Montclair Trendwd Prkside & Georgetwn - Omaha, NE

The MTPG neighborhood association was created to instill a sense of community and unite these small neighborhoods. MTPG organizes year-round events that stress the neighborhood’s close-knit, communal culture. Residents spend a day mowing, moving, and collecting old rubbish at the yearly Spring Clean Up. In partnership with the city-wide Keep Omaha Beautiful, this event spruces up the neighborhood in anticipation of its summer activities.

The Fall Festival remains one of the biggest neighborhood occasions. Featuring family-friendly activities such as a clown, bouncy castle, and games at the Montclair Gym, the festival gives locals an excuse to meet and share. Adult draws include free food and free admission to the community pool.

Chains such as Outback Steakhouse, Pepper Jax Grill, Old Chicago, and Chipotle string along the southeast corner of 132nd Street and Center Road. The few independent restaurants operating inside the neighborhood rely on the loyalty of locals to remain open.

Though Sushi Japan competes with a slew of Omaha Japanese joints, residents claim its prices are cheaper and its rolls fresher than anywhere else. Enjoy the yakiniku tables where you grill your own meat and vegetables, or pull up to the sushi bar and ask the chef for his recommendations.

According to locals, Kurry Xpress serves some of the most authentic Indian food in Omaha. Dine in, and you eat off Styrofoam plates to a soundtrack of Bollywood films; or, call ahead for a takeout order. Unsure of what to try? Stick to their specialty biryanis.

At Sean O’Casey's, Ireland influences the cozy wooden dining rooms and bar menu. With craft beers Guinness and Harp on tap, plus a claim to the city’s best Rueben sandwich, this pub draws in both drinkers and eaters. Swing by on Mondays, and check out specials on both beer and wings.

Other late night options focus on quiet bars with casual — or what some locals consider "hole-in-the-wall" — environments. The Rusty Nail, inside the neighborhood, features drink specials during Cornhusker football games. Ask the bartender about its resident ghost. Or head a few blocks east into greater West Omaha, where Cohen & Kelly's Lounge brings in a mature crowd for a Cheers-style environment with sports on TV.

Due to the small size of Montclair, Trendwood, Parkside, and Georgetowne, the neighborhoods are easily crossed on foot, two wheels, or a private vehicle. Safe sidewalks allow pedestrians and cyclists to travel confidentially. Although the area has no official bike lanes, West Center Road’s wide, paved shoulders cater to bikes.

To move beyond the neighborhood, hop on one of the two Omaha Metro bus routes which service the area. Both Route 15/55 and Express Route 94 run along West Center Road between Lakeside Hospital and Downtown Omaha. Buses run about every 60 minutes, dropping passengers in the Old Market after an hour-long journey.

Downtown lies 21 minutes away via Interstate-180. If you prefer not to drive, call one of the city’s taxi companies, or use a local ride-sharing service. Nationwide company Uber and its Omaha equivalent, Lyft, utilize mobile apps to connect you with nearby drivers.

Commercial shopping centers on Pacific Street and West Center Road provide ample lot parking, though residential street side spaces are also unmetered and usually available.

Montclair, Trendwood, Parkside, and Georgetowne mix business with pleasure when it comes to recreational spaces. If you need a little relaxation or casual family bonding, pack a picnic for Trendwood Park. With a picnic table pavilion, children’s playground, and walking trails, folks spend weekend afternoons here escaping the demands of everyday life. If you feel up to it, jump in for a match on the tennis courts or amble along Hell Creek, which runs through the park. Parkside Park stretches out like a snake along the corresponding Parkside Park Trail.

For the more exercise-focused, Tranquility Park Soccer Fields hum with amateur matches and weekend tournaments. The Montclair Community Center and Pool provides water access for both beginning and serious swimmers, as well as educational courses in swim instruction and water safety. Bring the family round on the first Saturday of every month, when entry is $4 for all family members.

The cost of living in Montclair, Trendwood, Parkside, and Georgetowne is roughly 5.5 percent higher than the average cost of living in Omaha. Along with the price of goods and services, rental rates increase here as well. Expect to pay about $643 for a one-bedroom rental unit.

Fill up your tank in the neighborhood, and pay approximately 11 percent less on fuel than the national average. However, catch an Omaha Metro bus, and you pay the same as residents elsewhere in the city, $1.75. A beer at the local pub costs $3.50 to $5 dollars, while a mixed drink sets you back $6 to $8.

Montclair, Trendwood, Parkside, and Gorgetowne's retail environment mirrors its dining: a few family-owned businesses battling national name stores for customers. Office Max, Ace Hardware, Homer's Music and Gifts, and Big Lots sell the usual items here. If you seek a unique specialty store with quirky items, you may need to look outside the neighborhood.

Inside Montclair Trendwood Parkside and Georgetown, Bigwheels 2 Butterflys tailors to area families with its recycled baby and kids toys, clothing and equipment. Sign up on the Facebook page to receive stock updates and information on sales.

For the local creator and designer, Midwest Woodworkers stocks a large selection of hard-to-find woods as well as tools and machinery. It also runs group classes for assorted skill levels, teaching attendants how to make everything from cork stoppers to joints, drawers and pens.

The requisite Aldi and No Frills supermarkets provide access to basic food supplies as well as hand-carved deli meats, baked goods and hot meals. Tomato Tomato's indoor venue houses over 100 vendors, many of which you see at the city's outdoor seasonal markets. Sign up for a weekly pre-packaged box of bread and produce along with cooking suggestions straight from the market.