Real Estate Information Archive

As the Nancy Heim-Berg Team leader, I've watched Omaha's cultural districts transform while helping countless families find their perfect homes in these vibrant neighborhoods. Right now, it’s like “Back to the Future,” as history meets 2025! Let me take you on a journey through Omaha's most dynamic areas - the Old Market, Blackstone District, and Benson. Our team has watched these neighborhoods evolve from historic districts into thriving cultural hubs, and we know every corner, every upcoming project, and every hidden gem in these remarkable areas.

The Old Market: Preserving Our Past, Embracing Our Future
The Old Market remains Omaha's crown jewel of historic preservation, and the developments we see are stunning. Just last month, I toured the renovation of the 1880s Pickens Building, where developers create luxury lofts while preserving the original timber beams and brick walls. The landmark Burlington Building at 10th and Howard is undergoing a similar transformation - we're particularly excited about the rooftop garden and community space being added.
Speaking of exciting developments, have you heard about the new boutique hotel coming to the corner of 11th and Jackson? The developers incorporate the original 1900s facade while creating a modern 42-room hotel with a spectacular ground-floor restaurant. We're also seeing the completion of the Howard Street Taphouse, housed in what was once a 19th-century hardware store. They've kept the original tin ceiling and even discovered some fantastic architectural details during renovation.

Blackstone District: The Evolution Continues
The transformation of Blackstone continues to amaze me. Remember the old service station at 40th and Farnam? It's now being converted into a two-story food hall featuring local vendors, with the garage doors preserved to create indoor-outdoor dining spaces. The Blackstone Depot project is another game-changer - this mixed-use development will bring 78 luxury apartments and 12,000 square feet of retail space while incorporating elements from the area's streetcar era.
One of our team's recent listings, a 1920s apartment building on 39th Street, sold within days of hitting the market. The new owners plan a thoughtful renovation to preserve the gorgeous Art Deco details while adding modern amenities. And wait until you see what's happening with the old Blackstone Hotel's west wing - the renovation plans include a rooftop bar with stunning downtown views and a speakeasy-style jazz club in the basement.

Benson: Omaha's Creative Heart
Benson keeps improving, and we're seeing some incredibly creative development projects. The former Benson Theater is nearly complete with its $4.5 million renovation - we can't wait for the grand opening next month. The space will host everything from local theater productions to independent film screenings.

The new Benson Lights project at 60th and Maple is a perfect example of thoughtful development. The developers worked with local artists to incorporate public art installations throughout the property, and the ground-floor retail spaces are already attracting exciting local businesses. Just last week, I toured the nearly completed artist lofts on the upper floors—the studios feature incredible natural light and flexible floor plans that our creative clients are going to love.

Let me share some insider knowledge about what's coming next. Benson is about to see the start of its most ambitious project yet—transforming the former industrial space north of Maple Street into a maker's campus. The campus will include artist studios, craft workshops, and incubator spaces for creative businesses, all housed in renovated industrial buildings.

The Old Market is preparing for its most significant development in years—a full-block mixed-use project between Jackson and Jones Streets. The project will include ground-floor retail, office space, and luxury condos designed to complement the historic warehouse district aesthetic.
Watch for the announcement of a significant tech company taking over the renovated Commercial Building in Blackstone. The development will include a public plaza and innovation center, bringing even more energy to the district.

Living in Cultural Districts: An Insider's View
When clients ask about living in these vibrant areas, we love sharing the real scoop. Take parking, for instance - while everyone knows about the public lots in the Old Market, we know which buildings have reserved spaces and which upcoming developments include resident parking. The Blackstone District has some hidden gems, too - there's a newly renovated parking structure behind the Blackstone Hotel that most people don't even know about.

We're experts at helping our clients navigate historic properties' unique challenges and joys. We recently helped a family find a gorgeous 1900s row house in the Old Market. We connected them with contractors specializing in historic renovations and helped them understand the tax incentives available for landmark property maintenance.

Our Team's Commitment
Sure, the Nancy Heim-Berg Team sells properties in these neighborhoods, but more importantly, we're part of their story. You'll often find one of us grabbing coffee at Archetype in Blackstone, checking out the latest gallery opening in Benson, or showing clients my favorite hidden courtyards in the Old Market. We live here and offer unparalleled insights to anyone interested in these areas.
The Nancy Heim-Berg Team offers knowledge, expertise, and a genuine love for these historic districts and their ongoing evolution. It would be our pleasure to share our knowledge and to help you become part of these vibrant communities. If you'd like to learn more about opportunities in these exciting neighborhoods, specific properties or upcoming developments? 

