Omaha TRACON

📍 About Omaha TRACON & the Area

Omaha TRACON is located at Eppley Airfield (OMA) and serves as the approach control facility for the greater Omaha area. Omaha is a growing midwestern metro that offers affordable living, great schools, and a surprising amount of cultural and recreational opportunities. Whether you want an urban lifestyle or a quiet suburb, you'll find an area that fits.

🏡 Where to Live

Omaha – Singles & Couples

• Dundee – Historic charm, walkable, full of restaurants and cafes.
• Blackstone District – Trendy, young professionals, vibrant nightlife.
• Downtown Omaha – Urban living, close to work, arts scene and events.
• Aksarben Village – Modern apartments, near parks and UNO campus.

Omaha – Families

• Millard – Great schools, quiet subdivisions, popular with families.
• Elkhorn – Highly rated schools, newer homes, upscale feel.
• Benson – Family-friendly with a small-town vibe and revitalized main street.
• Papillion – South of the city, excellent schools and suburban living.

Nearby Suburbs – All Types

• La Vista – Affordable and growing suburb with parks and schools.
• Bellevue – Military-friendly (Offutt AFB), diverse community, easy access to OMA.

🚗 Commute Times to Omaha TRACON (Eppley Field)

• 5–15 min: Downtown Omaha, Benson, Dundee, Aksarben, Carter Lake
• 15–30 min: Millard, Blackstone, Bellevue, La Vista
• 30–45 min: Elkhorn, Papillion, Gretna, Council Bluffs (IA)

🎓 Top School Districts

• Elkhorn Public Schools – Consistently top-rated with new facilities and strong academics.
• Millard Public Schools – Large, high-quality district with great parent involvement.
• Papillion-La Vista Schools – Excellent suburban district with strong extracurriculars.
• Bellevue Public Schools – Serves the south metro and Offutt AFB families.

🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round

🌲 Outdoor Activities

• Hiking & Biking: Zorinsky Lake, Chalco Hills, Hitchcock Nature Center
• Zoo: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo – world-class and nationally ranked
• Golf & Parks: Dozens of courses and large parks throughout the city
• State Parks: Mahoney, Platte River, and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

🏛️ Indoor & Cultural

• Old Market: Historic district with restaurants, galleries, and shops
• Orpheum Theater: Broadway shows, symphony, and live events
• Museums: Durham Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, and Strategic Air Command Museum
• Sports: College World Series, Creighton basketball, Union Omaha soccer

✈️ Nearby Airports

• Eppley Airfield (OMA): Main commercial airport serving Omaha. Located directly at the TRACON facility.
• Millard Airport (MLE): General aviation airport southwest of the city. Popular for flight schools and private aircraft.
• Council Bluffs Municipal Airport (CBF): Just across the river in Iowa, used for GA and flight training.
• Lincoln Airport (LNK): Located 1 hour away in Lincoln, NE with limited commercial service.

💰 Cost of Living

• Housing: Median home price is around $275,000–$325,000. Rent for a 1-bedroom averages $1,000–$1,300/month.
• Taxes: Nebraska has state income and sales tax. Property taxes are relatively high compared to national average.
• Utilities: Average $150–$200/month depending on unit size and season.
• Groceries & Gas: Slightly below the national average — affordable across most categories.
• Overall: One of the most affordable major cities in the Midwest for federal employees.

🌆 Neighborhood Highlights

• Dundee: Tree-lined streets, historic homes, walkable, and full of character.
• Blackstone District: Revitalized area with food, nightlife, and boutique living.
• Millard: Safe, well-planned suburban living with strong schools.
• Elkhorn: Newer development with high-end homes and a small-town feel.
• Papillion: Family-friendly, clean parks, and community events.

☀️ Seasonal Weather

• Winter: 15–35°F, snow and ice are common. Prepare for driving in snow.
• Spring: 45–70°F, frequent rain, warming up with blooming trees.
• Summer: 80–95°F, hot and humid. Occasional thunderstorms.
• Fall: 50–75°F, cooler temps and colorful foliage. Best time of year.

🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic

• Driving: Most controllers commute by car. The area is easy to navigate with minimal traffic compared to larger metros.
• Interstates: I-80, I-480, and I-680 connect the suburbs and downtown.
• Metro Transit: Omaha’s bus system serves the city and parts of Council Bluffs. Limited schedules in outer suburbs.
• Airport Access: Eppley is easy to reach from most areas. Free parking available for controllers.

🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care

• Nebraska Medicine: Academic medical center with top-rated services.
• CHI Health: Several hospitals and urgent care centers throughout the metro area.
• Methodist Health System: Excellent care network in west Omaha and Elkhorn.
• Children’s Hospital & Medical Center: Leading pediatric care located centrally in Omaha.

🫂 Social Life & Community

• Young Professionals: Blackstone, Benson, Aksarben, and Downtown offer nightlife, breweries, and events.
• Families: Great local sports leagues, libraries, parks, and seasonal festivals.
• Community: Friendly midwestern vibe with low crime in suburban areas and welcoming neighbors.
• Military/ATC Community: Controllers from both TRACON and Offutt AFB often live in the same neighborhoods.

🍽️ Dining & Food Scene

• Downtown: The Old Market offers a wide range of restaurants, from upscale to casual.
• Local Favorites: Block 16 (street food), The Drover (steaks), Blue Sushi, and Lighthouse Pizza.
• Breweries: Try Zipline, Kros Strain, Benson Brewery, or Infusion Brewing Co.
• Coffee & Breakfast: Archetype Coffee, Amateur Coffee, Early Bird Brunch

🛫 ATC-Specific Tips

• Facility: Omaha TRACON handles traffic for Eppley Airfield and surrounding GA fields in NE and IA.
• Workload: Moderate volume with a mix of commercial, GA, and military traffic (Offutt AFB nearby).
• Culture: Known for a laid-back but professional environment. Supportive training team and tight-knit workforce.
• Living Close: Many controllers live in Elkhorn, Millard, Bellevue, and downtown Omaha.

📦 Moving Tips

• Snow Prep: Be ready for winter driving — snow tires or AWD recommended.
• Rental Market: Spring/summer has most availability. Start your search early.
• Explore in Person: Some older neighborhoods vary block by block. Visit if possible before leasing.
• Taxes: Nebraska taxes are higher than average, especially on property.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Is Omaha affordable for new hires?
  A: Yes. Omaha is one of the most affordable cities with solid salaries and low cost of living.
• Q: Is there a big ATC community here?
  A: Yes — between the TRACON, Tower, and Offutt AFB, there’s a large aviation and controller presence.
• Q: Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
  A: Not required, but helpful during snowstorms. Snow tires make a big difference too.