Lake-Bristol Square

Small, pocket neighborhoods in near north Omaha offer a unique mix to homeseekers. First, the location is ideal as homes are less than a five-minute drive to downtown and Carter Lake. Families with young kids will enjoy proximity to nearby schools, as well as to Henry Doorly Zoo and The Omaha Children’s Museum, while first-time homebuyers will enjoy the vibrant cultural scene and numerous restaurants in the Old Market district and at Riverfront. Second, history lovers will enjoy digging into the history of their new old home and seeking out craftsmen who specialize in old home restoration. Preservationists will enjoy learning about the history of this tiny community and may get involved with numerous local initiatives to improve and protect the changing landscape of Lakel Bristol Square.

You can find two-story, three-bedroom cottages from 1910 for about $165,000. Four-bedroom brick, one-and-a-half story homes from 1946 are priced around $230,000 and are located close to Kennedy Square East – a widely-anticipated new development. It will offer a re-imagined approach to modern growth by offering both public and affordable housing of different sizes from single-family homes, to duplexes and townhomes. The project will also offer some mixed-use buildings with commercial space, readily accessible to residents. Enhancement, preservation and investment are the buzz words for this project. As Tina Sempeck with eXp Realty explains, “Early 20th century homes are popular with investors, preservationists and old home-lovers. In fact, when they come on the market, they are often well-updated or fully-renovated, which delights buyers.”

Local schools are equally dedicated to the community they serve. Kennedy Elementary School offers pre-K through fifth grade and has a favorable student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1. Niche gives Kennedy a C-minus rating. Monroe Middle offers a Gifted & Talented program as well as a variety of clubs including Book Blasters, African American History Challenge and Robotics. Benson Magnet High offers AP and honors classes and a Career Academies concentration in one of the following three content areas: Design & Construction, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Health Professions. Academies provide exposure to content-specific curricula and real-world applications, as well as partnerships with local businesses.

Parks can be found in every direction around Lake Bristol Square. Bedford Place Park is a tiny pocket park on Pinkney Street, with a playground and open green space. Adams Park’s 60 acres include basketball courts, a playground, tennis courts, and fishing and walking paths. The Malcolm X Foundation is a 17-acre cultural center with a community garden and a radio station.

One of the most iconic businesses near Lake Bristol Square is also the oldest Black-owned restaurant in Omaha. Founded in 1969, Time Out Foods has won numerous accolades, nationwide, for their fried chicken. On North 30th Street, you’ll find Cajun Kitchen in a tiny corner storefront. Don’t let their size fool you. They have plenty on the menu including smoked ribs to go, homemade cheesecakes and jambalaya.

Trendy and progressive clothing stores are nearby, too. 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. When you need to pick up groceries, Family Fare Supermarket has fresh produce and well-stocked shelves as well as pick-up and delivery services. When you’re in a hurry and need something quick, Chubb Foods has convenience items as well as local fresh fish and fried chicken.

No matter what your passion is, you'll find it in Lake-Bristol Square. Historic homes, evolving development, thriving urban businesses and easy access to parks, lakes, and to Missouri River attractions will welcome you as you discover you new home.

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Drew Davis

Video By

Tyler Belile