I grew up across the river (inland sea?) in Iowa and knew very little of Omaha when I moved here in 2003 for work. I'd heard that the city was fairly racially segregated (which is true), and that there were a lot of rich people living here (also true). What I didn't know about was the thriving culture of arts, music, and philanthropy. I didn't know that there was a major movement by young professionals and innovators in the city, and that the city itself was a bit of a progressive oasis in a state-wide ocean of staid conservatism. With progress comes development, innovation, and healthy economic stability.  Although Nebraskans, who I find to be culturally pessimistic, speak ominously of falls in housing prices and employment numbers, comparatively to other cities around the country Omaha's economy is still healthy and is improving. Read more about Omaha By The Numbers: Jobs, Homes, and Quality of Life