Omaha ranked as 18th best place to live by US News

U.S. News ranked Omaha as 18th on its list of the best places to live in the United States in 2024.

Topping the list of 150 cities were Naples, Florida; Boise, Idaho; and Colorado Springs, Colorado, according to the rankings released Tuesday on the U.S. News website.

The rankings were based on factors including crime rate, quality of education, affordability, the job market, weather and data on where people are moving to, according to the website. A survey of 3,500 people from across the country that asked which cities they would most like to live in was also part of the ranking.

Omaha’s affordability and strong economy appeal to young professionals and its safety, education options and family-friendly activities appeal to those with kids, according to a post on the U.S. News website.

U.S. News noted Omaha’s lower cost of living compared to the national average, lower-than-average commute times and attractions like the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Lauritzen Gardens and the College World Series.

“Today, Omaha’s location at the heart of the country has earned it a reputation as a flyover city,” the post said. “But those who live here know there’s more to it than most outsiders realize.”