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.
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