Birthplace of the Reuben Sandwich
The iconic Reuben sandwich was invented at the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha in the 1920s. Whether created by grocery owner Arnold Reuben or hotel chef Arnold Reuben, one thing is certain — Omaha claims this culinary legend.
South Sudan Capital of the U.S.
Omaha has one of the largest South Sudanese populations outside of South Sudan itself, with over 40,000 residents. The city warmly welcomed refugees and the community thrives with restaurants, cultural events, and the annual East African Festival.
Mexican Consulate in Omaha
Omaha is home to one of the busiest Mexican consulates in the country, serving a large Mexican-American community and reflecting the city's deep ties with Mexican culture, businesses, and families.
Internet Backbone Crossroads
Omaha sits at a major intersection of 7+ fiber optic network backbones, making it a critical node in the internet infrastructure. This is why companies like Oracle and AWS have massive data centers in the area.
Big Tech Campus City
Amazon, Meta, and Google all operate significant campuses and data centers in Omaha. Oracle's sprawling headquarters alone employs thousands and spans an entire city block.
Offutt Air Force Base
Offutt AFB in Belleville is home to the Air Force Global Command and Control Center and the Nuclear Command and Control Center. It's one of the most strategic military installations in the entire United States.
Rails Through the Heart
Omaha is one of the largest railroad hubs in the world. Union Pacific's global headquarters is here, and the city's railyards stretch for miles — Omaha's rail legacy shaped the entire growth of the American West.
Not the World Capital of Anything
Despite being called the 'World Capital of' a lot of things (steaks, meatpacking, insurance), Omaha proudly isn't the official world capital of anything. It's just really, really good at what it does.
Fast-Growing Metro
The Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area has over 1 million residents and is one of the fastest-growing metros in the Midwest. The metro spans two states — Nebraska and Iowa — making it a true binational hub.
Henry Doorly Zoo: #1 in North America
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has been ranked the #1 zoo in North America by USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards. Its Desert Dome, Indoor Rainforest, and Cat Canyon are world-class attractions that draw visitors from across the continent.
Papillion: Top City to Live
The suburb of Papillion has been named one of the best places to live in America by multiple publications. With top-rated schools, a charming downtown, and family-friendly parks, it's a model suburb just 20 minutes south of downtown Omaha.
Insurance Industry Powerhouse
Omaha is one of the top insurance markets in the world. Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Mutual of Omaha, and Doctology are just a few of the giants headquartered here. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway also calls Omaha home.
Medical and Research Hub
Omaha is home to the Nebraska Medicine system and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, one of the top research hospitals in the country. The oncology and transplant programs are nationally recognized.
City of Parks
Omaha boasts one of the most extensive park systems in the country, with over 150 parks and 6,000+ acres of green space. The Missouri River bluffs, Burke Blizzard Park, and the sprawling Florence Park make outdoor living a way of life.
Eppley Airfield Expansion
Eppley Airfield has undergone massive expansion including a new international terminal, making Omaha increasingly connected to the world. It's also home to the headquarters for several major airlines and logistics companies.
Council Bluffs: Omaha's Twin City
Just across the Missouri River, Council Bluffs is home to over 65,000 residents and the historic Pony Express start point. Together, the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro forms a unified economic and cultural region spanning the state line.
Refugee Welcome City
Omaha has welcomed resettlement communities from across the globe — South Sudanese, Somali, Latino, Bosnian, Karen, and many more. This cultural richness is woven into the city's food, festivals, and neighborhoods, making Omaha one of the most diverse cities in the heartland.
Population Growth Boom
Omaha's population has grown significantly over the past two decades, with the metro area crossing the 1 million mark. The city's affordability, job market, and quality of life continue to attract young professionals and families alike.
Union Pacific: Shaping the West
Union Pacific's headquarters in Omaha is the largest railroad employer in the country. The railroad's transcontinental line was completed here in 1869 at Promontory Summit, Utah — literally connecting the nation coast to coast.
Missouri River Powerhouse
The Missouri and Platte Rivers meet just north of Omaha, shaping the city's geography, history, and economy. The rivers provide water for millions, support agriculture across the Great Plains, and create unique ecosystems right in the metro.
Startup and Innovation Growth
Omaha is emerging as a startup and tech hub with organizations like The Union and other co-working spaces fostering a growing entrepreneurial community. Young professionals are drawn to the city's low cost of living and high quality of life.