Northeast Elkhorn - Omaha, NE Area Guide

Founded in 1867 when the Union Pacific Railroad extended its Omaha line westward, Elkhorn operated for 140 years as an independent municipality. The City of Omaha annexed Elkhorn in 2005 and changed sections of the zoning laws that eventually prompted the residential development of Northeast outer Elkhorn. Northeast outer Elkhorn comprises mostly high-income residents that work in the expanding high-tech industry. The child-friendly Strategic Air and Space Museum operates close to northeast outer Elkhorn. Art aficionados visit the Joslyn Art Museum to soak in exhibits, making their way around the country. The Durham Museum features Omaha historical displays, as well as exhibitions that teach children about American transportation history. Held in August, the annual Elkhorn Soccer Festival promotes a sport that has rapidly caught on within the United States.

Northeast outer Elkhorn residents do not have to travel far to find some of the finest restaurants in the Omaha area. Bella Vita satisfies the upscale Italian-cuisine cravings of the harshest food critic by starting diners off with crisp, lightly breaded calamari smothered with olives, capers, tomatoes, and pepperoncinis. The tender pieces of squid complement the house specialty, Pork Osso Bucco, a rich dish that features a mushroom and Marsala wine reduction served over white-bean ragout. Forget mass-produced, Mexican chain restaurants, and stop by Abelardo's Authentic Mexican Food Express. The small drive-through restaurant receives customer kudos for its wide variety of burritos that include green chili and carne asada. Abelardo's draws Mexican food aficionados from deep within Omaha. The central location district for northeast outer Elkhorn runs along U.S. Highway 6 and Route 31. Shevy's Sports and Steaks represents the type of nightlife residents can expect from this section of greater Omaha. The laid-back ambiance attracts families that want to enjoy the savory French-dip sandwich and catch the Cornhuskers on one of the big-screen televisions. Fire Barn Sports Bar & Grill keeps sports fans buzzing, as they indulge in the monstrous triple-stack clubhouse sandwich. Enjoy watching the game on the big screens at the Good Life Sports Bar. With over 20 flat screens, the staff is always happy to find the game you want.

Without quick access to cab or Uber service, northeast outer Elkhorn residents rely on either public transportation or automobile travel to get them around the metro area. Omaha Metro runs several bus routes that run through or near Elkhorn. The number 93 Nebraska Express provides passengers with a fast way to reach downtown Omaha during rush-hour traffic. Route 15/55 acts as the most convenient east-west bus ride for residents who live in northeast outer Elkhorn. Public transportation allows riders to avoid paying expensive downtown parking fees. Residents of northeast outer Elkhorn do not have to pay for parking within their subdivisions. U.S. Highway 6 acts as the primary road for drivers to reach Interstate 680. The outer expressway takes drivers on a circular route that covers the entire Omaha metro area. Interstate 680 eventually connects with the two busy expressways that cut through Omaha metro. Interstate 29 runs north/south, while Interstate 80 slices through Omaha moving east/west. Meticulously kept sidewalks make the neighborhood a walker's paradise. Bike trails that emerge from city operated parks merge seamlessly with paved bike paths that give cyclists a safe way to reach shopping districts and entertainment venues.

Northeast outer Elkhorn residents benefit from the neighborhood's close proximity to Two Rivers State Recreational Area. The 622-acre park includes a 322-acre lake that attracts avid anglers and boaters. With five camping areas and over 220 padded sites, visitors to the park can make the great outdoors their temporary homes for extended stays. The child-friendly park features bird-watching perches, bicycle rentals and exercise trails. The Nebraska Parks and Recreation Department charges for entrance into Two Rivers State Recreational Area. You can gain access to most Omaha-run parks without having to dig into your purse or wallet. Kids and adult-kids-at-heart participate in the annual Kite Festival held at nearby Lawrence Youngman Park. Take Fido to multi-acre, fenced-in Heflinger Dog Park for an afternoon of canine socializing.

The cost of living in northeast outer Elkhorn runs 3 percent higher than the national average and 2 percent more than the cost of living in other Omaha neighborhoods. Most of the higher cost of living stems from expensive housing. For example, the average price for a one-bedroom apartment in northeast outer Elkhorn sits at $772 per month. Bus fares cost only $1.25 and include one transfer. Save money by purchasing a monthly bus pass for $55, and ride the Omaha metro as much as you want. Gas prices in the area average 9 percent lower than the national average. The lower prices at the pump to do not carry over to the prices of draft beer that flows from neighborhood bar taps. Visitors to upscale northeast outer Elkhorn can expect to pay domestic draft beer prices of $2.50 during happy hour and $3 for the rest of the business day.

As the center of commerce for residents of northeast outer Elkhorn, Village Pointe hosts nationally prominent fashion and electronics retailers. Several high-end specialty stores operate within the mall that cater to upper-class clientele. SKYZ Boutique sells chic women's fashion that includes denim skirts, formal dresses and bling sneakers. Hy Vee operates the go-to grocery store in the neighborhood. The popular grocery store sells proprietary foods and bulk goods that save customers money. With over 100 vendors, the Omaha Farmers Market satisfies the sustainable food quality standards of consumers who prefer to buy locally grown, organic foods. The market attracts renowned vendors, such as Old Tree Farm and Razee Acres.