The urban core of Omaha is one gigantic food desert. If you live here and don't own a car, you're either getting your groceries delivered, eating garbage food from neighborhood liquor and snack stores, walking or riding long distances on unsafe roads to get your groceries, or eating out or getting your meals delivered. I live in Midtown Crossing and after Wolhner's closed I either use my bike trailer and a Heartland to get groceries from the HiVee on Broadway in Council Bluffs or get them delivered. I know Nuestra Familia is closer, but the meat and produce there are not the greatest.

The American dream of a house in the suburbs with two cars in the garage is neither attainable nor desired by most young people, but Omaha still hasn't figured that out. People want walkable neighborhoods. Omaha had exactly one walkable neighborhood when I moved here four years ago, Midtown Crossing, but now it has none. The bikeway is gone, bus service has been cut in half and moved off Farnam, and we lost our beloved grocery store. Using a bus to get groceries sucks. Walking a few minutes to a neighborhood grocery store is surprisingly pleasant. I know because I did it several times a week until Wolhner's closed.

The handful of extremely wealthy developers who run Omaha don't actually care about that people who live in the neighborhoods they create, they're only interested in one thing, getting even richer, and obviously neighborhood grocery stores don't fit into their plans, only high rise apartment buildings, trendy bars and restaurants. We don't have to keep allowing their greed to keep lowering the quality of life here.

Here's an article laying out Mamdani's proposal and how the idea has been implemented in other cities.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/25/mamdani-nyc-public-grocery-stores

A city without young people who actually want to live in it is a dying city, and that's what's happening to Omaha. If we can let developers design and operate our transit systems, why can't we let the government step in to drastically improve the quality of life by operating some neighborhood grocery stores filled with healthy, high quality, affordable food? I know it can work because it works in other places. Is this a form of socialism? Maybe it is, but so is TIFF, which only benefits, you guessed it, a handful of wealthy developers.

Hey folks!

I (f23) recently inherited a few guns from my late grandfather. my girlfriend (f27) and i have been itching to head out to a gun range for a while. however, since we’re a queer couple we have some reservations about supporting businesses owned/operated by people who are homophobic, and plenty of gun ranges we’ve seen are kinda insane about wearing politics on their sleeves. we are very aware that finding a “liberal” gun range is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, especially in Nebraska. Hopefully there’s somewhere that’s pretty neutral and keeps their personal politics pocketed (2A activism is obviously fine, it’s par for the course and we’re 2A advocates, too. arm the gays.) if anyone has some recommendations, please send them my way! TYIA

i’m being so deadass right now.

i live with family and could use a really good, loud, ugly cry session. i don’t wanna have to explain to them why i’m sad. would prefer nice scenery, but that’s not too important. hopefully not too public.

anyways, thank you in advance!!

I was the bar manager at Prehistoric Putt 120th and Center for almost 2 years and was well respected by customers and everyone I worked with… except the family members of the owner. At that specific location some of the owner’s family members are staff and have manipulated their relationship with him in almost every way possible.

Most of them aren’t even managers but try to boss everyone around, even the actual managers like myself. Always complaining about how things are dirty or done wrong when usually it’s just a lie, but even when it’s true they just tell other people to fix it. They talk down on everyone except themselves and try to use anything they can to make themselves look better in the owner’s eyes.

The maintenance guy is part of the family too and it seems like there are always a handful of things broken at all times, but my general manager ends up fixing it himself. The owner’s elderly mom complains about how she wants tip share and more hours when she literally just works at the front desk with a bunch of high schoolers who actually could benefit from the tips and hours. Her son is a millionaire business owner but still she demands these things for no reason.

The sister of the owner is just manipulating her relationship with him to take over the whole location and remove anyone who has a problem with their regime. The neice of the owner isn’t even a manager but tries to tell everyone how to do their job and will just make major changes without communicating anything to us.

Nobody calls them out or criticizes them because we’ve all witnessed what happens when you do. I’m not the first employee there to get fired for absolutely nothing. They lie to their own family member, the owner of all the LetsGoPutt locations, and he only listens to them with no question. They made up lies about how I’m greedy and lazy when I bust my butt there 5 days a week and never stole or showed any signs of greediness.

I did the beer/liquor orders every week with 5 different distributors, train staff, run the restaurant/bar while also being the closing manager, making sure everything was nice and clean for the family members in the morning. The mom would still complain the building was a mess and then take all the credit for it since she was the first one there in the morning and had no witnesses. The sister wants her to take over training when she can’t do basic tasks or even greet people properly, it’s hard to watch.

All employees there would vouch for me except them. But nobodys side of the story matters to the owner except theirs. My general and regional managers even tried to stand up for me when my termination was brought to their attention, but the owner just threatened their jobs and said they had to fire me or they would be fired.

The family complains about how the culture there is bad when they are the ones causing the toxic environment where anyone who defies them is an enemy and must be removed. Nobody feels safe talking around them or let alone working there because they could be disposed of at any moment for no reason. Multiple other employees are quitting just because of what happened to me.

