New orders in hand and wondering if off-base living in Bellevue will make daily life near Offutt AFB easier? You’re not alone. Between gate traffic, school questions, and finding the right home that fits your BAH, there’s a lot to juggle. This guide gives you clear commute expectations, neighborhood options, cost ranges, and family resources so you can land confidently. Let’s dive in.
Why live off base in Bellevue
Choosing Bellevue puts you minutes from Offutt’s gates, close to everyday shopping and services, and within reach of parks and regional attractions. The base confirms Offutt sits in Bellevue about 10 miles south of downtown Omaha, with several gate options and posted directions for newcomers. You can review gate details on the base’s official Newcomer page.
Families often go off base to get more housing choice, different school boundary options, and flexible lease or purchase paths. Nearby privatized military housing like Rising View also offers an off-base feel with military-friendly terms and quick access.
Commute times and gate access
Plan your day around the gate you’ll use most. The base lists principal access from Capehart Road and Highway 75, plus the Bellevue Gate, Kenney Gate, and the 24-7 STRATCOM Gate. You can confirm directions and gate information on the Newcomer page.
Typical one-way drive times:
- Within Bellevue: about 5 to 15 minutes to most gates
- Papillion and La Vista: about 10 to 20 minutes
- Gretna and farther suburbs: about 20 to 35 minutes
Morning and afternoon peak periods can slow things slightly at the gates, so build in a few extra minutes even if you live close by. Live-map your route the week you arrive and check gate updates on the base site for a smooth first commute.
Neighborhoods near Offutt AFB
Below are common picks for Offutt commuters and what each tends to offer.
Capehart and Rising View
If the shortest commute is your top priority, start here. Eligible service members can explore on-base housing via the base housing office. Nearby, Rising View provides off-base homes marketed to military residents with included utilities in some leases, garages, and community amenities. Many families choose this area to stay close to base services and keep drives under 10 minutes.
West Bellevue and Olde Towne
West Bellevue mixes established single-family homes with pockets of newer infill. Olde Towne along Mission Avenue offers a walkable main-street feel, and the city has invested in streetscape improvements and local retail. For a central location with short 5 to 15 minute commutes to Offutt, this area is a frequent favorite. You can get a sense of Olde Towne’s character from this local feature on Mission Avenue.
Papillion and the Papillion-La Vista area
Many relocating families look at Papillion and nearby La Vista for suburban neighborhoods and a broad mix of community amenities. Commutes typically run 10 to 20 minutes, especially if you use Highway 370. Relocation guides frequently mention Papillion for families comparing school ratings and neighborhoods. For a good overview, see this Offutt PCS neighborhood guide from Garrison Ledger.
La Vista, Ralston, and Southwest Omaha
If you want a balance of commute time, rental options, and easy access to metro services, these pockets are worth a look. Typical commute times fall in the 10 to 25 minute range. This can be a practical pick if you want big-box shopping and regional employers nearby.
Gretna and farther-out suburbs
Gretna attracts buyers with new construction and larger lots. The tradeoff is time in the car, with common Offutt commutes ranging 20 to 35 minutes. Families often compare Gretna’s newer subdivisions with closer-in options to decide what matters most day to day.
Housing costs and what to expect
Home prices and rents
Early 2026 snapshots from public market trackers place the typical single-family sale price in Bellevue roughly in the 280 thousand to 320 thousand range. Trackers differ by method and month, so think in ranges rather than a single number. Rental indexes show average asking rents and local 3-bedroom rents roughly in the 1,300 to 1,700 dollars per month range, depending on unit size and age. If you prefer an at-a-glance market summary, review an aggregated snapshot like PropertyFocus for Bellevue’s trend overview.
Two quick notes to keep expectations realistic:
- Providers often report different medians because of timing and methodology.
- Desirable homes and new construction can trend above the median.
Types of homes and rentals
You’ll find a strong mix in and around Bellevue:
- Single-family homes are most common for buyers and larger households.
- Townhomes and duplexes are available in central Bellevue.
- Apartments and newer rental communities cluster near Maass Road, Raynor Parkway, and Bellevue University, with 1 to 2 bedroom market entry points often around the mid 1,200s to 1,700 dollars. As one reference point, browse a local community like Summit South by Broadmoor to see current styles and amenities.
- Near-base housing at Rising View offers single-family rental options with military-friendly terms.
Budgeting with BAH, taxes, and utilities
Use BAH as a planning tool
Your BAH is rank and ZIP specific and typically adjusts each year. Public reports note 2026 BAH increases versus prior years, but your official amount depends on your grade and local MHA. Start your budget by using an official BAH lookup and confirming with your finance office. For a broad 2026 pay and allowances overview, see this summary on Military.com.
