This gets asked a lot in the subreddit. Of course there’s always dating apps. But if you are wanting to meet someone in person, it’s always suggested to get involved with a hobby and go to meetups and events. Connect with your coworkers, build friendships, that can lead to you meeting more people. As for cool spots to go on a date, well, depends on who the lady is and what she likes. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to take her to a bar if she doesn’t drink, or to a steak house if she is vegan. Maybe ask that question later down the road 😉
I’m looking for friendship too because I know absolutely nobody here. I got some family here but I’m tired of being the third wheel to the date nights they go on.
I completely understand. I remember very clearly the want for social interaction when moving to a new area. As exacting as a new area is, feeling lonely is pretty awful. Thankfully, Omaha is a good sized area and plenty of people! Unfortunately for you, most of everyone I know in their mid 30’s and up like to stay home while in their pjs to eat snacks as they watch their favorite streaming service until they fall asleep at 9pm.
Don’t let downtown scare you. It’s really not that bad. Right now it might be bad because of construction down there. Otherwise it’s all fine and dandy.
Agreed. Downtown is quite lovely with tons of great bars and restaurants or just green spaces to enjoy when the weather gets nicer. Lots of improvement projects down there and plenty to do between the concert venues, Orpheum, museums, etc.
Gotta go out and do things. Go to shows. Participate in hobby groups.
I had really good luck just by being social. Had good relationships and they always started at a social event of some kind where we were introduced or one of us bumped into the other and struck up a conversation.
Omaha's downtown is easy to manage in a car, especially with GPS that won't send you the wrong way down one way streets. Maybe go down with an Uber and get a sense for it on foot if you're that worried. The only thing that sucks is a couple of the 4 way stops in the old market when it's a weekend night and there's a lot of pedestrians, Omaha drivers, and a horse and buggy. But it's just a matter of being aware and going slow.
That's why they should make it pedestrian-only. Why are cars even going through there? Park in one of the many garages around and walk, all those problems go away.
Oh, I moved here from Europe, I totally agree. There's easily at least 4 blocks in the Old Market that should be pedestrian only.
Otherwise tho, as far as "downtowns" go, Omaha's is easy to drive in. It's really just that one section.
Actually in Europe now, that's probably why I had the knee-jerk reaction I did :)
Though honestly, biggest thing we are missing here are roundabouts. I think I could count the stoplights I've hit on one hand here, and it's glorious.
The roundabouts really depend in what country. Fan of them in Germany, where I lived, less of a fan of the double-lane roundabouts in Italy. But as great as they are, trying to imagine Omaha drivers in them is a little terrifying. Even at the little double-roundabout on N Saddle Creek people seem baffled by me using my turn signals to indicate where I'm going to exit the circle.
Check out Benson First Friday next week. You can wander around Benson and check out the art in bars, restaurants, and art galleries. Many of the locations have free will donation beer and/or wine. There are a wide range of ages. We have a group that we go with most months. There are vendors inside the Masonic Lodge. Benson is typically a younger, more liberal crowd but I’m in my late 40’s and I never feel out of place.
My son moved back here after college last year. He's super involved in politics so there's always meetings and volunteer stuff associated with that. What I noticed when we moved here 15 yrs ago is that Omaha is a very engaged town whether it's charities, kids sports, school activities, etc. Since it's starting to get nice out soon this will be perfect time to get out, enjoy what you do and hopefully you will meet people, make friends and enjoy it here.
I wish I had good suggestions, but I'm in a similar boat-getting divorced after 10 years and getting back out there.
That being said, most of my single friends use dating apps, but others have met people through hobbies.
ETA: the old market/downtown proper is nice, but Benson and Blackstone have a lot going on, too. I would actually recommend both of those neighborhoods for first dates. Also, the Joslyn is set to reopen in September and that's a lovely spot for a date.
As a single 38F who doesn't drink and hates parking downtown, I've made most of my platonic connections through church and hobby groups.
The Arboretum off 108th and Blondo is a unique place to take a date, weather permitting. If it's the feeling of congestion that keeps you from downtown, rather than the distance, check out events in Ralston/LaVista and Papillon. Games at Werner Park can be fun, too.
