For 2016, we wanted to shed light on a different community in the area every month, so these places could have their moment in the spotlight. This month we are zeroing in on the historic Dundee neighborhood to examine what makes this area so special.
Dundee is the community of the month for February!
From its charming streets lined with cast iron streetlights to its vibrant retail area with wonderful restaurants, the Dundee neighborhood is a popular place to visit and one of the best communities to call home.
In fact, in 2011, the Dundee-Memorial Park neighborhood was named one of the nation’s 10 best neighborhoods by the American Planning Association, a nonprofit community development group. Dundee was given this prestigious honor because of its varied residential architecture, strong sense of community and ongoing commitment of residents to care for and beautify the neighborhood. And we couldn’t agree more!
This beautifying process is very obvious as you walk around the Dundee neighborhood, as the landscape is well-maintained throughout. Dundee is known as Omaha’s first suburb, hosting just four homes in the 1880s. So intentional efforts in expanding the residential community — and planting over 2,000 maple trees in the meantime — led to its success today. Between May and October, several hundred flower baskets hang from the cast iron streetlights in Dundee, proving the community’s goal to beautify their surroundings.
In 2009, the Dundee Community Garden took root in the neighborhood, featuring 41 4-by-10-foot plots, rain barrels, compost piles, solar panels, pollinator flowers and more. The garden hosts educational workshops and fun events, but also donates large portions of their harvest to the underserved within the community.
Along the lines of cherishing natural outdoor areas, the Dundee neighborhood has two major parks that residents and visitors enjoy: Memorial Park and Elmwood Park. The majestic memorial at the top of the hill at Memorial Park honors all the men and women in Douglas County who have served in the armed forces. It also hosts several patriotic and recreational events, such as the popular concert and fireworks display every year on the Fourth of July. The large grass areas throughout the park are the perfect place to kick a soccer ball around, go on a walk, enjoy the abundance of the park’s rose bushes, or go sledding in the winter.
The residential community of the Dundee neighborhood is thriving as well. You’ll find gorgeous Colonial, Georgian and Tudor Revival style homes on a neighborhood stroll, varying in size, price and age.
This area is such a wonderful place to live that successful investor and billionaire Warren Buffett even calls Dundee his home! Buffet purchased his home in 1958 for just $31,500, and his lived there ever since. Buffett considers his home the third best investment he ever made, saying it was here where he and his family “gained 52 years of terrific memories with more to come.”
What To Do in Dundee
If you’re just passing through this historic district, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to visit. We love the juxtaposition of charming buildings soaked in history and the new and modern establishments moving into the area.
Some of our favorite restaurants include Avoli Osteria, Amsterdam Falafel and Kabob, Dario’s Brasserie, Goldbergs, Mark’s Bistro, and Pitch Pizzeria.
If you need a caffeinated pick-me-up during your Dundee visit, head to Blue Line Coffee or Dundee Double Shot Coffee House.
Go shopping at the high-end boutiques in Dundee, including shops like Scout Dry Goods & Trade, Denim Saloon and Hello Holiday.
Unwind after your shopping adventure with a drink at the Old Dundee Bar & Grill.
(Clockwise from top left: Avoli Osteria, Blue Line Coffee, Dundee Dell and Hello Holiday)
Wherever your Dundee adventures take you — whether it’s inside a local establishment or outside at one of the expansive parks — you are sure to have a great time.
Let us know your favorite qualities of this historic neighborhood!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: NP Dodge Real Estate, Panoramio, Dundee Community Garden, Avoli Osteria, Small Places, Big Adventures, Yelp and Real Food Traveler