Omaha: a Market Overview

 

For the last 30 years, Haverkamp Group has been building, acquiring, and managing multifamily real estate exclusively in the state of Iowa. As we continue to expand the Attivo Trail portfolio, selecting the right markets is one of the most important decisions we make. After intensive research and evaluation, we selected Omaha, Nebraska as the first market outside Iowa for the development of a new Attivo Trail 55+ active adult community.

Several factors drove that decision, but the most compelling reason is simple: Omaha shares many of the same characteristics that have made the Des Moines metro a strong environment for our communities.

 

A Stable and Diversified Economy

One of the first criteria we evaluate when entering a new market is economic stability. Omaha has a diverse employment base that includes finance, transportation, healthcare, and technology. The city is also home to major corporate headquarters, including Berkshire Hathaway and Union Pacific Railroad, which help anchor the local economy.¹

This diversity has historically helped Omaha avoid the sharp economic swings seen in some larger metropolitan areas. For multifamily housing, that stability translates into steady demand and more predictable long-term occupancy trends.

 

Similar Demographics to Des Moines

Another reason Omaha stood out is how closely its demographics mirror those of the Des Moines metro.

Both regions are mid-sized Midwest markets with strong homeownership rates and populations that are gradually aging as the baby boomer generation moves into retirement years. The Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area currently has more than 130,000 residents aged 65 or older, and that population is projected to grow significantly over the next decade.²

As homeowners reach their late 50s and 60s, many begin looking for housing that allows them to simplify their living arrangements while remaining active and independent. This trend aligns closely with the residents we serve at Attivo Trail.

Learn more about our Attivo Trail communities

 

A Growing Market with Limited Active Adult Housing

While the Omaha multifamily market has seen steady development in recent years, purpose-built active adult communities remain relatively limited. Much of the region’s senior housing inventory is focused on assisted living or memory care rather than independent living communities designed for active adults.³

This creates a gap between traditional multifamily housing and senior care facilities—an opportunity for thoughtfully designed 55+ communities that support an active, maintenance-free lifestyle.

 

An Active Midwest Metro

Finally, Omaha offers many of the qualities that make mid-sized Midwest cities attractive places to live. The city has invested significantly in parks, trails, and community amenities, including the revitalized downtown riverfront featuring Gene Leahy Mall and Heartland of America Park.

Combined with walkable districts like the historic Old Market, these investments contribute to the type of livable environment that appeals to residents who want to stay active and engaged in their communities.

 

Looking Ahead

Sources

1. Greater Omaha Chamber – Regional economic data and major employer information.
2. United Way of the Midlands, Signals & Trends Report: Seniors in the Omaha–Council Bluffs Metro.
3. CBRE Group, Omaha Multifamily Market Figures.