As remote work continues to redefine the professional landscape, many workers are seeking locations that offer the perfect balance of affordability, community, and quality of life. Omaha, with its vibrant culture, growing economy, and welcoming atmosphere, stands out as an ideal destination for remote workers. Whether you’re drawn by the lower cost of living, the rich local amenities, or the supportive entrepreneurial environment, Omaha provides a unique blend of opportunities that make it the perfect base for your remote work lifestyle.
As remote workers search for a great place to set their roots, Omaha makes a strong case. The city’s population grew by around 1% in both 2022 and 2023, with over 25,000 people moving to the area since 2021. Discover how new developments are revitalizing Omaha, making it an even more attractive place to live and work.
Here are a few reasons that make Omaha a great base for those working remotely.
Omaha is recognized nationally as the number one place to move
According to a recent study by Forbes Home, Omaha scored a perfect 100 out of 100, making it the overall best city to move to in 2024. This Midwestern gem offers a unique blend of affordability, economic opportunity, and quality of life that makes it ideal for those working remotely.
One of the most attractive aspects of Omaha for remote workers is its reasonable cost of living. With a median monthly housing cost of just $1,188, remote professionals can enjoy spacious accommodations without breaking the bank. Additionally, the city boasts a median family income of $69,198, providing financial stability and comfort.
Omaha’s robust job market is another key factor that makes it appealing for remote workers. With an impressive employment rate of 98%, the city is not only secure but also full of opportunities for career advancement. The strong job market means that even if remote work situations change, finding local employment is not a daunting task.
For remote workers who value a pleasant work environment, Omaha offers an enjoyable climate with 117 sunny days per year. This abundance of sunshine provides ample opportunity to work outdoors or take breaks in the city’s beautiful parks and recreational areas. Moreover, Omaha’s fairly low crime rate, with only 40 out of 1,000 residents being affected, ensures a safe and secure living environment.
Omaha’s combination of affordability, economic opportunity, enjoyable climate, and safety makes it a top contender for remote workers looking to relocate. Whether you’re setting up a home office or enjoying the flexibility to work from various locations around the city, Omaha provides a supportive and enriching environment for remote professionals.
Your dollar goes farther with a lower cost of living
According to Payscale, Omaha’s cost of living is 7% below the national average. Housing is 16% cheaper than the national average, with a median home price of $308,136 and median rent of $965.26.
Compared to higher cost of living areas, your dollar can be stretched much farther in Omaha and allows for more disposable income or a higher standard of living. You’ll be able to get a larger living space in Omaha, and it can be really nice to have the extra elbow room. Especially when considering your home office space, you might be able to get a separate office instead of working from your couch.
Increased options for entertainment
Let’s be honest, Omaha is not the top destination for entertainment options. However, several construction projects are in the works to open new areas for nightlife, dining, and shopping. Learn more about Omaha’s newest developments.
Main entertainment districts like the Old Market, Midtown, Blackstone, Benson, and the up-and-coming Little Bohemia offer many options for great restaurants, lively bars, shopping, and events.
Large attractions like the Omaha World Series bring baseball fans into Omaha from all around the world every June, and the Henry Doorly Zoo attracts global visitors as well. The warmer months hold other smaller events like the Maha Music Festival, farmers markets, and food truck rallies. There are also many options for weekend fun for families.
Live local, work coastal
With the boom in remote work, there are more companies than ever hiring their employees from anywhere in the world. Previously, if you wanted to work for a Silicon Valley tech company, you’d need to move to the Bay Area – but now those opportunities are available while staying in the Midwest.
LinkedIn’s remote job search feature allows you to easily find job listings open to anyone, anywhere. Other work-from-home job hunt options include WeWorkRemotely.com, Remote.co, WorkingNomads.co.
Working for a larger company based on the coast is a great way to get the benefits of working in big cities without the higher cost of living and other headaches.
The Midwest’s friendly and community-oriented mindset
In 2013, the University of Cambridge did a study on personality traits between 1.5 million people around the world, and found that people in the Midwest were more likely to be extraverted, agreeable, and conscientious.
When it comes down to it, Midwesterners are just nice! Many communities are very tight-knit and look out for their neighbors. You’ll often see people greet each other while passing on the sidewalk, holding doors open for one another, and generally being courteous.
According to WalletHub’s 2024 study on the most and least stressed states, Nebraska is one of the least stressed states at #42. They also found that Nebraska ranked favorably for highest job security and most affordable housing.
In conclusion
The pandemic has shifted people’s priorities, and made remote workers look for places that give them a better bang for their buck and offer more room to grow. With Omaha’s growing tech community, low cost of living, increased entertainment options, and Midwest values, the city offers a great place for singles, couples, and families to move to and thrive.