COMMUNITY PROFILES / DOUGLAS COUNTY

County Offices
Omaha-Douglas Civic Center
1819 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE 402-444-7025
https://www.douglascounty-ne.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
20801 Elkhorn Drive
Elkhorn, NE 402-289-9560
https://www.westochamber.org/

Services
Residents of suburban Douglas County can look forward to the world-class services that have placed Omaha and the state of Nebraska at the forefront of national attention for quality of life. The entire region is acclaimed as a center for innovative ideas in medicine, healthcare, and research. In fact, Douglas County serves as a hub for state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment, serving residents of Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Kansas. The presence of teaching hospitals, nursing schools, pharmacological centers, and a dental college continue to attract the brightest minds in every specialty.

Several outstanding school districts serve Douglas County, the largest of which is the Omaha Public School District or OPS. Other excellent districts include Millard Public Schools, Westside Community Schools, Ralston Public Schools, and Elkhorn Public Schools. Two of these districts—OPS and Westside—have consistently appeared in Redbook magazine’s annual “America’s Best Schools, ” although high test scores, low absenteeism, and extremely high graduation rates characterize every Douglas County district. Those who prefer a private education will find a wide selection of parochial and independent schools close to home. Adults of all ages can choose from a dozen of two-year colleges, technical institutes, or four-year institutions throughout the metropolitan area.

Quality of Life
Greater Omaha ranks among the top ‘eco-cities’ in the nation based on air and water quality, open space, and population stability; and these advantages are even more pronounced in the intimate communities that surround the metropolitan area. Residents of suburban Douglas County are never far from the outstanding amenities in Omaha, from first-rate cultural attractions to entertainment centers, shopping malls, employment opportunities, and cutting-edge services.

Recreational amenities are available in well-equipped parks, miles of multi-purpose trails, nature centers and wildlife refuges, and riverfront water sports. Newcomers will discover an attractive and surprisingly affordable selection of housing, from cozy older bungalows to the most luxurious of country estates. Many homeowners enjoy the privacy of generous acreage, or spectacular river valley vistas. Few locales in the nation can rival suburban Douglas County for its blend of rural charm and country atmosphere—all within minutes from major urban advantages.

SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES

Bennington
City Hall
402-238-2375
https://benningtonne.com/city-administration/

Chamber of Commerce
402-289-9560
https://business.westochamber.org/list/member/bennington-chamber-of-commerce-4695

A small town that had its genesis as a place to buy seed and tools, Bennington’s agricultural legacy is changing with every lakefront development and golf course on the new horizon. Volunteerism runs high in this intimate community, enhancing the quality of life for residents on many levels. Individuals often benefit from volunteer assistance, and area schools receive strong civic and support. The graduating classes at Bennington High School are still small and the pupil/teacher ratio is favorable, ensuring personalized attention throughout the school system.

The century-old tradition of Bennington is a community dominated by skilled workers and craftspeople, from plumbers and electricians to mechanics and cabinet makers. In spite of the changes that golf courses and lakefront housing developments have made in the cityscape, Bennington still claims one of the largest John Deere dealerships in the entire state. No doubt, the demographics of the community will continue to shift as more executives and young professionals desire the slower pace and open feeling of small-town living in close proximity to urban advantages.

Blair
Municipal Services
402-426-4191
https://www.blairnebraska.org/

Chamber of Commerce
402-533-4455

Located at the edge of the Missouri River just 20 minutes from Omaha, the welcoming community of Blair is proud of its hometown atmosphere and exceptional quality of life. The city is ideally located at the crossroads of U.S. Highways 30 and 75 and Nebraska Highway 91. Interstate 29 is just 15 minutes to the east and Interstate 80 is less than a 30-minute drive. Quality education in this area is positively influenced by the presence of Dana College, although Metropolitan Omaha institutions of higher education are easily accessible. Residents have the convenience of a local hospital, a beautiful golf course, an active YMCA, and community theater close to home. Rooted in traditional values, Blair provides a warm and friendly setting that emphasizes family, service, and community.

Elkhorn
City Hall
402-289-2678

Chamber of Commerce
402-289-9560
https://www.westochamber.org/

Established residents of Elkhorn are quick to praise their community for its fine balance of economy and tree-lined neighborhoods filled with attractive housing in a variety of styles and price ranges. Whether you are looking for a cozy starter home or a half-million-dollar estate, Elkhorn can meet the need. Ideally located just northwest of the Omaha metropolitan area, Elkhorn is minutes away from a major airport, three universities, the internationally famous Henry Doorly Zoo, and outstanding medical facilities.