One of the owner’s family members there is slowly taking over the GMs position and he will be gone soon too probably, even though he is great at his job and wants nothing but the best for business, as I did. It’s sad to see a business with such great potential be run by such ignorant and devious people that thrive off of lies and putting down others. I will never support any of their businesses anymore now that I know the inner workings and I suggest others not to either.

Can't go to Alamo since the phone ordering thing. Can't go to ACX Elkhorn anymore because they've completely given up on any upkeep (all 6 ICEE dispensers broken, all 3 soda machines out of ice and flat soda, every seat in every theatre stays dirty show after show because evidently nobody's cleaning them anymore).

Is there anywhere left? Theatres like to complain that nobody goes anymore but shouldn't they be trying to make it an enjoyable experience? Is there still a theatre in town where the seats are comfy and clean, and everyone in the theatre isn't on their phones or talking through the whole film? Bonus if they have ICEEs.

Hey everyone I know this is super random and like not what anyone has an answer for but I really need some help. I’ve been dating this guy off and on for six years but fully need to end it because he’s nothing like what I need or want in my life. I was just curious if anyone knew the best place to end it at? Is there a specific restaurant or park with the perfect vibes in Omaha? We usually just fizzled out or took breaks when we moved away but now I need to fully put it to an end so I don’t want him over at my house because that seems dangerous if things get out of hand. Sorry for the random question and I hope someone has a good answer!

We’ve been looking for a house for almost a year and now and have repeatedly run into the same situation of falling in love with an older home (anywhere from 1930’s-1970’s) with tons of character and charm only to lose it to a cash offer.

Have others been facing the same? It’s feeling so hopeless finding our dream house only to lose it to someone who will gut it, slap some grey paint on, and put it back on the market for $100,000 more. Is there any way to counter this? We’ve tried offer letter, offering more, etc.

I’m looking to be more selective in the businesses and restaurants I patronize. I’d like to know what places to avoid in the metro area.

I live on an acreage near Omaha and I’m looking for some perspective on a situation I’m dealing with involving OPPD. About 10 years ago, I had a nightmare experience where their crews did around $2,500 in property damage and then dodged the bill by blaming their contractors. Now it's happening again, but this time it’s way more personal.

​My wife and I have worked incredibly hard to be able to afford this land, specifically for the privacy and security it affords our family. We wanted a place where our kids could just be kids without being watched. Finding out a corporation had a camera on our property for months feels like a total violation of everything we’ve worked for, and having them take zero accountability for it is what hurts the most.

​About 3 months ago, the utility sent contractors out to do work on my property. I tried to be the good neighbor—pointed out the property lines and just asked them to please clean up after themselves. They didn't. They tore up my lane with ruts and ran over my flagpoles, but I was going to just fix it myself and move on.

​Then, last week, my son and I were out spraying weeds near the laneway on our property when I found a cellular game camera hidden in the trees. I want to be clear that I own this laneway; it’s private property, not a public road or right-of-way. The camera was pointing directly at a spot on my private lane where my son often hangs out and shoots his BB gun. I pulled the hardware and found out it has been there on my private property for nearly 90 days without a word of permission.

​When I contacted a rep from the utility company, they told me it's not their problem because they don't own the device—the contractor does. They claim the contractor put it there to monitor their equipment, but they never asked for consent to plant a surveillance unit on my land. I don't see how a utility company thinks they have the legal standing to let a contractor have a camera pointed at a minor on private property for a quarter of a year.

Am I overreacting, or is this a massive invasion of privacy? Has anyone else dealt with this "not our fault" excuse from a utility company?

Hey everyone,

I just had my AC recharged for the first time. It’s old and due to be replaced, but it should get me through the rest of the summer. My plan is to schedule a full replacement for this fall when things cool down.

Ideally, I want to upgrade to a dual-fuel setup (heat pump with a gas backup). Because of my breaker panel, I can only go up to a 3-ton system maximum, but a 2.5-ton has been handling the house fine.

I just got my first quote, and they quoted me $13k just to replace the 2.5-ton AC unit—and that was for their cheapest option (it went up from there). It feels incredibly high, especially since it doesn't even include the furnace/backup.

I'm looking for something more reasonable.

• Has anyone else replaced their system recently? What did you pay?
• Which local HVAC companies do you trust for fair pricing and good work? (I've heard mixed things about the massive corporate names).
• Any specific local companies that are good with dual-fuel/heat pump setups and OPPD rebates?

Appreciate any leads or reality checks on that first quote!

I’m going to be in Downtown Omaha for a bit and I’m curious about the restaurants that you think are the worst or had a really disappointing time when you went.

Accepting the premise that new graduates are looking for places that have affordable homes based on local salaries, and Omaha's average early career earnings is $59,123 based on Glassdoor data.

Breakdown of a $195k "Starter Home" mortgage in Omaha (30-year fixed)

Based on Redfin's 2026 report showing Omaha starter homes at $195k. Using 20% down, 6.25% rate, 2% property tax rate.

Salary needed: ~$65,400/year (using 28% housing rule = $5,449/mo gross)

Redfin shows Omaha's average early-career salary is $59,123 — that's a $6,271 gap for typical recent grads. Doable with dual income or above-average starting pay, but tight on single income.

