The area around Lake Manawa in Council Bluffs is pretty decent. Is that the lake you are talking about?

There is also Carter Lake, IA, which borders North Omaha and the airport area... I'd probably avoid that area if I were you.

There are few different apartment complexes in Council Bluffs along I-29, as you go north from I-80. It's pretty easy to get around on that side of the river, not as congested as over in Omaha.