Celebrating Omaha and Lincoln: Top 20 Most Livable Cities in the U.S.

Lincoln (#2) and Omaha (#15) have been named among the top 20 most livable cities in the U.S.—a recognition that highlights their exceptional quality of life, vibrant communities, and rich cultural offerings. For those of us who know these Nebraska gems, it’s no surprise. But what makes these cities so special? Let me tell you.

Growing up in Lincoln in the early 2000s, cultural diversity wasn’t just an idea—it was a way of life. I’ll never forget the University of Nebraska Plant Science picnics, where the air was filled with the aroma of bulgogi and kimchi, Mozambican coconut chicken simmered in a pot, and grilled octopus made a regular appearance. It wasn’t until I left Nebraska that I realized how rare and extraordinary this kind of exposure was for a kid in the Midwest.

Today, Lincoln and Omaha continue to embrace diversity, with vibrant refugee communities contributing stories, cuisines, and traditions that enrich daily life. As recently as 2016, Lincoln resettled more refugees per capita than any other U.S. city, and Omaha wasn’t far behind. This spirit of inclusion is part of what makes these cities not just livable, but extraordinary.

Inspired by this cultural tapestry, I founded the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival in 2019 to celebrate the stories, sounds, and traditions that define Lincoln and Omaha. Each year, we feature an eclectic mix of musicians from local communities, across the nation, and around the world, creating an unforgettable atmosphere with breathtaking performances that reflect the unique crossroads of cultures here in Nebraska.

If you want to experience what makes Lincoln and Omaha so special, mark your calendar for July 26–Aug. 2, 2025. The Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival will showcase these cities’ incredible livability through transformational performances, storytelling, and flavors you won’t forget.

While you’re here, take time to explore other amazing attractions, like the newly renovated Joslyn Art Museum, the beloved Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, the cutting-edge Luminarium, Sarah Rowe’s “Exploding Native Inevitable” exhibition at the Sheldon Art Museum, the scenic Riverfront Park, and the breathtaking Nine-Mile Prairie—a preserved stretch of untouched tallgrass prairie that offers a glimpse into Nebraska’s natural beauty. And that’s just the beginning!

Learn more about this exciting recognition here, and join us to see why Lincoln and Omaha truly belong on the map.