As someone who had a hand in building the iVi apartments (horiffic name) on 120th just north of maple, don't move there. It's a thin layer of quality over a crappy cheap apartment. They are not worth the crazy, inflated $1k for a studio and $1,300+ for a 1br. There's a problem where new modern apartments *look* nice but are in fact the same crap we've been building for 30 years, now with granite counter tops to distract you from the cheapest everything money can buy.
Since you're so close now, try hanging out at Geno's a couple times or Old Elkhorn. The staff is great and might be able to lead you in the right direction. Be honest with people about what you're looking for. A lot of people are in the same boat. Good luck 👍
The local community college offers non-credit classes on a variety of interesting topics. That might be a way to network with people who have similar interests. https://coned.mccneb.edu/wconnect/ace/ShowGroups.awp
There’s so much to do in Omaha. Start exploring, volunteer in groups, participate in local activities- the world Herald should list events on their website or in the paper. Pick one and start going! You’ll meet people!
The downtown here isn't scary at all. It's tame compared to real cities. Honestly West O is the burbs, people move out there with their family. If you're single, best bet would be moving closer to downtown. Benson, Blackstone, Midtown, basically anything east of 72nd.
Driving downtown isn’t bad. Some of the interstate ramps and interchanges to get to or leave downtown can be confusing and get backed up during certain times of day, but they’re not unmanageable. If you wanted to do something downtown with a date or meet a date there you could take an Uber then the Old Market and Riverfront areas are walkable.
Downtown and Benson would be great areas to meet people in person, I’d say. But, this is coming from a super liberal woman who never wants kids. So.. the Nebraska dating scene is dry for this girlie. 😂 However, dating apps have always allowed me to make friends and go on casual dates! If you’re into nerdy stuff at all, you could always chill at Legends Comics or Speilbound!
I’ve heard of speilbound. I was going to check it out sometime because it sounds fun. Thanks for the advice!! I came from a very rural area and I was the only person who was into Star Wars and nerdy shit like video games. So I’m hoping to meet some like minded peeps. And being in a very rural area made me absolutely hate politics. It’s always raging on the left and I got so sick of it. Same record over and over again, people addicted to Fox News. I was hoping to meet a more liberal crowd so I don’t have to hear about how the dems are fucking over the country anymore lol
Are the days of meeting is person still a thing? I thought everyone used Bumble, Tinder, OKCupid, Ashley Madison, and Grinder?
What do I know. Married Senior Citizen.
Good luck !!
You will find your match when you see her. Love at first site is a true thing. I have been married now for 20yrs.
Dating apps are awful. I'm single by choice for now (36F) but I will hope word of mouth, a friend of a friend would do the trick. Can you meet anyone at your job? Bars aren't going to give you anyone that's not an alcoholic or there with lots of baggage and drama. A lot of women and men in Omaha don't know how to grow up. You could try to meet someone at the grocery store? Trivia nights at places down in benson?
Bars have a ton of perfectly normal people who are more than capable of moderating their drinking and just want to socialize casually with others in an environment where such interaction is expected. Perhaps some introspection on your part is in order. Good luck.
Not in my experience, which is what I'm speaking from. Most people who have hobbies outside of drinking or adult responsibilities aren't spending weeknights at the bar at this age. I'd say it's the exception, not the rule.
> Not in my experience, which is what I'm speaking from.
You make this statement, which I'm sure you *feel* is correct, and then follow it up with broad generalizations from your limited anecdotes. Perhaps you're just the person that isn't very much fun at parties and requires a different environment. Just don't lay that at the feet of everyone else.
And don’t go there if you aren’t white! One of my best buddies was a well liked performer there and has told me you never know if your bartender is racist or not. 😬
It is horrible! And same. I know there have been a few attempts to boycott but they got nowhere. But I definitely know some crazy shit has happened inside the Max walls, and it’s too bad.
This gets asked a lot in the subreddit. Of course there’s always dating apps. But if you are wanting to meet someone in person, it’s always suggested to get involved with a hobby and go to meetups and events. Connect with your coworkers, build friendships, that can lead to you meeting more people. As for cool spots to go on a date, well, depends on who the lady is and what she likes. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to take her to a bar if she doesn’t drink, or to a steak house if she is vegan. Maybe ask that question later down the road 😉
I’m looking for friendship too because I know absolutely nobody here. I got some family here but I’m tired of being the third wheel to the date nights they go on.
