Apartments in Papillion, NE

Our apartments in Papillion, NE offer one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom floor plans. Conveniently located near Highway 370 and Shadow Lake Towne Center, Adley at 72nd apartment homes are fully equipped with open concept layouts, gorgeous kitchens, white cabinetry, granite-style countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. In addition, each apartment home includes a full-size washer and dryer, walk-in closets, and a private patio or balcony to enjoy the beautiful seasons that Nebraska has to offer. Have a furry friend? Bring them to Adley at 72nd, because we offer pet-friendly apartments in Papillion featuring an off-leash dog park and we also welcome large breeds. To appeal to humans, we have a sparkling resort-style pool and an extensive picnic/grilling area featuring a firepit so you can enjoy your days outside in the sun, relaxing. When you need to fit in a workout, ditch your gym membership and head over to the 24-hour fitness center, which offers a large variety of cardio, strength, and weight equipment. For Papillion apartments that combine comfort, convenience, and community, Adley at 72nd is a smart place to call home.

What is Papillion Known For?

Papillion is frequently recognized as one of the “Best Places to Live” in the U.S., with Money Magazine ranking it as high as #2 nationwide thanks to its quality of life, schools, and amenities. The city leans into its high quality of life and small-town feel, offering a dense suburban vibe with coffee shops, parks, and family-friendly neighborhoods, while still being part of the larger Omaha metro. Papillion’s name comes from the French word papillon, meaning butterfly, a nod to early French explorers who reportedly saw swarms of butterflies along Papillion Creek—an origin story that still shows up in local branding and pride. Add in its strong parks and recreation system, SumTur Amphitheater’s outdoor performances, and a growing reputation as a data center hub for Google and Meta, and it’s easy to see why Papillion stands out.

What Is It Like Living in Papillion, NE?

Living in Papillion, NE feels like settling into a friendly, well-kept suburb with a true small-town heart. Neighborhoods are quiet and residential, with mature trees, sidewalks, and nearby parks that make evening walks and bike rides part of everyday life. The cost of living is generally close to the U.S. average and higher than in some nearby Nebraska towns, mainly due to stronger housing demand and newer suburban development. In return, residents enjoy highly regarded schools and abundant amenities. You can spend evenings at Papillion Landing, Papio Bay Aquatic Center, SumTur Amphitheater, or nearby lakes and trails—then commute a short distance into Omaha for work, shopping, and entertainment. It’s a slower, more relaxed pace of life without sacrificing the convenience of a larger metro.

Are there any parks in Papillion, NE?

Papillion is known for its extensive parks and recreation system. Large destination spaces like Walnut Creek Recreation Area with a 100+ acre lake, trails, fishing, boating, RV camping, and an off-leash dog park, and Prairie Queen Recreation Area featuring a scenic lake, 4-mile paved loop trail, disc golf, and picnic spots make it easy to get outside. Halleck Park offers in-town walking paths, a pond, playgrounds, and athletic fields, while smaller neighborhood parks and the Papillion Butterfly Garden are sprinkled throughout the city. Residents can join community sports leagues, walk or bike the paved trail network, and enjoy seasonal events hosted in local parks, reinforcing Papillion’s active, outdoorsy lifestyle.

What are some things to do in Papillion, NE?

There’s no shortage of things to do in Papillion. Residents can catch a game at Werner Park, home of the Omaha Storm Chasers and Union Omaha, where fireworks nights, theme nights, and family-friendly fun are part of the experience. When the weather warms up, Papio Bay Aquatic Center offers a five-acre outdoor water park with slides, diving boards, a zero-depth entry pool, sand volleyball, concessions, and dedicated kids’ play areas. Outdoor lovers can explore Walnut Creek and Prairie Queen Recreation Areas for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and lakeside views, or unwind with concerts and movies at SumTur Amphitheater, a premier outdoor venue hosting live music, movie nights, and community events. Shadow Lake Towne Center at Highway 370 and 72nd Street adds even more to do, with an open-air mix of national retailers, boutiques, and restaurants, while Papillion Landing serves as the city’s multi-use recreation hub with indoor aquatics, fitness facilities, and community spaces. Throughout the year, local events and festivals—such as Papillion Days, Winter Wonderland, the Papillion Farmers Market, and seasonal park-based activities—bring neighbors together and reinforce the city’s strong hometown feel.

How far is Papillion from downtown Omaha and Offutt Air Force Base, and what are commute times like?

Papillion sits just southwest of Omaha, making commuting straightforward. Driving from Papillion to downtown Omaha is typically 12–15 miles and takes about 20–25 minutes in normal traffic via Highway 370 and I-80. Offutt Air Force Base is even closer—our apartments in Papillion, Adley at 72nd, are located roughly 7 miles from the base, with typical drive times around 15–20 minutes.

What schools are in Papillion, NE?

Education is a major draw for families living in Papillion, NE. Most of the city is served by Papillion La Vista Community Schools (PLCS), one of Nebraska’s larger and well-regarded public school districts. PLCS includes numerous elementary schools, multiple middle schools, and two traditional high schools—Papillion La Vista High School and Papillion La Vista South High School—along with an alternative high school program. Rating and review sites consistently highlight PLCS for above-average school quality, which is a key reason many families choose Papillion.

In addition to public schools, families have access to private and parochial options such as St. Columbkille Catholic School in downtown Papillion, along with additional Catholic and Christian schools in the surrounding Omaha/Sarpy County area. For higher education, nearby universities like the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), UNMC, Creighton University, and Bellevue University provide a full spectrum of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs within a manageable commute.

What’s the job marketing like in Papillion, NE?

Papillion’s location in the Omaha metro places residents near a diverse and growing job market, anchored by several key industries. Papillion is part of Sarpy County’s “data center corridor,” with major tech and data center investments from Google and Meta alongside other technology and infrastructure facilities. Military and public-sector opportunities are supported by Offutt Air Force Base, nearby school districts, the City of Papillion, and Sarpy County offices, creating steady employment in defense, education, and public service. The broader Omaha area adds major logistics, corporate, and finance employers such as Werner Enterprises, Amazon distribution facilities, Kiewit, Union Pacific, Berkshire Hathaway, Conagra Brands, and financial and insurance institutions like Mutual of Omaha and First National Bank of Omaha. Regional healthcare systems and local universities contribute thousands more jobs across hospitals, clinics, and campuses within an easy drive of Papillion. For residents of Papillion apartments, this mix of nearby employers makes it easy to enjoy a quieter suburban lifestyle while staying closely connected to a strong, diversified job market.

What are the local dining options in Papillion, NE?

Papillion’s dining scene combines local favorites with convenient national chains. Downtown Papillion features cozy, scratch-kitchen spots like Sauced by Alfaro, plus taco, hot chicken, and dessert options that give the historic core plenty of character. Around Shadow Lake Towne Center, you’ll find popular brunch spots like Early Bird, sit-down chains like Olive Garden, and newer concepts such as Isla del Mar for Mexican seafood and sushi, along with cafés and sports bars. Other local favorites—including Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen, Talus Spirits & Sustenance, and Pine & Black Bistro—offer modern takes on comfort food, craft cocktails, and Midwest-inspired dishes. For game day or casual nights out, area sports bars and grills in Papillion, La Vista, and Bellevue provide plenty of places to catch the big game over burgers, wings, and snacks.

Whether you’re relocating for work, searching for apartments in Papillion, NE, or simply looking for a community with a strong small-town feel and big-city access, Papillion delivers a high quality of life—and Aspen Square’s Adley at 72nd makes it easy to enjoy it all!