Closer to home, business continues to prosper and expand in the historical downtown district as well as in modern commercial developments. Among the efficient municipal services and facilities are well-maintained parks and a lovely new library. In the foyer of the library, a display highlights the oversized quilt that made it possible for the local Women’s Club to contribute $15,500 to its construction. Every block of the quilt was purchased by individuals, groups, and businesses in Elkhorn. This long-established and close-knit community is justly proud of its transition from an agricultural community into a suburban residential haven with handsome new housing developments and growing amenities.

Ralston
City Hall
402-331-6677
https://www.cityofralston.com/

Chamber of Commerce
402-339-7737
https://ralstonareachamber.org/

Punctuated by the charming gazebo in the center of town, Ralston is known for the strong baseball teams it produces year after year. These hometown leagues boast more than 1,000 baseball and softball players, a remarkable number when compared to the city’s overall population. As you might expect from a community that raises children with a baseball mitt in hand, Ralston youth consistently garner state honors in both baseball and softball competition.

Community life in Ralston is warm, friendly, and inviting—from gala holiday celebrations to the Thursday evening “Tunes in Town Square” concerts where families relax on blankets and lawn chairs. The Fourth of July weekend is especially lively, marking both the national holiday and Ralston Days. The all-American festivities include a town picnic, Dixieland music, street dancing, a parade, and fireworks. This celebration is so firmly planted in community life that former residents often return to Ralston by car or airplane to join in the grand reunion of friends and neighbors.


Tekamah
Municipal Offices
402-374-2055
https://www.tekamah.net/

Chamber of Commerce
402-533-4455
https://www.tekamah.life/

Situated approximately 40 miles north of Omaha along Highway 75, the small town of Tekamah is also south of Sioux City, Iowa and 60 miles east of Norfolk. The Missouri River is only minutes from home and provides water-oriented recreation that can be accessed via the boat ramp at Pelican Point State Park. The Summit Lake State Recreation area west of town is another recreational attraction that offers fishing, camping, swimming, picnicking, and playgrounds. Within the town, a well-established park system features passive and active recreational facilities. In fact, the careful maintenance of these lush green spaces has earned Tekamah the coveted “Tree City” award. Picnic shelters, playgrounds, a swimming pool, tennis courts, sports fields and courts, and even camper hookups are available. Recreational clubs and leagues cater to all age groups in this family-oriented community.

Valley
City Hall
402-359-2251
https://www.valleyne.org/

Chamber of Commerce

402-289-9560
https://www.westochamber.org/

With an image that seems to be right from a page of “Little House on the Prairie,” the community of Valley is a study in the richness of small-town living. In the warm summer months the refreshing swimming pool becomes the center of recreational and social activity, although the city park is another popular gathering place for sports and camaraderie. Like other river towns, Valley has a history of concerns about flooding. In the early ’90s, the Union Dike that meanders nearly 10 miles from Valley to Fremont was extended three feet above the 100-year level for open-water floods.

From its roots as a railroad town, Valley has slowly emerged as a balanced residential haven that offers more amenities than its small population would suggest. Growth is sure to continue in this pleasant community of quiet neighborhoods and friendly residents. Two overpasses into Valley from Highway 275 will cement the ties to Omaha and Fremont, where many Valley residents are already employed.

Waterloo
Village Hall
402-779-2292

Chamber of Commerce
402-289-9560
https://www.westochamber.org/

Those who appreciate the warmth and intimacy of a very small town will want to consider Waterloo, a place where cooperation and caring among neighbors mirrors the closeness of a large family. In Waterloo, problems and challenges are viewed as a shared responsibility—including the safety and welfare of the children. Few communities in American could ever boast that the charming lamp posts and bricks adorning the downtown district were actually purchased by local residents as part of the city redevelopment project. Unlike many of Nebraska’s small but isolated small towns, Waterloo enjoys a prime location near a major metropolitan area.

A collection of wonderful restaurants is another Waterloo claim to fame, drawing visitors from the ‘big city’ of Omaha to homemade delicacies. Don’t think that cultural development is lacking in this environment, either. Waterloo is not only the home of the Elkhorn Valley Community Theater, the village summer arts program for the youth attracts as many as 50 participants—an astounding turnout for a town of 460 residents. For weekend excitement or a special evening, the entertainment centers and performing arts of Omaha are just minutes from home.

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