Florence Boulevard

Lakeside living may not be a common expectation of urban house hunters. When a city is built alongside a notable lake, it’s even less likely to expect one will find attractively priced homes. But, that’s exactly what homeseekers in urban Omaha can find in the historic streets of Florence Boulevard. Less than a mile away, but with an easy view of 1,100-acre Carter Lake, the neighborhood of Florence Boulevard offers buyers a great deal of accessibility, flexibility and unique history to boot. Its compact two-square mile-wide area is less than a 10-minute drive to the center of downtown. While it is an urban neighborhood, thanks to the thoughtful planning of early Omaha developers, you’ll find plenty of schools, churches and parks, many within walking distance of home. Restaurants, shopping and major employers are also nearby including Offutt Airforce Base, Methodist Health System, University of Nebraska Medical Center and Berkshire Hathaway.

The community of Florence Boulevard is one of several historic neighborhoods that line the actual historic street called “Florence Boulevard”. Built in the late 1800s, it was the only carriage route between Omaha and the northern town of Florence. By the 1920s, it was named “The Prettiest Boulevard in Omaha”, drawing early automobile drivers to its unique paved and landscaped location. While a handful of historic mansions from the early 1900s still grace the eponymous roadway, the neighborhood of Florence Boulevard is defined by turn-of-the-20th-century cottages, bungalows and a handful of Tudor-style and Colonial Revival homes. “Homeowners like this area because it’s close to the best assets of downtown Omaha,” says Tina Sempeck, Realtor with eXp Realty. “Imagine being just minutes from the College World Series, The RiverFront and the Kiewit Luminarium. And thanks to the longevity of many of the residents and to the historic value of the area, homes really hold their value, so the neighborhood is considered a particularly smart investment.” You’ll find cottages with 1,500 square feet from 1900 for around $200,000. Two-story cottages from 1910 with top-to-bottom renovations have sold in the first six months of 2023 for $155,000 to $175,000.

Lothrop Magnet Elementary offers pre-K through fourth grade and is within walking distance from many homes in the neighborhood. King Science & Technology Magnet Middle offers fifth through eighth grade and has a C rating by Niche. Central High is an International Baccalaureate Program school offering required and elective STEM courses. Niche gives Central High an overall A- rating.

Florence Boulevard residents enjoy a unique geography. They are minutes from downtown Omaha, but they are practically within walking distance of 1,100-acre Carter Lake and Levi Carter Park. The park has baseball and football fields, basketball courts, walking trails, picnic areas, a pavilion and plenty of open space. Carter Lake is an oxbow-shaped, man-made reservoir that is located on the border of Nebraska and Iowa. Visitors enjoy fishing, sailing, water skiing, camping, swimming, scuba diving, and rock climbing, all while being able to view the downtown Omaha skyline. Kountze Park is located at the southern edge of the neighborhood and has 10 acres of ballfields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground and open green space.

Dining options around Florence Boulevard include home-style cooking and long-standing restaurants. Nite Hawkes Café has been around since 1942 and is still owned by the same founding family, the Hawkes. It is considered by many to be the longest-running restaurant in Omaha. Made-to-order breakfast, lunch and takeout are served every day except Monday. Try The Stacker for breakfast or their Pork Tendermelt, a local favorite, for lunch. Lonnell’s Southern Delights has earned plenty of five-star reviews for its traditional, southern homemade cooking. Try their chicken fried steak and their fried okra.

Styles of Evolution is a black- and veteran-owned fashion-forward clothing store located on Ohio Street, that features suits, formal wear, and dress shoes. Haberdash ONE offers new and vintage clothing and consignment for men, women and kids, as well as an extensive collection of hoodies and athletic wear. Family Fare Supermarket enjoys a loyal following not only for its fresh produce and well-stocked shelves but also for its digital and in-store coupons and its pick-up and delivery services. When you’re in a hurry and need something quick, nearby Chubb Foods has convenience items as well as local fresh fish and fried chicken.

If you’re looking for a turn-of-the-20th-century cottage or an updated bungalow near downtown, come discover why the unbeatable lakeside location of Florence Boulevard is such a sought-after destination.

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Drew Davis

Video By

Tyler Belile