Understand Sarpy County property taxes
If you plan to buy, property taxes vary by parcel based on school district and other levies. Sarpy County publishes valuation and levy information, and preliminary valuations go out each January. Build taxes into your monthly payment estimate and verify the parcel’s districts before you write an offer. You can review county valuation and levy updates on Sarpy County’s site.
Plan for utilities and winter costs
Electricity for Bellevue is primarily served by the Omaha Public Power District. Water and gas depend on the municipal provider in your pocket of the metro. Internet options include cable and fiber in many neighborhoods, plus 5G home internet, though coverage varies street by street. For a quick utility and provider overview, check the metro guide from Move to Omaha and the Omaha coverage summary on Allconnect. If you’re moving from a warmer climate, factor in winter heating and snow removal responsibilities. The base’s Newcomer page includes seasonal prep guidance.
Schools, childcare, and healthcare
School boundaries and support
Most of Bellevue falls under Bellevue Public Schools, and nearby areas include Papillion-La Vista Community Schools. Address boundaries do not always match city lines, which is why Offutt’s School Liaison Office is such a helpful first stop. The SLO assists with enrollment steps, boundary checks, and special education coordination. Start with the SLO and education overview on Military OneSource for Offutt.
Childcare planning
On-base Child Development Centers are convenient but can have waitlists, especially for infants. Relocation resources recommend signing up early and using MFRC guidance and Child Care Aware alternatives as needed. For practical PCS tips that include childcare steps, review this Offutt-focused guide by a local PCS advisor on Justin Ogburn’s site.
Healthcare and hospitals
For primary care, families typically start at Offutt’s Ehrling Bergquist Clinic. For specialty or emergency care, nearby options include Nebraska Medicine in Bellevue and additional systems across the Omaha metro. Enrollment steps differ for TRICARE Prime versus Select, so follow the base guidance listed on the Newcomer page.
Everyday life and amenities
Bellevue offers easy access to green space and regional attractions. Locals love hiking at Fontenelle Forest, browsing Olde Towne’s Mission Avenue shops and cafes, and making quick trips to the Henry Doorly Zoo. The base’s newcomer resources highlight these amenities alongside city services, which is helpful as you plan weekend routines. Explore the area highlights listed on the Offutt Newcomer page.
Step-by-step plan for an easy PCS
- Connect with base support
- Contact your sponsor, the Military & Family Readiness Center, and the School Liaison Office within your first 72 hours. See contact info and in-processing steps on the Newcomer page.
- Decide on housing path
- Check on-base availability first through the housing office. If you prefer off-base, choose between immediate-access Bellevue neighborhoods or longer-commute suburbs like Papillion or Gretna. If you want near-base off-base, consider Rising View.
- Build your budget
- Look up your BAH for 68113 and nearby ZIPs and compare to sample rents in Bellevue. Account for utilities, winter heating, and potential snow removal when evaluating leases.
- If buying
- Get a local lender pre-approval. Review parcel-level tax implications and levies in Sarpy County before finalizing your price range. Plan commute test drives during gate peak times.
- Finalize logistics
- Verify internet options by address and confirm any pet policies, garage and storage needs, and lawn or snow responsibilities in your lease or purchase agreements.
Ready to compare specific homes and neighborhoods? Reach out for a concierge-style consult and a clear action plan that fits your timeline and budget.
If you want tailored guidance, schedule time with Mamie Jackson for a friendly, step-by-step plan and local insight to help you settle in smoothly.
FAQs
How far is Bellevue housing from Offutt AFB gates?
- Most homes in central Bellevue are about 5 to 15 minutes from base gates. Papillion and La Vista are about 10 to 20 minutes, and Gretna or farther suburbs can be 20 to 35 minutes depending on traffic and gate choice. Check gate details on the base Newcomer page.
Will my BAH usually cover off-base rent in Bellevue?
- Often yes for many pay grades, but BAH is rank and ZIP specific. Look up your current allowance and compare it to typical rents of 1,300 to 1,700 dollars for many 3-bedroom options, then confirm with finance. See a 2026 overview on Military.com.
Which neighborhoods are closest to Offutt for a short commute?
- Capehart and nearby Rising View are immediately adjacent, with many drives under 10 minutes. West Bellevue and Olde Towne also offer quick access, generally 5 to 15 minutes depending on the block and gate.
How do I figure out what school my new address maps to?
- Start with Offutt’s School Liaison Office. They will help you verify district boundaries, navigate enrollment, and coordinate special education records if needed. Use the education overview on Military OneSource for Offutt.
Are there childcare waitlists near Offutt AFB?
- On-base CDCs often have waitlists, particularly for infants. Enroll early and ask the MFRC about off-base options and Child Care Aware resources. A helpful PCS guide with tips is available on Justin Ogburn’s site.