Let's grab a coffee at one of our local spots and discuss your Omaha Dreams. Contact The Heim-Berg Team at 402-677-9024 or visit www.omahaarealiving.com We'll help you find the ideal balance of amenities, lifestyle, and value.
 

At the Heim-Berg Team, we've guided hundreds of families through finding their perfect home in Omaha's top school districts. We're often asked which district is "better" – Millard or Elkhorn? Both districts offer exceptional education, but each has unique strengths that might make one a better fit for your family.

Performance Trends Entering 2025
While walking through our most recent home showings in Elkhorn, we noticed a fascinating trend. The district's remarkable 97% graduation rate and expanded AP program have attracted a wave of tech professionals moving to Omaha. Meanwhile, Millard continues its tradition of excellence with its International Baccalaureate program, which produces stellar results—a point of pride we love sharing with relocating families.

Neighborhood Value Stories
We recently helped a family find their dream home near Millard North High School. They were thrilled to learn that homes in this area have appreciated 14% over the past year, outpacing the broader Omaha market. In Elkhorn, new construction near Blue Sage Elementary has created exciting opportunities for families wanting to build equity while accessing top-tier education.
The Latest Boundary Changes

Having served this community for over three decades, we've witnessed numerous boundary shifts. The most recent change affecting Manchester Elementary in Elkhorn has opened up new buyer possibilities. We just helped clients find a beautiful ranch-style home that will now feed into this highly-rated school – precisely the kind of insider knowledge that makes a difference in your home search.

Beyond the Numbers
Test scores tell only part of the story. In Millard, we love highlighting the STEM program at Aldrich Elementary, where students do amazing things with robotics. Over in Elkhorn, the new performing arts center at Elkhorn South High School has transformed the community's cultural landscape.

Growth and Development Impact
Have you watched the expansion near 180th Street? If you have, you see an interesting story developing about both districts. Elkhorn is responding dynamically to population growth with its new elementary school breaking ground, while Millard continues enhancing existing facilities with state-of-the-art learning technology.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
Our team closely monitors these developments to help you make informed decisions about your home purchase. Both districts have exciting plans. Millard's proposed advanced learning centers and Elkhorn's upcoming middle school will likely influence home values in their respective areas. 

Making Your Choice
Every family's needs are unique. That's why we take time to understand your priorities – from academic programs to extracurricular activities to commute times. Our deep knowledge of both districts helps us guide you to the perfect neighborhood for your family.

Ready to explore homes in either district? We'd love to show you around and share more insights about these wonderful communities. After all, helping families find not just a house but a home in the right school district is what we're passionate about.

View Homes for Sale in Millard

View Homes for Sale in Elkhorn

The Heim-Berg Team brings over 34 years of experience in Omaha real estate, specializing in family relocations and school district expertise. Our team's comprehensive knowledge of Millard and Elkhorn school districts helps families make informed decisions about their next home.

Why do I believe the Silicon Prairie Will Outshine the Sun Belt in 2025? Well, friends, it’s because the secret's finally out! Our beloved Omaha has just been ranked among the top 10 real estate markets to watch in 2025 and let me tell you, it's been a long time coming. While everyone's been focused on those crowded Sun Belt cities, we've been quietly building something special in the heartland.

Let's talk about the numbers that are turning heads. Did you know that national analysts are excited about Omaha and her potential? While Sun Belt markets are seeing price plateaus and rental slowdowns, Omaha shows remarkable stability and growth. Our median home prices have increased by a steady 7.2% year-over-year without the dramatic spikes that have caused affordability issues in places like Phoenix and Austin.

What's interesting is that our average time on the market is just 14 days, compared to 45+ days in many Sun Belt cities. And with an average price per square foot of $165, we offer incredible value compared to markets like Nashville ($275) or Austin ($295).

So, what's driving our growth? Remember when they started calling us the Silicon Prairie? Well, that nickname's proving prophetic. Our tech sector is booming, with companies like Toast, LinkedIn, and Facebook expanding their presence here. But it's not just tech—Mutual of Omaha's new downtown headquarters and the continued growth of our medical corridor are creating high-paying jobs and attracting young professionals in droves.

Speaking of young professionals, here's a statistic raising eyebrows: our 25-34-year-old population has grown by 12% in the last year alone. That's more than twice the growth rate of popular cities like Tampa and Charlotte.

While investors have been fighting over properties in Phoenix and Miami, our market has quietly become the Investment Opportunity Everyone Missed, offering remarkable stability with growth potential. Our rental market is showing a healthy 5.8% annual return, but here's the kicker – our vacancy rates are sitting at just 3.2%, well below the national average of 5.9%.