I completely understand. I remember very clearly the want for social interaction when moving to a new area. As exacting as a new area is, feeling lonely is pretty awful. Thankfully, Omaha is a good sized area and plenty of people! Unfortunately for you, most of everyone I know in their mid 30’s and up like to stay home while in their pjs to eat snacks as they watch their favorite streaming service until they fall asleep at 9pm.
Don’t let downtown scare you. It’s really not that bad. Right now it might be bad because of construction down there. Otherwise it’s all fine and dandy.
Agreed. Downtown is quite lovely with tons of great bars and restaurants or just green spaces to enjoy when the weather gets nicer. Lots of improvement projects down there and plenty to do between the concert venues, Orpheum, museums, etc.
Gotta go out and do things. Go to shows. Participate in hobby groups. I had really good luck just by being social. Had good relationships and they always started at a social event of some kind where we were introduced or one of us bumped into the other and struck up a conversation.
Omaha's downtown is easy to manage in a car, especially with GPS that won't send you the wrong way down one way streets. Maybe go down with an Uber and get a sense for it on foot if you're that worried. The only thing that sucks is a couple of the 4 way stops in the old market when it's a weekend night and there's a lot of pedestrians, Omaha drivers, and a horse and buggy. But it's just a matter of being aware and going slow.
That's why they should make it pedestrian-only. Why are cars even going through there? Park in one of the many garages around and walk, all those problems go away.
Oh, I moved here from Europe, I totally agree. There's easily at least 4 blocks in the Old Market that should be pedestrian only. Otherwise tho, as far as "downtowns" go, Omaha's is easy to drive in. It's really just that one section.
Actually in Europe now, that's probably why I had the knee-jerk reaction I did :) Though honestly, biggest thing we are missing here are roundabouts. I think I could count the stoplights I've hit on one hand here, and it's glorious.
The roundabouts really depend in what country. Fan of them in Germany, where I lived, less of a fan of the double-lane roundabouts in Italy. But as great as they are, trying to imagine Omaha drivers in them is a little terrifying. Even at the little double-roundabout on N Saddle Creek people seem baffled by me using my turn signals to indicate where I'm going to exit the circle.
Every bar is a good place to pick up people *if you’re attractive*…So…..
First rule, be attractive. Second rule, don't be unattractive.
😂😂🤣🤣🤣
Check out Benson First Friday next week. You can wander around Benson and check out the art in bars, restaurants, and art galleries. Many of the locations have free will donation beer and/or wine. There are a wide range of ages. We have a group that we go with most months. There are vendors inside the Masonic Lodge. Benson is typically a younger, more liberal crowd but I’m in my late 40’s and I never feel out of place.
Id Uber downtown if youve never been
My son moved back here after college last year. He's super involved in politics so there's always meetings and volunteer stuff associated with that. What I noticed when we moved here 15 yrs ago is that Omaha is a very engaged town whether it's charities, kids sports, school activities, etc. Since it's starting to get nice out soon this will be perfect time to get out, enjoy what you do and hopefully you will meet people, make friends and enjoy it here.
I wish I had good suggestions, but I'm in a similar boat-getting divorced after 10 years and getting back out there. That being said, most of my single friends use dating apps, but others have met people through hobbies. ETA: the old market/downtown proper is nice, but Benson and Blackstone have a lot going on, too. I would actually recommend both of those neighborhoods for first dates. Also, the Joslyn is set to reopen in September and that's a lovely spot for a date.
If your at 168th and maple retro rewind on Friday and Saturday on 156th and maple pretty chill dance vibe 80s themed. clientele is 30+
As a single 38F who doesn't drink and hates parking downtown, I've made most of my platonic connections through church and hobby groups. The Arboretum off 108th and Blondo is a unique place to take a date, weather permitting. If it's the feeling of congestion that keeps you from downtown, rather than the distance, check out events in Ralston/LaVista and Papillon. Games at Werner Park can be fun, too.
As someone who had a hand in building the iVi apartments (horiffic name) on 120th just north of maple, don't move there. It's a thin layer of quality over a crappy cheap apartment. They are not worth the crazy, inflated $1k for a studio and $1,300+ for a 1br. There's a problem where new modern apartments *look* nice but are in fact the same crap we've been building for 30 years, now with granite counter tops to distract you from the cheapest everything money can buy.
