technically speaking, Ralston is a suburb of Omaha, but it claims a convenient location within the greater metro area. The city is less than 10 miles southwest of Downtown Omaha, with popular restaurants and parks that give it a distinctive small-town character. Community events are a big part of life here; the Fourth of July celebration, one of the largest in Nebraska, earns Ralston the nickname “Independence City.” Seasonal attractions like the Fun-Plex amusement park add to the city’s family-friendly appeal.

In Ralston, you'll find older buildings alongside new development.
In Ralston, you'll find older buildings alongside new development.
Ralston delivers small-town vibes in the center of greater Omaha.
Ralston delivers small-town vibes in the center of greater Omaha.
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What buyers should know about the Ralston housing market

Ralston’s housing market is made up mostly of midcentury single-family homes. Architecturally, the area emphasizes traditional styles typical of suburban Nebraska development from that era, including ranch-style and split-level. Home sale prices typically range from the mid-$100,000s to the mid-$300,000s, and listings sell in about 2 weeks on average, much faster than the national average of 56 days. While the median home sale price isn’t much higher than the citywide median for Omaha, Ralston homeowners usually pay higher property tax rates.

Ranch-style homes anchor the architectural landscape in Ralston.
Ranch-style homes anchor the architectural landscape in Ralston.
Midcentury ranch-style and split-level homes are the norm.
Midcentury ranch-style and split-level homes are the norm.
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Ralston parks offer sports fields, trails and family activities

“We have really great parks, and you always see families out there taking advantage of them,” says Amy Roeder, the events and tourism director for Ralston. Visitors to Ralston Park can fire up the grills for a picnic and organize games of baseball or softball on the lighted fields. Walking trails at nearby Wildewood Park link to the broader Ralston Connector Trail. In cooperation with the local library, Wildewood hosts a “story walk,” where pages from children’s picture books are strategically placed along the shaded path. The park also has a playground and swings to keep the little ones amused. For longer walks and bike rides, the Big Papio Trail runs along Big Papillion Creek, connecting several of the area’s green spaces. In summer, Fun-Plex offers family-friendly fun with waterslides, an interactive aqua playground and classic amusement rides.

Wildewood Park is a great outdoor space for the entire family.
Wildewood Park is a great outdoor space for the entire family.
Big Papio Trail connects Ralston to Omaha's vast trail network.
Big Papio Trail connects Ralston to Omaha's vast trail network.
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Public and private school options for Ralston students

The Ralston Public Schools district serves local families. Students at Ralston High School can participate in the school’s Blueprint program, which provides hands-on learning in areas like health sciences and automotive technology. Private options include St. Gerald Catholic School, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Ralston Middle School is just north of downtown Ralston.
Ralston Middle School is just north of downtown Ralston.
Ralston High School is home to the Ralston Community Theatre.
Ralston High School is home to the Ralston Community Theatre.
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Where to eat and shop around Ralston

Ralston has a diverse dining scene with several international options. You can grab a meal at these spots:

  • Lemon Tree Cafe, a breakfast and lunch cafe with creative comfort food and baked goods
  • Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, a local favorite serving tacos, enchiladas and burritos since 1976
  • Spaghetti Works, a casual family-friendly chain known for its pasta dishes and salad bar
  • Latino Legacy Restaurant, featuring Salvadoran comfort food such as handmade pupusas
  • Korea Garden Restaurant, a cozy eatery serving bulgogi, bibimbap and sushi
Local shopping includes Ground Zero Hobby, a comic and gaming shop, and Good Life Candle & Craft for customized gifts. Several grocery chains are nearby as well, including Fareway Meat & Grocery, Hy-Vee and Family Fare.

Lemon Tree Cafe has a friendly staff and a laid-back atmosphere.
Lemon Tree Cafe has a friendly staff and a laid-back atmosphere.
Ralston has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.
Ralston has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.
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Liberty First Credit Union Arena hosts community events.
Liberty First Credit Union Arena hosts community events.

Seasonal festivals and live music events fill the social calendar

Community events bring Ralston neighbors together throughout the year. “It feels like a small town in a big city,” Roeder says. “I think that’s why people stay here, because of that sense of community.” Highlights include:

  • Independence Day Celebration, a two-day festival featuring a parade, fireworks, a picnic and a family street dance
  • Tunes on Town Square, a free weekly outdoor concert series held at the Independence Square gazebo during warmer months
  • Douglas County Fair, which brings agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, entertainment and vendors to the Liberty First Credit Union Arena each July
  • Ralston Days, a Labor Day celebration with carnival rides, food trucks and live music
Additionally, venues like The Astro and the open-air Granary Green frequently host live music acts.

Bus routes run through Ralston and connect to the greater Omaha area.
Bus routes run through Ralston and connect to the greater Omaha area.

Commuting to Downtown Omaha and other major employers

Several Omaha Metro bus routes connect Ralston to other parts of the region, but most residents rely on cars. Downtown Omaha and nearby employment centers such as Midtown Crossing are roughly 9 miles away, with drive times often ranging from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. If you commute to Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, the 14-mile drive usually takes around 20 minutes. Residents age 60 and older, along with individuals with disabilities or special needs, may qualify for reservation-based transportation through the La Vista/Ralston Special Services Bus, which prioritizes work- and medical-related trips.

How Ralston stacks up against nearby Papillion and La Vista

If you can’t find the home you’re looking for in Ralston, you can expand your search to nearby suburbs. La Vista and Papillion draw families who want access to the highly rated Papillion-La Vista Community Schools district, but both are farther south of Downtown Omaha, and home prices are generally higher in Papillion. However, these areas could be worth considering if you’re planning to commute to Offutt Air Force Base or prefer newer housing developments.

Adrienne Ryan
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Seth Johanson
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Charlie Lingner
Video By
Charlie Lingner

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ron Stelling, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
30
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1989
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,688
Below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,430
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,254
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
1
Median Rent
$895
Median Condo Rent
$895
Median 1 Bedroom Condo Rent
$895

Weather

Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

60 / 100

Fairly walkable

Walkability®

50 / 100

Minimal public transit

Transit®

10 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

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.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Ralston