Want to know what sets us apart? Property taxes in Douglas County are about 30% lower on average than comparable markets in Texas and Florida. When you factor in our lower insurance rates (we don't have hurricanes, folks!), the total cost of ownership makes Omaha look mighty attractive.

Meanwhile, keep an eye on the following neighborhoods. Blackstone District's continued renaissance perfectly exemplifies what makes Omaha unique. Although property values here have increased 15% in the last year, we still see opportunities for renovation and value-added investments. The same goes for Benson, where new restaurants and entertainment venues drive demand for residential and commercial property.

Downtown and the Capitol District are writing their own success story. With the streetcar project breaking ground and new development announcements seemingly every week, we see property appreciation rates of 9-11% annually in these areas.

 National analysts are finally figuring out That Omaha is not just another boom town.

We're built differently. While Sun Belt cities are dealing with infrastructure strain and water concerns, we've got capacity for growth. Our cost of living remains 12% below the national average, even as we add amenities and attractions.

The numbers tell the story: our unemployment rate is 2.8%, we're seeing steady job growth at 3.2% annually, and our local GDP growth outpaced the national average by 1.5% last year. These aren't boom-and-bust statistics—they're indicators of sustainable development.

If you're already a homeowner in Omaha, congratulations! Your home's equity has likely grown by 18-22% in the last two years. But here's the best part: analysts are projecting a 6-8% annual appreciation over the next three years. That's not the double-digit growth some markets saw during the pandemic, but it's sustainable and real.

For investors, our market offers something increasingly rare: properties that still follow the 1% rule (monthly rent equals 1% of purchase price) in solid neighborhoods. Try finding that in Austin or Tampa these days!

So, watching the horizon, what's next for Omaha? The next few years look bright for our city. The new airport terminal, expanding streetcar system, and continued riverfront development add value to our real estate market. Major employers are expanding, and our universities are reporting record enrollment numbers.

We're seeing increased interest from out-of-state investors, but here's the good news: there's still plenty of opportunity. Unlike some markets where institutional investors have snapped up much of the available property, Omaha still has room for individual investors and first-time homebuyers.

Finally, we might not have palm trees or ocean views, but we've got something better—a real estate market that makes sense. Currently, Sun Belt States face affordability issues, strained infrastructure, and climate concerns. Omaha, NE, offers something completely different: Sustainable growth, strong fundamentals, and genuine community value make our market extremely attractive. 

If you've been waiting on the sidelines, now might be the time to move. Unlike the Sun Belt States, Omaha's market strength isn't based on speculation or temporary trends—it's built on the solid Midwestern foundation of strong fundamentals and innovative growth strategies. And that's something worth investing in.

Want to learn more about specific investment opportunities in Omaha? Contact The Heim-Berg Team: 📱 402-677-9024 🌐 www.OmahaAreaLiving.com Your Omaha neighborhood experts will help you discover the perfect property in this historic community or provide detailed market analysis and investment strategies tailored to your goals.

The Omaha metro area offers unique retirement living options that blend urban amenities with Midwestern charm. Let's explore how our distinct neighborhoods can match your retirement dreams.

Urban Omaha Living: The Downtown Renaissance Downtown Omaha and the Old Market continue their exciting transformation. New luxury condos and renovated historic buildings offer maintenance-free living within walking distance of:

• The Durham Museum and Joslyn Art Museum
• Holland Performing Arts Center
• TD Ameritrade Park
• Award-winning farm-to-table restaurants
• The vibrant Blackstone District

Healthcare accessibility shines with world-class facilities like Nebraska Medicine and Methodist Hospital nearby.

Suburban Gems Omaha's suburbs present compelling alternatives:

• Papillion: Named one of America's best places to retire, featuring Shadow Lake and extensive walking trails
• Elkhorn: Growing community with championship golf courses and active 55+ neighborhoods
• La Vista: Modern developments with emphasis on community gathering spaces
• Bennington: Rural charm meets modern amenities

The West Omaha Advantage West Omaha uniquely bridges urban and suburban living:

• Village Pointe offers upscale shopping and dining
• CHI Health and Methodist Women's Hospital provide excellent medical care
• Extensive trail systems connect neighborhoods
• Regular community events at Zorinsky Lake

Transportation Considerations- While Omaha's public transit is evolving, most retirees find having a car convenient. However, neighborhoods like Dundee and Benson offer walkable alternatives with local shops, restaurants, and services.

