Whether you’re relocating for work, military orders, family, or a fresh start — I’ll help you navigate Omaha’s neighborhoods, housing market, and buying process so your move is smooth, informed, and stress-free.

• My name is Derek Colwell, a REALTOR® with Nebraska Realty and a certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP). I’ve helped families move to Omaha from across the country, and I understand the unique challenges that come with relocating — tight timelines, unfamiliar neighborhoods, and the stress of making big decisions from a distance.
  
• My approach is simple: I learn about your family, your priorities, and your budget, and then I guide you to the right neighborhood and the right home. I offer virtual tours, video walkthroughs of neighborhoods, and honest, local perspective you can’t get from a Google search.

Omaha consistently ranks among the best cities in the country for families, affordability, and quality of life. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Affordable cost of living — Housing costs are significantly below the national average, with a median home price around $290,000. Your dollar goes further here.
• Strong job market — Home to five Fortune 500 companies including Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha, and Union Pacific. Major employers in healthcare, finance, tech, and defense (Offutt Air Force Base).
• Excellent schools — Multiple top-rated public school districts including Elkhorn, Millard, Westside, and Papillion-La Vista.
• Family-friendly lifestyle — The Henry Doorly Zoo (consistently ranked #1 in the world), College World Series, extensive parks and trails, vibrant food scene, and a strong sense of community.
• Low commute times — Most commutes in the metro are 15–25 minutes. No gridlock.

Every family is different, and Omaha’s neighborhoods each have their own personality. Here’s a quick overview to get you started:

• West Omaha: Newer development, top-rated schools (Westside and Elkhorn districts), shopping, dining, and easy interstate access. Popular with families and professionals.
• Elkhorn: Fast-growing suburb with a small-town feel, excellent Elkhorn Public Schools, new construction, and community events.
• Papillion / La Vista: Family-oriented suburbs south of Omaha with strong schools (Papillion-La Vista district), Werner Park, and quick access to Offutt AFB.
• Bellevue: Closest community to Offutt Air Force Base. Affordable housing, established neighborhoods, and a strong military community.
• Millard: Central location with excellent Millard Public Schools. A blend of established and newer neighborhoods with great parks.
• Gretna / Springfield: Growing communities west and south of Omaha with larger lots, new construction, and a more rural feel while still connected to the metro.
• Downtown / Midtown: Urban living with condos, lofts, walkability, and proximity to Omaha’s dining and entertainment scene.

Military Families: PCS to Offutt Air Force Base

• Offutt Air Force Base sits in Bellevue, just south of Omaha. It's home to U.S. Strategic Command and the 55th Wing, and it's one of the largest employers in the metro. Thousands of military families live in the surrounding communities — and I help them get here.
• As a certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP), I work with service members and families before, during, and after PCS moves to the Omaha area. I understand VA loans, BAH budgeting, compressed timelines, and the reality of buying a home in a city you may have never visited. Virtual tours, video neighborhood walkthroughs, and honest local perspective are all part of how I work with military clients.
• Where military families live near Offutt:
  • Bellevue — Closest to base. Under 10-minute commute. The most affordable option in the metro with a large, established military community. If convenience and value are your priorities, start here.
  • Papillion / La Vista — 10-15 minutes from base. Excellent schools, a growing dining and retail scene, and a strong family-friendly feel. Many military families choose Papillion for the school district.
  • Gretna / Springfield — 15-20 minutes from base. Newer construction, larger lots, and top-rated Gretna Public Schools. Springfield is especially popular with military families who want more space without a long commute.
    
• When to reach out: As soon as you have orders or know they're coming. Ideally 60-90 days before your report date. That gives us time to get you pre-approved with a VA-experienced lender, search for homes, and close before or shortly after you arrive. If you're coming from out of state, we can do the entire search process virtually until you're on the ground.