Moving from Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE

Moving from Chicago, Illinois to Omaha, Nebraska

If you’re planning on moving from Chicago to Omaha, you’ll be in for many fun and exciting changes. Although you won’t be moving very far, there are several differences between Chicago and Omaha that you’ll have to adjust to. One of the main differences between these cities is their size. Omaha is much smaller than Chicago with a population of 408,958 compared to Chicago’s population of over 2.7 million. However, moving from Chicago doesn’t mean that you’ll be missing out on your favorite things to do! Omaha is a great city with friendly people, countless things to do, and a thriving economy. You’ll love exploring this new city, and it won’t be long before you feel right at home!

Driving from Chicago to Omaha and more about Omaha:

Because Omaha isn’t very far from Chicago, you might choose to drive there. If you do, it should only take you about eight hours to arrive (470 miles). Even though it will be a short trip, you’ll be passing through and you may want to stop in Des Moines, IA which is home to great places such as the Blank Park Zoo which has exhibits on a tropical rain forest, the Australian Outback and Africa and the Des Moines Botanical Center which has over 15,000 exotic plants all in a beautifully designed dome. Then after that, it won’t be long until you’re in Omaha!

The Climate in Omaha

While both Chicago and Omaha have hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, there are a few differences in their temperatures. Omaha’s average winter low temperatures are slightly colder than Chicago’s and are usually in the low teens; however, on average, Omaha gets less snow than Chicago annually—about 26.5 inches compared to Chicago’s 37.8 inches. Omaha’s summer high temperatures, similar to Chicago’s, are usually in the mid-80s with high humidity. Additionally, Omaha receives about 30.7 inches of precipitation each year with several thunderstorms, especially in the summers, which can sometimes be severe and develop into tornadoes, so be cautious of that fact.

Getting Around Omaha

When moving from Chicago to Omaha, if you plan to take public transportation, it may be a little harder for you in Omaha than it was in Chicago. While Chicago offers several options from rapid transit to buses, Omaha has fewer choices. However, Metro Area Transit (MAT) does offer over 100 buses that go throughout the city and to surrounding areas. The preferred method of transportation in Omaha, though, is driving. Omaha is linked to several major Interstates, Nebraska Highways and U.S. Routes that make driving around the city a breeze! If you’d rather not take public transportation, but you don’t want to drive, there’s another option for you in Omaha! Since 1989, Omaha has paved about 67 miles of trails throughout the city for bicyclists, runners, and commuters.

Schools in Omaha

Although there are several school districts in Omaha, the largest one is Omaha Public Schools. If you’re moving from Chicago to Omaha with children who go to public school, they’ll most likely be going to an Omaha Public Schools facility. It should also be a fairly easy transition for your children since they’ll be moving from a school district with an enrollment of more than 404,000 students to one with an enrollment of more than 46,000 students. Omaha Public Schools is composed of 63 elementary schools, 18 middle schools, 13 high schools and five alternative schools. Omaha is also home to 11 colleges and universities including the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and Creighton University.

Recreation in Omaha

Just because you’re moving from Chicago to Omaha doesn’t mean that you’ll have to miss out on your favorite things to do! If you’re looking for some fun and educational family activities, Omaha has something for you! Check out the Henry Doorly Zoo which is considered to be one of the best zoos in the whole world! It includes the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp, the world’s largest indoor rainforest, the world’s largest indoor desert and the world’s largest geodesic dome.

The Omaha Children’s Museum is also a great place for family fun, and it includes several interactive exhibits that teach children about science and the arts! Other prestigious museums in Omaha include the Joslyn Art Museum, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and the Durham Museum. For those who love the performing arts, Omaha is home to the Holland Performing Arts Center where the Omaha Symphony Orchestra performs, the Opera Omaha, the Blue Barn Theatre and the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center. No matter what you love, you’ll find it in Omaha!

So, head on over to the “Gateway to the West”!

 

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