The original city was surveyed and laid out into 320 blocks, each being 264 feet square, intersected by streets 100 feet wide. These were then claimed by various individuals under the Homestead Act.  The first house in Omaha was built by Tom Allen, of round logs, and stood on the corner of Jackson and Twelfth streets.  Because it was the only structure in the new Nebraska Territory it served as a headquarters for those bold enough to venture across the Missouri River.

Omaha has grown over the years, generally from East to West.  In Omaha Named streets run East to West and Numbered streets run North and South.  Dodge Street, which runs from East to West is the center of the city. Numbered streets run North and South from Dodge, increasing from low numbers in the East to high numbers in the West.  Thus 10th and Dodge Street is Near the Missouri River, and 204th and West Dodge Rd. is in the municipality of Elkhorn at the western edge of the city.  In an equally logical manner, 2000 North 72nd Street is 20 blocks North of Dodge on 72nd Street, and 4000 South 96th Street is 40 blocks South of Dodge on 96th Street. Another Governmental division you will find in Omaha is the line between Douglas and Sarpy counties. The counties are divided at Harrison Street.  Douglas county and the city of Omaha are to the North, and Sarpy County with the municipalities of Bellevue, La Vista and Papillion run to the South.

When looking for a home to buy, the city can be broken down into 9 general areas. Each of these areas contain unique neighborhoods which may be of interest to buyers.

North Omaha	Bellevue
South Omaha	Papillion- LaVista
Central Omaha	Douglas County
Northwest	Sarpy County
Southwest

All are part of the Greater Omaha Area, which is my service area. If you are considering a move to Omaha, let me know, I'll be happy to help you locate and obtain your perfect home.