Cost Considerations for 2025

• Urban condos: Generally $200,000-$500,000
• Suburban single-family homes: Often provide more space for similar investment
• Property taxes vary significantly by area
• HOA fees in urban buildings vs. suburban maintenance costs

Ready to explore your perfect retirement location in Omaha? Contact The Heim-Berg Team at 402-677-9024 or visit www.OmahaAreaLiving.com. We'll help you find the ideal balance of amenities, lifestyle, and value for your retirement journey, while assisting you in securing top dollar for your beloved family home.

As we drive along the Missouri River and think about the coming new year, we know Omaha will move confidently into 2025. Our city's signature resilience and innovative spirit light the way forward.
Downtown's transformation continues with the Capitol District drawing new restaurants and entertainment venues. The Old Market will continue to expand its footprint, welcoming local artisans and entrepreneurs. Tech startups flourish in the Builders District, while Aksarben Edge attracts strong sustainable businesses.

The Omaha real estate landscape, which is our area of expertise, sparkles with unprecedented potential for 2025. New mixed-use developments in Blackstone and Benson will create affordable housing while preserving neighborhood character. First-time homebuyer programs will expand, helping more families put down roots. While thoughtful, responsible development balances growth with community needs for continued expansion.

Innovative Community initiatives continue to thrive. Neighborhood revitalization partnership efforts, like The Omaha Land Bank, generate new green spaces and beautiful urban gardens. 

Workforce development programs created by local organizations and partnerships continue to expand.  For example, the Riverfront transformation project will be almost complete, and new community recreational spaces will be added. Businesses adapt and grow. Remote work hubs emerge in renovated buildings. Local manufacturers expand operations. Small business incubators in North and South Omaha support new entrepreneurs, creating jobs and influencing our great economy.

As we enter 2025, Omaha's unique mix of Midwestern values, innovation, and common-sense development creates fertile ground for growth. Our community's strength lies in its people - diverse, determined, and deeply connected. Here's to 2025 - may it bring as much warmth as a summer evening at Turner Park.

If you'd like to learn more about selling your home during Omaha’s winter season, we would be pleased to discuss your goals and help you sell your home for more money this winter. For more information or to chat about finding your dream home in Omaha, visit www.OmahaAreaLiving.Com 
 
📞 Let's connect! Call us at 402-677-9024, and let's explore all the fun and adventure in Omaha!

Morning sunlight streams through Halleck Park's century-old trees as joggers circle the lake and children's laughter drifts from the splash pad. Welcome to Papillion, Nebraska, a community repeatedly ranked as Nebraska’s “1 Place to Live"! Papillion will give you small-town warmth and modern conveniences, just minutes from Omaha and all it offers.

Imagine starting your day at Stories Coffee Co., where the baristas remember your order and name. You'll visit with neighbors here and share news about the upcoming events at Sumtur Amphitheater. In the Summer, you'll start by strolling through the vibrant farmers' market downtown, where local producers and artisans transform 1st Street into a community gathering spot. Stroll down historic brick streets and stop at locally-owned shops on your way to one of the many festivals that draw visitors from across the region.

Families treasure Papillion's exceptional quality of life, evidenced by its consistently top-ranked school district. Children bike safely to school on extensive trail networks, while parents appreciate the 10-minute commute to Omaha's employment centers. The city's crime rate ranks among Nebraska's lowest, creating a safe environment so kids can be kids.

Recreation is a lifestyle here. Residents enjoy over 15 miles of connected trails, six major parks, and the modern Papillion Landing recreation center. From summer concerts at Sumtur Amphitheater to baseball games at Werner Park (home of the Storm Chasers), entertainment options abound. Yet Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, Old Market, and world-class performing arts remain just minutes away.

Modern subdivisions offer spacious homes with large yards, while charming historic properties near downtown provide character-filled alternatives. New developments around Shadow Lake Towne Center blend shopping convenience with residential comfort. Property values have shown remarkable stability, appreciating steadily as Papillion continues attracting families and professionals seeking community without compromise.

The seasons paint Papillion in constantly changing colors – spring flowering trees along Washington Street, summer concert crowds sprawled on Sumtur's lawn, fall festivals downtown, and winter sledding at Halleck Park. Each season brings its own community traditions, from the Spring Fling to Papillion Days to autumn's Harvest Moon Festival.

Investment here means more than buying property – it's joining a community where neighbors become friends over backyard barbecues, and city council members shop at the same grocery store as you. As Omaha's growth continues southward, Papillion maintains its distinct identity while offering convenient access to big-city amenities.

