Council Bluffs

Living in Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs is the Iowa side of the Omaha metro. The city sits on the east bank of the Missouri River, directly across from downtown Omaha, and it is the county seat of Pottawattamie County. With 62,799 residents in the 2020 census, it is the largest city in Southwest Iowa and a principal city of the Omaha and Council Bluffs metropolitan area. If you are comparing both sides of the river, our Omaha homes for sale page is a good place to start.

The city has deep roots. Before 1853 it was known as Kanesville, the starting point of the Mormon Trail, and President Abraham Lincoln named Council Bluffs the official eastern starting point of the transcontinental railroad. The landscape is a big part of its character too. Council Bluffs sits in the Loess Hills, and spots like the Lincoln Monument and the Lewis and Clark Monument offer wide views over the river valley and the Omaha skyline.

Neighborhoods and Areas

Council Bluffs covers about 46 square miles, from the river flood plain up into the bluffs. A few well known areas give a sense of the range:

• Downtown: the historic area along West Broadway, with several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the 100 Block of West Broadway historic district.
• Old Town: the original settlement area along East Broadway, home to the reconstructed Kanesville Tabernacle.
• The West End: a large area on the flood plain west of downtown, known for long, tree shaded avenues and close access to the Interstate 480 bridge to Omaha.
• South Council Bluffs: the area along the Interstate 80 and Interstate 29 corridor, home to the Mid-America Center and the city's casinos, with Lake Manawa State Park at the southern edge of the city.

Commute and Getting Around

Getting to Omaha is one of the biggest reasons buyers look at Council Bluffs. Interstate 80, Interstate 29 and U.S. Route 6 all run through the city. Interstate 480 crosses the Missouri River from West Broadway straight into downtown Omaha, and Interstate 80 crosses to the south.

• Walking and biking: the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge links the riverfronts of both cities, and a trail crosses the South Omaha Veterans Memorial Bridge on U.S. 275.
• Transit: two Metro bus lines start in downtown Omaha and serve points around Council Bluffs.
• Air travel: most commercial flights use Omaha's Eppley Airfield.

Schools

Two public school districts serve the city. Most of Council Bluffs is in the Council Bluffs Community School District, which includes Abraham Lincoln High School and Thomas Jefferson High School. The southern part of the city is in the Lewis Central Community School District, which includes Kreft Primary School, Titan Hill Intermediate School, Lewis Central Middle School and Lewis Central High School.

Iowa Western Community College is on the eastern edge of the city, and the Iowa School for the Deaf is on the south edge. School boundaries can change, so always confirm the district and schools for a specific address.

Things to Do

• Lake Manawa State Park: a state park at the southern edge of the city.
• Historic sites: the Pottawattamie County "Squirrel Cage" Jail, a rare rotary jail used from 1885 until 1969, the Kanesville Tabernacle and the Golden Spike Monument marking the railroad's Mile 0.
• Western Historic Trails Center: near Interstate 80, telling the story of the trails that started here.
• Entertainment: the Mid-America Center, plus Horseshoe Council Bluffs, Ameristar and Harrah's Council Bluffs.
• Trails: a network of paved off street trails for walking and biking across the city.

Buying a Home in Council Bluffs

Buying in Council Bluffs means buying in Iowa, even though you are minutes from Omaha. Property is taxed under Iowa rules and assessed through Pottawattamie County rather than a Nebraska county, and state taxes follow Iowa law. Tax amounts vary from home to home, so we look up the county records for any property you are serious about instead of guessing.

Our team helps buyers compare homes on both sides of the river, so you can weigh commute, schools and price in one search. If you already own a home and plan to move, start with a free home valuation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Council Bluffs

Is Council Bluffs part of the Omaha area?

Yes. Council Bluffs sits on the east bank of the Missouri River directly across from Omaha, and it is a principal city of the Omaha and Council Bluffs metropolitan area. Interstate 480 and Interstate 80 both cross the river between the two cities.

What county is Council Bluffs in?

Council Bluffs is the county seat of Pottawattamie County, Iowa. A small portion of the city extends into Mills County.

What school districts serve Council Bluffs?

Most of the city is in the Council Bluffs Community School District, which includes Abraham Lincoln High School and Thomas Jefferson High School. The southern part of the city is served by the Lewis Central Community School District. Always confirm the district for a specific address.

How big is Council Bluffs?

Council Bluffs had 62,799 residents in the 2020 census, which made it the largest city in Southwest Iowa. The city covers about 46 square miles.

Where do Council Bluffs property taxes come from?

Homes in Council Bluffs are taxed under Iowa law, and property is assessed through Pottawattamie County. Tax amounts vary by home and location, so check the county records for any property you are considering, or ask our team to help.

Work With the Houses in Omaha Team

Thinking about a move to Council Bluffs, or comparing it with homes in Omaha? The Houses in Omaha Team can walk you through both sides of the river. Call Trina at (402) 202-1319 or send us a message, and we will help you plan your next step.