Paddock Road - Omaha, NE

Paddock Road’s close community ties trace back to the growth of South Central Omaha at the end of the 1800s. As thousands of immigrants raced to the area in search of employment in lumber, transport and brewing industries, ethnic populations settled in enclaves and created tightly-bound, value-driven neighborhoods.

While evidence of this diversity exists predominantly beyond the boundaries of Paddock Road, even the surrounding blocks show off greater South Central’s blossoming arts and culture scene. Join a ballet class, or catch an opera performance at Paddock’s Heartland Conservatory of Dance; explore nearby gallery Ginger’s Hang-Up for handmade and custom framed pieces, or settle into the comfy seats at Aksarben Cinema, which sells alcohol and cheap tickets before noon.

The area’s biggest event occurs on 84th Street, just northeast of Paddock Road: here musicians, dancers, food vendors and Omaha’s Greek descendants gather for the annual Greek Festival.

Due to the neighborhood’s primarily residential nature, most drinking and dining options line streets beyond Paddock Road, such as Pacific and 72nd Streets.

One of a few local haunts, Cruisers Bar & Grill, pays tribute to classic cars with its vintage automobile decor. Homemade soups grace the bar snacks menu; stop by for their daily $2 Happy Hour beers, or Saturday’s pitcher and wings special.

Across Big Papillion Creek, the Farmhouse Café serves up breakfast so big, you need a doggy bag. Try Midwest classics such as the potato scrambles, cinnamon rolls and orange beers. Dine before 9 a.m. for “early bird” menu specials, or order your morning treats to go at the in-house bakery. Reservations are essential on weekends.

Costa El Sol, south of the creek, brings a bit of spice to the area with Mexican and El Salvadoran dishes. Their pupusas – corn tortillas stuffed with meat and cheese – garner rave reviews, though customers may struggle with the Spanish-translated menu. In the evenings, blaring music, a dance floor and imported tequila turn Costa into a hopping Latin bar.

For more nightlife venues, watch a live blues gig on Thursdays at 21st Saloon on L Street. Big hair 1980s music dominates weekend performances; pool and darts provide further entertainment.

Paddock Road’s smaller size makes it easily traversed by private vehicle. However, the city’s sole public transportation system, Omaha Metro, services the neighborhood with several bus routes. Buses 55 and 93/96 follow 84th Street from north to south, and connect residents to the Midtown and Downtown Transit Centers. Route 34 runs from West Omaha, through Paddock Road along F Street and on to the city center. Buses run about every 30 minutes.

Interstate 80, which transects Paddock Road, drops you downtown in 15 minutes; continue driving east to reach Council Bluffs and rural Iowa in 21 minutes. Prefer not to drive? Call South Central’s Happy Cab Dispatch, or check in with Lyft, the local ride-sharing service. Lyft’s convenient application allows you to locate potential drivers around the city from your phone. Uber provides a similar service that operates in the city using a mobile application.

Parking rarely poses a problem here, with most spots lining street sides on residential blocks. Given the absence of large commercial and industrial areas, both pedestrians and cyclists feel safe using roadways and sidewalks. The nearest designated bicycle route cuts through South Central north of Paddock Road on Mercy Road, linking the Old Market to Bergan Mercy Hospital.

Paddock Road’s park spaces cater toward families and young children. At Rockbrook Park, a playground entices kids for imaginative play, while its tennis courts, baseball and softball fields encourage recreational sports. The park includes grassy lawns for picnicking. Dogs are welcome but must remain on-leash.

Though Rockbrook Park does not host any large outdoor events, residents need only venture to greater South Central’s Stinson Park, in Aksarben Village, for music and food festivals, free concerts and yoga classes.

Also beyond the boundaries of Paddock Road, the Keystone Trail links passionate cyclists from North 90th Street through South Central Omaha and to the West Papio Trail, ending in Bellevue.

The cost of living in Paddock Road hits about 2.5 percent higher than the average cost of living in Omaha. This increases the average rental rates, which cost an additional $200-plus when compared to the average rate elsewhere in the city. Expect to pay $629 for a one-bedroom unit rental.

A one-way ticket from the neighborhood to Downtown costs $1.75. Fill up your car’s fuel tank, and pay approximately 1 percent less on gas than the national average. If you pop into the corner bar for a pint, have $3 to $6 ready, or splurge on a mixed drink for $5 to $7.

For the widest range of stores and shopping outlets, residents must head north of Paddock Road to South Central Omaha's popular commercial roadways, Pacific and 72nd Streets. In the blocks immediately surrounding the neighborhood, buy themed party supplies from Mengalsens, look for the latest in Cornhusker Football apparel at Husker Hounds, or stock up on snacks and soft drinks in the Walgreens convenience store section.

North of Paddock Road on Center Road, the locally-operated Canfield's Sporting Goods chooses quality over quantity, specializing in a selection of outdoor equipment and army surplus items.

Also just outside of the neighborhood, the Bookworm treats customers to an extensive selection of books, with staff literary knowledge to match. You pay more for books, but can bring kids and dogs into this independent retailer. Frequent book signings and a frequent-flyer discount program appeal to avid readers.

The closet supermarket, HyVee, sits just northeast of Paddock Road on Center Road. Residents also support the neighborhood's independent grocer, Greenland Market. Greenland stocks a selection of Middle Eastern jarred, canned and frozen goods. Though its location - tucked into a strip mall - makes it easy to miss, stop by for made-to-order falafel wraps and kebab pies.

Omaha Farmer's Market, located on Center Street, runs seasonally from spring through autumn, with a special Holiday Market in December. Besides the expected fruit and vegetables, find homemade condiments, crafts, flowers and dairy products. Residents also snag locally sourced produce at the Westgate Plaza Farm Stand, a tent stall in the Mangelsen's parking lot. Look for homemade apple-pecan butter and pickled snacks.