Offutt Air Force Base

Off-Base Neighborhoods

Offutt Air Force Base sits in Sarpy County, where most of the community consists of single-family homes, with a lot of new builds. Families stationed here live in the surrounding communities, including Bellevue and Papillion, and up to 45 minutes from the base. The Old Towne Bellevue and Downtown Papillion have older, historic homes in the district. Many of the older homes are tri-level and without basements.

On Base Housing

There are two options for housing at Offutt AFB: Hoffman Heights-- located within the installation gates--and Rising View, which is located off base but is technically considered on-base housing. There are about 1,950 homes, and they are all managed by America First Communities. The 1,600 homes in the Rising View Community are divided into eight smaller neighborhoods that have tot lots and playgrounds, a dog park, walking trails, picnic areas, and sports courts and fields.

Schools

School-aged children who live on base or in the on-base housing located in Bellevue attend Bellevue Public Schools, which is one of the largest school districts in the state. They have 15 elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools. Each of the schools has a military liaison and the two high schools both have Air Force JROTC programs.

Other local school districts include Papillion-La Vista School District, Omaha Public Schools, and Ralston Public Schools. There are also some private schools available.

Cost of Living and BAH

The cost of living in Nebraska -- and Offutt Air Force Base -- is slightly below the national average, making things a bit more affordable for those stationed here. Offutt Air Force Base BAH is moderate, though families moving from a higher cost-of-living area may find them surprising.

Offutt AFB BAH varies depending on rank and whether or not you have dependents. To determine your BAH at Offutt, use our BAH calculator.

Housing Costs

Families living in the area recommend Papillion and Bellevue as areas to start your search for off-base housing. The median sales price home in Papillion is $385,000, at about $159 per square foot. Nearby Bellevue may be a better fit with homes selling for about $235,000 ($129 per square foot.)

Weather

Nebraska boasts all four seasons, and the weather can be extreme. Summer is hot and humid. Winter is long, cold, windy, and snowy. You'll want to make sure you have adequate winter gear when moving here, especially so you can spend some time outside, since winter can last all the way until May. Spring and fall are short and can bring extreme weather. Tornados, severe thunderstorms, flooding, and winter storms are all possible, so a weather radio and some preparation will come in handy.

Base Amenities

Offutt AFB Field House is rumored to be the biggest in the DoD and it's a huge attraction. They remodeled a hangar that now has a giant indoor track and gym with a lap pool, basketball courts, racquetball, tennis, and soccer -- all in one building! It also has a nice play area for kids, a martial arts area, and a CrossFit section.

The base has a commissary -- opened seven days a week -- located near the main gate and the Exchange and pharmacy are nearby too. Offutt AFB also has a Thrift Shop and Airman's Attic. Several places, including the child development center and the clinic, are located near the off-base housing area.

Area Attractions

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is highly recommended by everyone who lives here. The zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It's open year-round and offers a military membership for active duty and retired military that pays for itself in just two visits for a family of four.

Lauritzen Gardens shows off the plant displays of the area, a sort of botanical garden in the heart of the city of Omaha. A living plant museum in the riverfront hill area provides education and a beautiful view.

Wildlife Safari Park in nearby Ashland, Nebraska is a four-mile drive-through wildlife experience. You can also hike to one of the overlooks to view the elk, bison, and bears. The safari is open daily from April through October and offers a military discount on admission.

Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue has 1,400-acres of hiking trails, a nature center, and picnic facilities. It's listed as a National Historic District and National Nature Landmark. They also offer camps for kids.

There are about a dozen state parks within an hour of Offutt AFB, with options including walking trails, boating, and fishing. Camping -- whether in tents or cabins -- is also a great option in these parks. 

Local museums that should go on the list are the Joslyn Art Museum featuring fine arts, the Durham Museum that has an authentic soda fountain, and the Omaha Children's Museum--all located in downtown Omaha.

Food and Drink

Omaha Steaks made a name for themselves and is headquartered here, but if you're looking for a good steakhouse, The Dover, J. Gilbert's, Mahogany, and Brother Sebastian's are great options. For Italian, try Spezia on South 72nd. For a fancy date night, you may consider V. Mertz, and for French cuisine visit Le Voltaire in Pepperwood Village.

There are several microbreweries in the area as well, including Farnam House Brewing Company, Scriptown Brewing Company, and Thunderhead Brewing Downtown Omaha. For wine drinkers, a quick trip out to Soaring Wings Vineyard in Springfield or Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery in Iowa are great options for a group date or date night out.

For up-to-date local restaurant recommendations, consider joining the "Omaha Food Lovers" Facebook page.