About Omaha


Life in Omaha

"One of the luxuries of my job is that I can live and work wherever I want.  I choose to live in Omaha because I like it here.  I enjoy the people as well as the city.  I've lived in Washington D.C. and New York, but in my view, Omaha is a much better place to call home."

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett  

An Area of Culture

It is a warm summer evening and hundreds of Omahans have found the perfect way to relax - a visit to the Old Market adjacent to the Riverfront area.

Street musicians entertain pedestrians and guests at the numerous sidewalk cafes and pubs.  A horse-drawn carriage competes with tandem bicycles and automobiles for space on the century -old brick streets.

Restaurants, clubs and art galleries fill the quaint brick buildings once occupied by fruit and vegetable sellers.  It is hard to make a dinner choice.  Indian, Persian, French, Cajun, Continental and Mexican cuisines are among the many choices.

A stroll through the picturesque parks leading to the Missouri Riverfront may end the evening with the lights of downtown providing an urban backdrop to the natural beauty of the historic river.

So often newcomers are surprised at what they find in Omaha ­ a cosmopolitan metropolitan area of 600,000 that retains a sense of comfort, convenience and safety.  The Omaha lifestyle offers numerous advantages.

Travel Accessibility

Omaha is readily accessible from both coasts.  There are a growing number of nonstop flights to major cities.  The metropolitan area is located at the junction of Interstates 80 and 29.  It is less than a day's drive to Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, Kansas City and St. Louis.

Housing

Students may choose from apartments operated by the university or nearby off-campus housing in a lovely old neighborhood.  There is shuttle service between campus and adjacent neighborhoods.  Apartment rents are a bargain compared with those of many cities.

Safety

Omaha's crime rate is below the national average for cities of its size.  Creighton's enclosed campus is a safe environment for students who take normal precautions.

Grocery Store

Omaha has a growing number of international grocery stores offering all the ingredients required for major Asian, Middle Eastern and Hispanic cuisines.  Such stores also offer international movie video rental and sell a range of special international products for the home.  Major supermarkets also stock common international foods. 

Religion

No matter what your religion, you can find a place of worship in Omaha.  Houses of worship include a mosque, Buddhist center and Hindu temple in addition to a full range of Christian and Jewish congregations.

Climate

Omaha gets below freezing in the winter and is warm in the summer.  However, the weather changes frequently and rapidly as reflected by the local joke: "If you do not like the weather, wait an hour and it will change."  There are likely to be warm periods in January and cool days during July.  

Family Friendly

Omaha has been nationally ranked by Redbook magazine as a family friendly city.  Public and private schools are excellent.  Creighton has a child care center on campus.  The recently renovated Kiewit Fitness Center is an outstanding recreational value for students and their families.

Economy

Omaha has one of the nation's lowest unemployment rates and Creighton students are highly sought for part-time work.  Spouses readily find jobs.  Living costs are below the national average.

Commuting

Commutes to work in Omaha average 20 minutes or less.  There is a bus system but most residents drive cars.

Night Life and Entertainment

There's much to do in Omaha.  The city has hundreds of restaurants of all varieties ranging from the traditional steakhouses to a choice of Indian and Thai establishments.  Coffee-houses, bars, multiplexes with more than 20 screens, and dance clubs are popular.  

You will find:

  • Live music ranging from classical to reggae.
  • A growing visual arts community near the Old Market.  Joslyn Art Museum, the city's major art museum, is a five-minute walk from Creighton.
  • The Orpheum Theater, which attracts national touring companies, as well as local theater at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

Creighton's own Lied Educational Center for the Arts offers numerous musical and theater performances and art exhibits.

Other attractions include Omaha's world-class Henry Doorly Zoo, the NCAA College World Series, minor league and college sports, festivals and other cultural events in addition to numerous parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, bicycle paths and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

For additional information see