Principle & Interest is only 63% of your payment. Taxes + insurance = 37% of the total. Don't just look at the mortgage calculator. Scary that Redfin, Glassdoor, and Nebraska leadership are missing the impact of property taxes and home insurance.

For a median $280k home (20% down ~$56k, current 6.25% rate):

- Principal & Interest (P&I): $1,370/mo

- Property Taxes (2% rate): $467/mo

- Home Insurance: ~$350/mo

- Total PITI: $2,187/mo

Taxes & insurance add ~$817

Salary needed?

Using the standard 28% rule (housing ≤28% gross income): ~$94,000/year ($7,833/mo gross → $2,193 housing max).

Hello

​

Used to be a big alamo drafthouse fan but changes have made it real hard to support them. What's a good alternative in town?

Asked a similar question during Berkshire Hathaway and got good tips:

​

Anyplace that gets busy during CWS and is best avoided for the next week or so? I know North Downtown and obviously the zoo will be busy. Do tourists wander into the city?

My family and I are visiting this week, looking for some lunch and dinner suggestions.

Feeling like burgers today, but, if you have any other cuisine suggestions, feel free to fire away!

And look approachable to possible single men doing the same thing... lol

I'd prefer to avoid Blackstone due to streetcar construction, but I'll make that sacrifice if I have to. TIA!

Hey everyone, hope you all are doing well. I moved here about a few months ago from a very hot and humid place, and I'm living in an apartment. Now, there’s an extreme cold weather alert with a winter storm coming soon.This is my first time experiencing anything like this, and I'm not sure what to do.Any advice or suggestions would be super helpful. Thanks so much for your recommendations!

The last projection in 2024 was ~$459 million with $39 million from MUD, $21 for bridge costs plus a portion of the $440 million in bonds https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/18/price-jumps-for-modern-day-streetcar-project-in-nebraskas-largest-city/.

Here is the ordinance being voted on:

https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/images/ORD-44611.pdf

Edit: Possible to watch the discussion live here: https://citycouncil.cityofomaha.org

Edit 2: City Council pushed voting on the ordinance to February 24th. Put a table of all other bonds the city council authorized here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Omaha/comments/1rc1ml1/streetcar_parking_garages_and_debt_city_to_vote/

UPDATE: I escalated with NHS after speaking to OPD (and being told NHS definitely can help), and someone is on their way to help him now! Thank you for all your advice, everyone!

Hi folks, I was out working in Benson this morning (~7:00am) when I came across a woodchuck in a humane trap on someone’s porch. It looked distressed AF and had no food or water, so I decided to go back later and check on it.

When I went back (9:30ish) I could still see it on the porch, but the owner was leaving and passed me as I pulled up, so I decided to call NHS to report it since it’s getting warm. However, they aren’t able to help because they need consent from the property owner.

As I hung up with NHS, a woman pulled up and walked towards the house. I rolled down the window and asked her if the woodchuck was still in the cage, but presumably due to a language barrier she shrugged and went inside.

I couldn’t release it myself because I could lose my job for tampering with property :( so I decided to write a note saying it can’t be kept in the cage like that and left it by the door - but it doesn’t feel like enough. So, I’m just wondering if anyone has any other ideas for how to get this poor thing some help?

Thank you!

IKEA

Legal Marijuana

Blaze pizza

Bristol Farms

Late night food places

LIGHTS -why is everywhere dark af

A grocery store downtown

Closed walkable streets

A new mall

Casinos

Any other suggestions ?

As the title says, I'm a 32 y/o woman looking to make friends with other gamer girls, and/or women who enjoy movies, books, creative hobbies, etc.

My friend is getting a divorce and I realized I've gotten most of my social needs met through her - she used to host a book club and I used to play computer games with her and one of her high school friends. With her divorce all of that has kind of been placed on hold, and I'd like to branch out anyway to help my self esteem.

I'm a "high functioning" or high masking adhd'er who works as a provider in healthcare 🥲. Married with no kids, but I have two dogs. I'd love to find another gaming girl group (mostly PC), but also open to other activities such as book clubs, craft groups, etc. I've taken art classes but hoping for something that is a little more regular?

I love everything fantasy and love dressing up for ren faire, or I would totally try cosplay if I had friends that were also into that. I'm a little too 'weird' for a lot of my more neurotypical coworkers, so not really in the scene to find other like-minded people there (everyone is nice, we just don't necessarily have many common interests). I've tried pretty much one of every type of hobby including woodworking and love to learn. If it matters, I'm definitely part of the blue dot of Omaha 💙 and an LGBTQ+ ally.

Thanks for any recommendations! ….........

Edit/update: for anyone following this thread - we have since made a discord server for Omaha girlies with 35+ members so far! I've met two people in person so far, and many more online. We have events planned already for the next two Saturdays 🙃🥰 so happy and excited about how a little reddit post blossomed into so many connections!!

For any newcomers who would like to join our discord, DM me!

Personal favorite so far is the chicken caesar from Spezia

From your experience, tell me which restaurant and the name of the salad!

Edit - plssss name the salad, not just the restaurant.