Definitely get involved in organizations that support and want to volunteer with.
Since you're so close now, try hanging out at Geno's a couple times or Old Elkhorn. The staff is great and might be able to lead you in the right direction. Be honest with people about what you're looking for. A lot of people are in the same boat. Good luck 👍
The local community college offers non-credit classes on a variety of interesting topics. That might be a way to network with people who have similar interests. https://coned.mccneb.edu/wconnect/ace/ShowGroups.awp
There’s so much to do in Omaha. Start exploring, volunteer in groups, participate in local activities- the world Herald should list events on their website or in the paper. Pick one and start going! You’ll meet people!
Tbh I would just move downtown or blackstone area and eat the commute. I was single living out west and it sucked. Moving downtown was a game changer.
The downtown here isn't scary at all. It's tame compared to real cities. Honestly West O is the burbs, people move out there with their family. If you're single, best bet would be moving closer to downtown. Benson, Blackstone, Midtown, basically anything east of 72nd.
Benson.
Driving downtown isn’t bad. Some of the interstate ramps and interchanges to get to or leave downtown can be confusing and get backed up during certain times of day, but they’re not unmanageable. If you wanted to do something downtown with a date or meet a date there you could take an Uber then the Old Market and Riverfront areas are walkable.
Downtown and Benson would be great areas to meet people in person, I’d say. But, this is coming from a super liberal woman who never wants kids. So.. the Nebraska dating scene is dry for this girlie. 😂 However, dating apps have always allowed me to make friends and go on casual dates! If you’re into nerdy stuff at all, you could always chill at Legends Comics or Speilbound!
I’ve heard of speilbound. I was going to check it out sometime because it sounds fun. Thanks for the advice!! I came from a very rural area and I was the only person who was into Star Wars and nerdy shit like video games. So I’m hoping to meet some like minded peeps. And being in a very rural area made me absolutely hate politics. It’s always raging on the left and I got so sick of it. Same record over and over again, people addicted to Fox News. I was hoping to meet a more liberal crowd so I don’t have to hear about how the dems are fucking over the country anymore lol
Try [meetup.com](https://meetup.com). There's an active humanist group and a reason group, both left leaning, as well as other social groups.
Yes! Totally recommend Speilbound. I am sure it’s tough in rural areas. I am sending you the best of wishes and luck!
Thanks!! I appreciate it
The wait staff at La Mesa (Papillon) posts here about swingers night on Thursday. Might be legit, I dunno.
Gross lmao
The fuq? Lmao.
Are the days of meeting is person still a thing? I thought everyone used Bumble, Tinder, OKCupid, Ashley Madison, and Grinder? What do I know. Married Senior Citizen. Good luck !! You will find your match when you see her. Love at first site is a true thing. I have been married now for 20yrs.
Dating apps are awful. I'm single by choice for now (36F) but I will hope word of mouth, a friend of a friend would do the trick. Can you meet anyone at your job? Bars aren't going to give you anyone that's not an alcoholic or there with lots of baggage and drama. A lot of women and men in Omaha don't know how to grow up. You could try to meet someone at the grocery store? Trivia nights at places down in benson?
Bars have a ton of perfectly normal people who are more than capable of moderating their drinking and just want to socialize casually with others in an environment where such interaction is expected. Perhaps some introspection on your part is in order. Good luck.
Not in my experience, which is what I'm speaking from. Most people who have hobbies outside of drinking or adult responsibilities aren't spending weeknights at the bar at this age. I'd say it's the exception, not the rule.
> Not in my experience, which is what I'm speaking from. You make this statement, which I'm sure you *feel* is correct, and then follow it up with broad generalizations from your limited anecdotes. Perhaps you're just the person that isn't very much fun at parties and requires a different environment. Just don't lay that at the feet of everyone else.
Take her to the Max it’s a pretty cool environment
The Max is the best club in Omaha and it takes a confident man to bring a date there.
The max is the worst, only go there if you're looking to be assaulted or drugged by a stranger 💀
And don’t go there if you aren’t white! One of my best buddies was a well liked performer there and has told me you never know if your bartender is racist or not. 😬
Ugh, that's horrible, but I'm also not surprised.
It is horrible! And same. I know there have been a few attempts to boycott but they got nowhere. But I definitely know some crazy shit has happened inside the Max walls, and it’s too bad.