Why Does Every Zombie Apocalypse Movie Have Omaha as a Surviving City?
If you’ve watched enough zombie apocalypse movies, you may have noticed an interesting trend—Omaha, Nebraska, often ends up as one of the last surviving cities. Whether it’s a safe haven, a hidden military base, or a final stand against the undead, Omaha has a strange habit of making it through the chaos. But why? Let’s break down the reasons why Hollywood loves Omaha in a zombie outbreak.
1. Smack Dab in the Middle of Nowhere (or Everywhere?)
Omaha is geographically located in the heart of the United States, far from coastal cities that are usually the first to fall in disaster movies. Unlike New York or Los Angeles, which are overrun in the first 15 minutes, Omaha’s central location makes it harder for the undead to reach quickly—unless, of course, they learn how to drive.
2. Military Stronghold Capabilities
Omaha is home to Offutt Air Force Base, a major U.S. military installation that has played a key role in national defense for decades. If an apocalypse were to break out, it’s easy to imagine the government setting up a stronghold here, using its secure infrastructure to coordinate survival efforts. This makes it a logical “last hope” city in zombie movies.
3. Low Population Density = Fewer Zombies
Cities like Chicago and Houston have millions of people, meaning they also have millions of potential zombies. Omaha, by comparison, has a much lower population density, making it less likely to become an instant undead buffet. If survival is all about avoiding the horde, Omaha seems like a good place to be.
4. Self-Sustaining Infrastructure
With a mix of agriculture, strong logistics, and food production, Omaha has the resources to survive a long-term zombie apocalypse. The region’s vast farmland means survivors wouldn’t have to scavenge through destroyed grocery stores—they could just grow their own food. This gives it a major advantage over cities that rely on constant imports.
5. Hollywood’s Unexpected Love for Omaha
Whether it’s “Zombieland” (2009) where Columbus and Tallahassee mention heading to Nebraska, or various post-apocalyptic films suggesting the Midwest as a final refuge, Omaha has earned a reputation as a city that somehow survives when others fall. Maybe Hollywood writers see it as the perfect mix of “small enough to be safe” and “big enough to be interesting.”
6. The Midwest Mentality: Tough and Resourceful
People from Omaha are known for their hardworking, no-nonsense attitudes. In a zombie apocalypse, survival would depend on people who know how to fix things, hunt, farm, and work together—exactly the kind of skills Midwesterners have in spades. It’s not surprising that movies portray Omaha as a place where survivors fight back instead of giving up.
Conclusion: Omaha, the Ultimate Zombie Safe Zone?
Whether it’s for its strategic location, military presence, low population density, or self-sustaining infrastructure, Omaha makes a lot of sense as a last surviving city in zombie apocalypse movies. So if Hollywood keeps picking Omaha as humanity’s final stand, maybe they’re onto something.
Would Omaha actually survive a real zombie apocalypse? That’s a debate for another day. But in the world of movies, one thing is clear: If the undead take over the world, Omaha is where you want to be!
