Located on the western bank of the Missouri River, the city has been an important agricultural and transportation center since its establishment in the late 1850's. In its earliest history, Omaha was a trading center and the "Gateway to the West." From these roots, Omaha has steadily grown until it is now the 48th largest city and the 60th largest metro area in the nation.

Situated on the Missouri River, near the mouth of the Platte River, Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska and the seat of Douglas County and the county seat. Prior to the arrival of settlers, the land was occupied by several Native American tribes, including the Omaha (which means either "Dwellers on the Bluff" or "Against the Current", depending on whom you ask). In 1854, just months after the Nebraska Territory was carved out by the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the federal government signed a treaty with the Omaha. Almost immediately, land speculators from Council Bluffs, Iowa rushed across the Missouri River to stake their claims in the newly opened land.

The city is the home to five Fortune 500 companies, including ConAgra Foods; Union Pacific Corporation; Peter Kiewit and Sons; Mutual of Omaha Companies, and; Berkshire Hathaway, the investment vehicle of legendary investor and so-called "Oracle of Omaha" Warren Buffett.

Omaha, Nebraska is a highly recommended tourist destination. It is has many museums that tell of the rich history of the city, many natural attractions to see and a number of other man-made attractions like amusement parks.

Old Market is a historic area in downtown Omaha where the small shops, bars, hotels, restraunts, and art galleries still have the feel of Omaha as it was over half a century ago. It is not only a place for shopping but also a hot spot for the art and culture that sets Omaha apart from so many other midwestern cities.

Omaha was the birthplace of Gerald Ford. His boyhood home, twice destroyed by fire, has been reconstructed and now sits adjacent to the Betty Ford Rose Garden. Malcolm X was born in Omaha as well; sadly, his home no longer exists, but the National Registry of Historic Places has erected a monument to mark the location.

Every September, the city of Omaha celebrates its agricultural roots and western heritage with the River City Round-Up, a festival sponsored by a civic organization known as the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben (that's "Nebraska" spelled backwards, in case you're wondering). Other popular events include the summer-long Jazz on the Green and the annual Taste of the Nation.

Housing Cost

Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $124,400

Demographics

Estimated population in July 2006: 419,545. Omaha covers 115.7 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 1,060 feet above sea level.

Area code: 402

Weather

Omaha, NE climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 20's.

The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 87.40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 11.60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 21 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation at Omaha is 30.22 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is May with an average rainfall of 4.44 Inches.

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com