22 of 100
BACK NEXT
22. Omaha, Neb.
Population: 399,820
Pros: A local airport within minutes of downtown; nearby Bellevue is home to the U.S. Strategic Command, which controls the U.S. nuclear arsenal and has helped stimulate the local tech industry
Con: Omaha does not attract many venture capitalists

Low rates for utilities like power and water in the Omaha area have attracted some large technology companies, including Google, which recently set up a data center nearby. But local small businesses benefit from more than just cheap water and electricity. The city also offers the "Nebraska Advantage," a series of state tax incentives for both small and large businesses.

Theaters, museums and restaurants are plentiful - there's even a zoo. Editors' choice for a lazy Sunday afternoon in Omaha: take a gondola ride on the ConAgra lagoon. -Malika Zouhali-Worrall

Interactive map: Omaha
Homes for sale Find homes for sale in Omaha


NEXT: 23. Minneapolis

Last updated July 02 2008: 11:16 AM ET
More Galleries
5 startups that are reimagining the world Bricks that grow from microorganisms, household garbage turned into art, three-wheeled bike-cars -- these startups are redefining urban living. More
Blue collar entrepreneurs These five entrepreneurs took their blue collar experience and used it to launch innovative businesses. More
7 lifehacks to eliminate your holiday hassle Whether curating the perfect gift or finding a pet-sitter, these startups offer time-saving services that might just seem like holiday magic. More

Special Offer

Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.