Orchard Hill

Historic neighborhoods sometimes gain their significance over time. But Orchard Hill’s importance began right from its beginning in the 1850s as the Omaha settlement’s first apple orchard. A critical stopping point for westward pioneers and homesteaders, it was also an important food source for newcomers to the Omaha territory. History buffs note the fact that Jesse Lowe, the local businessman who established Orchard Hill, is credited with naming the surrounding city “Omaha”, and for serving as Omaha’s first mayor from 1857 to 1858. Naturally, he built the first permanent home in Omaha – a Victorian – at the corner of 39th and Cumming Streets. And, to assure the success of his neighborhood, he helped direct the mapping of original streetcar lines, right outside his front door. Today, Orchard Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, with a handful of registered homes of more than 120 years old. As Will Hagel, Realtor with BHHS Ambassador Real Estate says, “Living here is a preservationist’s dream. There are still homes here from the early 1900’s that have not been significantly renovated, just waiting for someone to grab them. People who live here really want to preserve and live in old homes.”

Beautiful streets and walkways still boast old storefronts, turn-of-the-20th-century theaters and one-of-a-kind buildings including St. Cecelia Cathedral and the Dr. Samuel D. Mercer House, home of the founder of Omaha’s first hospital. Orchard Hill is considered part of thriving midtown Omaha. Neglected blocks are being revitalized. Residents are welcoming the development of mixed-use residential and commercial spaces for creative and desirable new businesses. And new generations of old house lovers are buying and reviving 100-plus year old homes. Ready-to-renovate two-and-a-half-story homes from 1916 with 2,300 square feet sell for around $180,000. Four-bedroom American Foursquare homes with original hardwood floors and moldings throughout have recently sold for between $170,000 and $200,000. Updated Victorian homes from 1890 can be found for around $250,000.

Like many Omaha public schools, Walnut Hill Elementary is rich in history. Named for the walnut grove on which it was built in 1888, its main building from 1925 still houses most classrooms. Upon its founding, it also opened the first elementary school library in Omaha. Today, Walnut Hill offers pre-K through sixth grade. While it has a C-minus rating from Niche, it boasts an admirable student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. Lewis and Clark Middle has a C rating from Niche, offers sixth through eighth grades, and teaches STEM courses. Central High offers an International Baccalaureate Program and has an overall A rating from Niche.

Walnut Hill Park offers six acres, a baseball field, and direct access to one of Omaha’s most famed historic sites -- the historic Walnut Hill Reservoir of 1882. More than just a massive public reservoir, the site was developed as an expansive and beautifully landscaped park with fountains, sidewalks, trees and the highest view in the city of the Missouri River. Today, much of the reservoir’s original glory has faded, but neighbors still walk the winding pathways and enjoy looking at the massive 150-year-old trees and the recently renovated fountain.

City Sprouts is a remarkable example of a community-centered, multi-purposed urban business. It is not only a community garden and farm, it’s also a not-for-profit educational resource center and a sought-after employer for neighborhood students and at-risk youth. Musicians and music lovers will marvel at the building, décor and inventory when they visit Hargiss Stringed Instruments on Hamilton Street.

Saddle Creek Breakfast Club opened in 2020, during the pandemic, no less, and has been so successful that its owners recently announced the intended opening in 2024 of a second location. They offer vegetarian and vegan breakfasts until 2 pm daily and fans rave about their banana bread French toast. Wamo Restaurant and Coffee serves Somali and African Halal food and takeout. Try the rice with goat meat or the popular fufu with steak. Nearby Family Dollar has kitchen supplies, dried goods, and basics like milk, eggs and bread.

If you dream of owning an old or historic home, now is the time to look at the options in Orchard Hill. As a neighborhood of just 10 city blocks, it has a limited number of un-renovated properties. And, homes that have been updated or fully renovated don’t come on the market frequently, so you’ll want to understand your options and be ready to pick the best one when it becomes available.

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Seth Johanson

Video By

Tyler Belile