Gretna

Gretna: Small-Town Charm on the City’s Edge

Gretna is actually a small city of around 9,000 people in Sarpy County, offering a close-knit community with a friendly, small-town vibe. Located just southwest of Omaha, this suburb gives residents a taste of country-meets-city life. You will get friendly waves from neighbors and see city streets quickly give way to rolling green fields as you head out here. Families and young professionals are drawn to living in Gretna for its highly rated schools, safe atmosphere, and newer housing developments. In fact, Gretna is one of the fastest-growing communities in Nebraska, with local leaders predicting major growth within the next decade.

Location and Commute

Gretna is one of Omaha’s southwestern suburbs, situated near the intersection of Highways 6 and 370 and just off Interstate 80. It is roughly a 22 mile drive to downtown Omaha, which translates to about 25–35 minutes by car in normal traffic. If you work in central Omaha, expect a longer commute, Gretna can take 25–45 minutes to reach downtown during rush hour since you will be sharing I-80 with plenty of other commuters. On the flip side, this location is convenient for anyone commuting to Lincoln, you can typically get to Lincoln in around 30–50 minutes heading west on I-80.

Most errands and daily commuting in Gretna will require a car, as public transit options are very limited. Road improvements are underway, including a new I-80 interchange at 192nd Street that will give Gretna residents another convenient highway on ramp. If you are moving to Gretna from out of state, remember to get your Nebraska driver’s license and vehicle registration set up, see our Omaha DMV guide for details on that process.

Housing and Cost of Living in Gretna

Burgeoning Gretna has seen a boom in new housing development. Many subdivisions feature modern single family homes on the outskirts of town, and construction is barely keeping up with demand. The typical home value here is around $326,000 and about 77% of Gretna residents own their homes. Renting is less common, only roughly 23% of residents rent, and options have been somewhat limited, though the city has been adding more apartments and duplexes to meet the growing need for multifamily housing.

Newcomers should budget for a few higher expenses, Nebraska’s property taxes and car registration fees can surprise people. For a quick overview of local expenses and taxes, see our Cost of Living at a Glance page. On the whole, everyday costs in Gretna, groceries, utilities, and more, are comparable to the Omaha metro average. With Gretna’s growth, more retail and services have popped up in town, from a large new grocery store to local shops, so you will not always have to drive into Omaha for basics. If you are house hunting in this suburb, you will find many newer builds and ongoing development. For more about navigating the home market in the Omaha area, including Gretna, check out our Buying a Home guide for local tips.

Community Life and Schools

Gretna prides itself on a warm, small town community spirit. Residents regularly come together for local events, from summer outdoor movie nights to the annual Gretna Days festival complete with a parade, carnival, and fireworks. The city offers many family friendly happenings that celebrate its vibrant spirit. Throughout the year you can find seasonal farmers markets, holiday celebrations like Greenery and Glitter, Food Truck Fridays in the park, and other events that bring people of all ages together. It is the kind of community where neighbors greet you by name and folks look out for each other, you will quickly notice that Omaha nice friendliness is alive and well in Gretna.

As for education, Gretna’s public schools have an excellent reputation and are a big draw for families. The fast growing Gretna Public Schools district has been expanding alongside the population, and recently opened an eighth elementary school to accommodate booming enrollment growth. Today the district offers multiple elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools serving the community. Parents often praise the quality of education here, the public school system is considered above average overall, and Gretna consistently ranks among Nebraska’s top suburbs for families. School sports and activities, go Dragons, are a source of local pride and Friday night lights at the high school games can be a community event. Whether you have kids or not, the strong school system contributes to a close knit, family friendly feel in the Gretna community.

Things to Do in and Around Gretna

  • Nebraska Crossing Outlets, A huge outdoor shopping center with over 80 stores, ranging from name brand outlet shops to restaurants. It is a regional draw for shoppers and just minutes from most Gretna neighborhoods.
  • Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Orchard, The Omaha area’s most famous pumpkin patch, over 200 acres of fall fun, and a beloved family tradition for more than 30 years. Every autumn, Gretna comes alive with hayrack rides, pumpkin picking, bonfires, and festive treats at Vala’s, it is a must do if you live here.
  • Parks and Trails, Gretna maintains four city parks and is investing in even more recreation. The new Gretna Crossing Park features a 75,000 square foot water park, just opened to the public, and will include a modern community center. Nature is close by too, you can explore nearby Chalco Hills Recreation Area or Platte River State Park for hiking, fishing, and picnics on the weekends.
  • Holy Family Shrine, A stunning glass chapel on a hill overlooking the prairie south of town. This architectural gem is a quiet spot for reflection and a unique local landmark to show visitors.

Whenever you crave more shopping, dining, nightlife, or sports events, the rest of Omaha is just a short drive up the interstate. Living in Gretna means you can enjoy a peaceful, small town atmosphere day to day, but still catch a concert downtown or try a new Midtown restaurant whenever you like.

Local Resources

City of Gretna Official Website
Website: https://www.gretnane.org/
Address: 204 N McKenna Ave, Gretna, NE 68028
Phone: (402) 332-3336
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
This is the city’s hub for utility billing, permits, meetings, news, and local alerts, a perfect first stop for new residents.

Gretna Public Schools District
Website: https://www.gpsne.org/
Address: 11717 South 216th St, Gretna, NE 68028
Phone: (402) 332-3265
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Find enrollment and boundary info, calendars, and contacts for each school, helpful when registering kids after a move.

Gretna Public Library
Website: https://gretnapubliclibrary.org/
Address: 736 South Street, Gretna, NE 68028
Phone: (402) 332-4480
Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Tuesday to Wednesday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Saturday 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM; Sunday closed
Offers free Wi Fi and computers, plus programs for kids and adults like story time and book clubs, a handy community resource for newcomers.

Gretna Area Chamber of Commerce
Website: https://www.gretnachamber.com/
Address: 798 Village Square, Gretna, NE 68028
Phone: (402) 332-3535
Hours: By appointment
The Chamber’s directory, events, and relocation resources make it easy to discover local businesses and plug into the community.

Moving to Gretna gives you a blend of small-town comfort and easy access to big-city conveniences. This friendly suburb offers a slower pace and a tight-knit community feel without isolating you from Omaha’s job market and amenities. Whether you are drawn by the top notch schools, the safe and spacious neighborhoods, or just the idea of having a yard and a quieter life, Gretna has a lot to offer without a lot of fuss. It is a place where new arrivals quickly feel at home, and with the city on the rise, you will be joining an exciting, growing community that still values its Nebraska small town roots.

Map of Gretna