We get it.
Everyone wants to live in a safe neighborhood and a thriving community. We all want good schools, great prices, and an area with many things to do so no one gets bored.
So, if you’re researching the best areas and neighborhoods to build a house in Omaha Metro, here are the top places we’d do it.
Dundee
Dundee was the first suburb in Omaha, developed over 100 years ago.
When Walter L. Selby offered a free lot to each buyer, and on top of that, $500 after one year of being a resident, the Dundee housing boom started in 1905.
Dundee is a popular place, and its historic charm and tree-lined streets draw families and professionals alike. A mix of old-world houses and modern updates give this town a beautiful, rich vibe.
While most places in Dundee are within walking distance of each other, the transportation system is not great.
Dundee Housing Market
According to redfin, the Dundee housing market is very competitive, with homes getting multiple offers, some with waived contingencies. Great homes here can sell for even %5 above the listing price.
In December 2023, Dundee home prices were up 26.9% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $330K.
On average, homes in Dundee sell after 20 days on the market compared to 25 days last year.
Did you know: Warren Buffet owns a house in Dundee. He bought it for $31,500 in 1958.
Benson
Benson stands out as a vibrant area in Omaha Metro with its unique charm. This neighborhood buzzes with indie music venues, local eateries, and art galleries. Home builders here enjoy a lively community feel with plenty of festivals and street fairs throughout the year.
Benson has great schools and kid-friendly parks, and buying a home here is a great investment opportunity. This area has safe stress and fairly affordable housing very close to some of the best areas around here.
Benson Housing Market
Benson is a great place to buy a home now because we’re seeing a steady growth in real estate value, meaning if you get a place here now, it’ll be worth a lot more in the next few years.
In December 2023, Dundee home prices were up 26.9% compared to last year, and the median price of homes listed here was $330K. According to RPR, the median home value in Benson is $189K–almost $100K less than Greater Omaha.
Generally, homes in Dundee sell after 20 days on the market.
Did you know: Benson has an abandoned amusement park named Krug Park, and actor Nick Nolte used to live here in Benson.
Papillion
Papillion stands out as one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Omaha.
It boasts excellent schools, lush parks, and a close-knit community feel. Families love the mix of urban amenities with a small-town vibe, quality of life, safe stress, and a strong job market.
Being a big town, you’ll be car-dependent here, and not even biking will help much.
Papillion has various affordable housing options, including new developments and established homes, making this city ideal to live in.
Papillon Housing Market
In December 2023, Papillion home prices were up 15.5% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $369K.
Generally, homes here in Papillion sell after 18 days on the market, and there were 30 homes sold in December 2023, 15 more than in 2022.
The housing market here in Papillion is competitive, and homes are sold for 2% below the listing price.
Did you know: The name Papillion (papillon) is taken from the French language and means butterfly.
West Omaha
West Omaha stands out lately for its newer developments and upscale suburban feel.
This part of Omaha has plenty of shops, restaurants, good schools, parks, golf courses, and so much more.
We’re seeing properties here offer more space, making it a great place for those wanting a bigger yard or privacy. West Omaha also has lower crime rates, making it safe for families and retirees alike.
The area provides easy access to major roads, so getting around the city is quick with a car, but if you want to walk or bike, you’re in for a long day.
Housing Market West Omaha
In December 2023, West Omaha home prices were up 9.1% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $354K.
We’re seeing homes in West Omaha sell after around 17 days on the market, and there were 201 homes sold in December 2023. The housing market is less competitive than in the previously mentioned towns, making it easier (for now) to move in West Omaha.
Liberty
Liberty shines as a top neighborhood for homeowners looking for safety and community. Families are drawn here to the excellent schools and friendly atmosphere, but also the quiet streets – the perfect suburban life with urban access.
Spacious homes, well-kept yards, parks, and several housing development projects make Liberty a desirable suburb in Omaha.
Liberty Housing Market
Investment opportunities abound with Liberty’s growing real estate market.
In December 2023, Liberty home prices were selling for a median price of $369K. On average, homes in Liberty sell after 28 days on the market.
The housing market in Liberty is not very competitive, and we’re seeing a lot of cheap homes that are in a good condition.
Did you know: Liberty is the second oldest incorporated town west of the Mississippi River.
Elmwood Park
Elmwood Park is a gem in the Omaha metro area. Streets wind through green spaces and they all lead to the park itself, the heart of this community.
Elmwood Park is very close to the University of Nebraska at Omaha, making it ideal for faculty or students.
Housing Market In Elmwood Park
In December 2023, Elmwood Park home were selling for a median price of $365K.
Generally, homes here sell after 71 days on the market, and the median sale price per square foot in Elmwood Park is $192.
The city is somewhat walkable, has good public transportation, and is also bikeable.
The Old Market
Old Market is one of the most entertaining and fun cities here in Omaha Metro. Its historic area is full of restaurants, lodging, activities, live music, shopping centers, and a lot more.
This area is also safe to live in, but it’s fairly crowded.
Being a very small area, the area is 100% walkable and bikeable.
The Old Market Housing Market
In December 2023, Old Market homes were for a median price of $430K, and the median sale price per square foot in was $215.
This neighborhood’s housing marketing is not competitive at all, in part because it’s very small and doesn’t have a lot of properties for sale.
Build Your Own Home, On Your Own Lot Anywhere In Omaha Metro
So these are some of the best areas and neighborhoods here in Omaha Metro that you should move to.
They’re all very friendly and safe neighborhoods where we’ve built homes before, so we’re well accustomed to the building codes, the regulations, and the inspectors as well.
With Built By Davis, you’re getting your dream home built on your own lot, wherever that is. We’ll make it easy for you to start, and we’ll keep it like that throughout your project. So by the end of the job, you’ll have a beautiful, reliable, and safe home to show off your friends and family.
Conclusion
Omaha is definitely becoming a favorite place for many people, mostly because of the low cost of living (8% lower than the national average) but also because of how safe it is out here.
If you’re about to become a homeowner, this is a laid-back place that’s growing exponentially, so buying or building a home here will be a lot more affordable now than even in a few years’ time.
In fact, Omaha has grown a whopping 15.52% in the last 8 years! Forbes even ranked Omaha as the seventh best city for raising a family in the US, due to all of the things we’ve mentioned above.
So, whether you want to build a house or remodel a place, we’re here to help out. Call us at (402) 804-9321 to talk about building a new home for you and your family!