Start your Papillion Home Search here!

Ready to discover your place in Papillion? Contact us to explore Nebraska's most livable city.

As the golden leaves of fall give way to the crisp chill of November, we are reminded of all the blessings that make life in Omaha, Nebraska, truly special. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what matters most—our community, friends, family, and the spirit of giving that brings us all together.

Omaha isn't just where we live; it's where we thrive. From the bustling neighborhoods of Dundee to the serene charm of Elkhorn, our community is rich with warmth and connection. It's in the smiles we share at the local coffee shop, the waves to neighbors on a morning walk and the vibrant energy of our local events. This season, we are grateful to call Omaha home and to serve such a lively and caring community.

Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and cherish the relationships that enrich our lives. Whether it's gathering around the dinner table or catching up with loved ones far and near, the bonds we share with friends and family are the cornerstone of our happiness. Here at The Heim-Berg Team, we think of our clients as part of our extended family, and we're so grateful for the trust and friendships we've built over the years.

Thanksgiving is also a time to lend a helping hand. Omaha's strong sense of community inspires us to give back meaningfully. Whether it's supporting local food drives, volunteering at shelters, or simply showing kindness to a neighbor in need, we are proud to be part of a community that takes care of its own. This season, we encourage everyone to find a way to make a difference, big or small—it all matters.

To our cherished clients: We've been deeply honored each time you've welcomed us into your lives to help navigate one of life's biggest decisions. Whether guiding you through purchasing your first home, helping you sell a beloved family property, or finding the perfect space for your growing family, these moments have created meaningful connections that extend far beyond closing day. Your trust in The Heim-Berg Team has been our greatest reward, and we're profoundly grateful that so many of our client relationships have blossomed into lasting friendships. Your referrals and continued support have built our business and our community here in Omaha.

From all of us at The Heim-Berg Team, we want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving. May your homes be filled with love, laughter, and the aroma of delicious food. Thank you for letting us be part of your lives and for making what we do so rewarding.

Here's to celebrating the season of gratitude, together. Happy Thanksgiving, Omaha!

Warm regards,

The Heim-Berg Team

Welcome. I’m Nancy Heim-Berg, a proud Omaha resident who, with my husband Dan, raised 9 children in this great city. Over the years, I’ve seen a lot happen in Omaha. Today, while standing at the corner of North 40th and Ames Avenue, an intersection that’s been busy for over 130 years, I thought about how Omaha has transformed but kept its pioneer spirit intact. 

Over the years, Omaha has evolved from a dusty railroad - cattle town to a vibrant city that continually reinvents itself.  Omaha’s name, which is from the Native American, means “those going against the wild,” representing the rugged, tough nature of Omaha residents. The heritage of our Native Americans, Pioneers, Railroad Workers, Meat Packers, and immigrants has created a diverse, hard-working, versatile community.  I remember the historic buildings in Jobbers Canyon, and now I watch as Omaha becomes a growing real estate darling for national investors. Through an innovative blend of public and private partnerships to transform Omaha into a great plains commerce center.

But you know, somehow, between the boom of Fortune 500 Companies and the Amazing growth downtown along the Missouri River, Omaha has managed to keep adding new ingredients and continue stirring the melting pot to create something more. We watch as historic buildings are replaced, but our history can never be replaced. The meat packing industry remains, but the faces of the workers have changed from pioneers to African Americans to Mexican to Latin American immigrants. Our past meets our present in diversity to continue Omaha’s fantastic culture.  Historically, the city has benefitted from its legacy as a railroad town. Most recently, that legacy has allowed Omaha to benefit from laying communication lines along railroad property, like how we benefitted from constructing telegraph lines.  Did you know Creighton and The University of Nebraska offer degrees in advanced communications?

I’ve watched the migration of businesses from downtown to the suburbs create a westward sprawl that brought malls and the retail development of peripheral neighborhoods. We then saw movement back to downtown with major new developments like the Century Link Center, TD Ameritrade Park, the KONEKO, and the Holland Performing Arts Center. We’ve also seen Benson and Blackstone challenging the Old Market for the top dog area for Omaha Nightlife.

All these changes have also impacted neighborhoods and family living. That’s why I’ve created this new weekly series featuring the best Omaha neighborhoods and suburbs today.

Come back each week to enjoy a walk through the best neighborhoods in Omaha, presented by the Nancy Heim-Berg Team. 

For more information on local events or to chat about finding your dream home in Omaha, visit OmahaAreaLiving.com.

📞 Let's connect! Call us at 402-677-9024, and let's explore all the fun and adventure in Omaha!