There are so many little neighborhoods in Omaha. Some you may have heard of, others you may not have. Knowing those neighborhoods is important when house hunting because you need to ensure the neighborhood has everything you’re looking for. Does it have a park? Are there frequent community events? Is the median price a little too high for you?
These are all of the reasons why we’re periodically going to cover different neighborhoods in Omaha, beginning with Benson.
Benson is one of the better-known neighborhoods in Omaha, but just because you know of it or have been there, doesn’t mean you know the history. Benson was founded March 4, 1887 by Erastus Benson. After purchasing the land from well-known business man Edward Creighton, he named the 900 acres of land Benson Place, which would later be changed to Benson. The town was annexed into Omaha in 1917.
The neighborhood has always featured different shops and eating establishments, but in 1895 it gained an amusement park, Krug Park. Krug Park was built on the land that is now Gallagher Park. It was a wildly popular amusement park that withstood both the Great Depression and Prohibition. On July 24, 1930, it became known for something else – the worst roller coaster accident to date. The roller coaster “Big Dipper” fell 35 feet to the ground, killing four and injuring 17 more. Following the accident, the park managed to remain open until 1940.
Benson is still home to a multitude of unique shops and restaurants, library, post office and community center. The neighborhood is very interested in the arts and has taken on the slogan “Where Creativity Is Our Culture.” One recurring event the neighborhood hosts is First Friday. It is held the first Friday of every month, year-round, and local artists of various disciplines come together in the streets and businesses of Benson.
Benson is home to nearly 9,000 residentsand features many historic homes, most with recent upgrades. It is a very family-friendly area, as most of the residents have families of their own. The median listing pricein the neighborhood is about $99,000 as opposed to Omahawhich is $179,000. Similarly, the average price per square foot in Benson is just $76, whereas the Omaha average is $89.
Benson is rich with history and quite affordable, making it an ideal area to look for a home. Whether you’re visiting to eat at Leo’s Diner or headed to a show at The Waiting Room, take a couple of minutes to peruse the residential streets to see all of the great homes the area has to offer.
© Mortgage Specialists.