Pacific Heights - Omaha, NE

Omaha started as a pioneer town in the mid-19th century, serving as a stop for settlers on their way further west. Of course, many stayed and put down roots. Meatpacking and railroad jobs attracted immigrants to the area in subsequent years, and the population grew throughout the 20th century, with neighborhoods like Pacific Heights growing as well.

For art and culture, residents travel downtown to visit the Josylyn Art Museum, which features work by Monet, Renoir and Pollock as part of a 11,000-piece collection. Several options for live theater can be found downtown as well, such as the Omaha Community Playhouse, which stages original theatrical production year-round. Omaha Beer Fest commences in Stinson Park every summer. Residents can spend two days sampling American craft beers from dozens of breweries, see live music and enjoy an array of food from local vendors.

Great restaurants and pubs make their homes near the intersection of West Center Road and South 168th Street in Pacific Heights. Thai Kitchen serves classic dishes from Southeast Asia, including appetizers of fresh spring rolls and chicken satay as well as a variety of rice and noodle dishes. Pad Thai and pahd see ew remain popular choices, but specialties such as plah panang satisfy hungry diners craving fried catfish in red curry paste topped with garlic. Legacy Gyros serves great gyros, of course, but classic Greek moussaka (made with eggplant, potatoes and beef) steals the show here, and a sticky-sweet piece of baklava makes for a perfect dessert.

To watch any number of local or national sporting events, Oscar's Pizza and Sports Grille provides 30 HD televisions and four gigantic big-screen sets, so patrons never miss the action. It also makes great appetizers of toasted ravioli and mozzarella sticks and great pizzas, such as the Big O topped with hamburger, sausage, pepperoni, onions and green bell peppers.

If you enjoy a good cigar and a snifter of brandy, find your spot at Copacabana Cocktails and Cigars. With over 100 handmade cigars available and a great selection of signature cocktails, beer and wine, the Copacabana provides a great place to unwind after a hard day at the office.

For a night of drinking and dancing, folks head to the Parliament Pub. The pub features foosball and pool tables, daily drink specials, live DJs and also makes a mean martini. To catch a live rock show, the Waiting Room Lounge awaits with a steady lineup of local and nationally touring acts and dozens of beers on tap.

Most residents of Pacific Heights rely on their cars to get around, but winding streets, cul-de-sacs and roundabouts keep through traffic to a minimum, providing for great walking and biking options. Free public parking can be found on residential streets. For public transportation, Omaha’s Metro transit system consists of a large network of bus routes that travel to and from various transit centers located around the city. Uber ride sharing also serves the Omaha metro area. Cab service can also be found, but calling for service yields better results in Pacific Heights. Highways 6 and 275 cut through the area, allowing for access to Interstates I-80 for travel southwest to Lincoln or west to Des Moines. A connection can also be made to I-29 for travel north to Sioux City and south to Kansas City.

Several options for free public parks exist in the neighborhood. Pacific Meadows Park has two tennis courts and a huge expanse of green space for games of soccer and football or solo workouts. The West Papio Trail can also be accessed at the park. This 16-mile concrete pathway allows residents to bike, roller blade, jog or cross-country ski in the winter. Cottonwood Park also provides the opportunity for outdoor recreation, with a playground for kids, tennis courts, sand volleyball court and baseball diamond. For doggy exercise, Hefflinger Dog Park features separate enclosures for dogs under 30 pounds and for dogs of any size.

Held downtown in the Gene Leahy Mall, also known as Central Park, the annual Summer Arts Festival gives residents a chance to enjoy a celebration of music, art, food and entertainment.

The cost of living of living in Pacific Heights falls in line with the rest of Omaha and below the national average. A domestic beer at a neighborhood bar costs about $3.50, with a bottle of import priced around $6. Gas prices sit roughly 5 percent less than the national average. A one-bedroom rental apartment can be found for about $1,030 per month. A trip downtown on Omaha’s Metro bus costs $1.25 for adults, $1 for students and $.60 for seniors and the disabled.

The Village Pointe shopping center houses a variety of retail shops with names familiar to everyone. Anne Taylor, Banana Republic and Best Buy all have locations here, but many other options for shopping populate the area in an around Pacific Heights. Skyz Boutique provides its customers with a number of great dresses, skirts, jackets and accessories. It also sells shoes, boots and jewelry, allowing patrons to create stunning ensembles in just a single stop. NJ & Co. offers great vintage clothing, furniture and assorted odd and ends from local artists, artisans, designers and collectors.

For furniture and home decor, Pearson and Company carries a variety of great pieces. The array of pottery, art and creative design concepts on display guarantees customers can find the perfect accent for their home. Fat Brain Toys provides customers with many options in toys that not only entertain, but also educate and inspire children of all ages.

For grocery stores in Pacific Heights, residents have choices as well. Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s may require a bit of travel, but closer to home lies Natural Grocers, which sells organic produce and food products that help locals stay healthy and keep green. Baker’s Supermarket also has a location in the neighborhood, giving folks another option for stocking up on groceries and everyday household goods. The Omaha Farmer’s Market features nearly 100 vendors who convene in nearby Aksarben Village every Sunday from May to October. Plenty of locally grown produce stands available here to help carry on a decade’s long market tradition in Omaha.