1. First steps before moving to Nebraska
Find a reliable moving company, truck rental or moving container
For your move to Nebraska, you will need to hire a reliable moving company or take on the move yourself. To find the best moving company in Nebraska, look for helpful reviews, a professional-looking website, and years of experience.
Planning a move to Nebraska? Take a look at our selection of:
Finding a job
As of September 2023, Nebraska had an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which increased from 2.0% in August 2023.
Jobs that are often in high demand are registered nurses, heavy, and tractor-trailer drivers.
Finding a job in Nebraska is easier if you search online for job openings. Popular websites for this include LinkedIn, Indeed, and SimplyHired.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics (Oct 2023)
Getting there
Below are some travel options to get to Nebraska from different parts of the country include:
Flying: Flying is the most convenient way to move to Nebraska. Book a flight from your departure city to Eppley Airfield, depending on your destination within Nebraska.
Train: You can also take the train with Amtrak as an alternative.
Bus: If you want another way to travel, Nebraska cities have bus services like Greyhound, and Flixbus, that can get you there.
If you are flying and require assistance with moving your belongings, you can explore options provided by reputable moving companies.
Must dos before your arrival
Moving to Nebraska may be exciting and will challenge you in many ways. By knowing these things beforehand, you will be better prepared for your new life in the city.
- If you are moving to Nebraska permanently, and you receive a lot of mail (excluding packages), you may want to sign up with USPS’s mail forwarding service. Mail forwarding allows your mail to be redirected to the right address for a given period of time. The fee for regular mail forwarding is only a little over a dollar for 6 months. If you want to extend the service, you will have to pay around $20 for 6 months more. You can begin your mail forwarding process by signing up on USPS’s website or directly at your local Post Office.
- Moving to a new place is an opportunity to start afresh. If you’re moving to Nebraska, selling or donating the items you won’t need will go a long way in making your move easier. You can sell your old household items and personal possessions, and anything that will not be useful. Pick out the items that will not be useful for you in Nebraska, then decide if you want to sell them on websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace or donate them to a non-profit organization.
2. Upon your arrival in Nebraska
Must dos right upon your arrival
- Get familiar with your neighborhood, and make sure to take note of the important emergency numbers.
- If you roam around the city for work or just simply checking on it, it would be great to purchase a daily pass to save money.
- Locate the essential facilities like the nearest hospital, police station, and fire department for your safety and in case of emergency.
You can easily get around in Nebraska. There are several options available.
Blue River Transportation System – Operates in Gage, Jefferson, Nemaha, Otoe and Thayer county in Southeast Nebraska. Operates on a 24-hour in advance reservation policy.
Camelot Transport – Provides reliable and safe transportation services in Nebraska.
Exchanging your driver’s license
Once you move to Nebraska and establish residency, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license within 30 days. In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you’ll need to visit your local NE DMV office with a proof of your identity, social security number and some additional documents. You also may have to pass the vision test.
Register your vehicle
If you have just moved to Nebraska, you’ll have to register your out-of-state vehicle with NE DMV within 30 days of establishing residency. Failure to do so might result in penalties and additional charges. To get your car registered in Nebraska:
Transfer any lien information to your County Treasurer’s office, show proof of auto insurance and get a vehicle inspection first.
Visit your County Treasurer’s office and submit Application for Certificate of Title (Form RV-707) and pay the $10 application fee, submit your out-of-state title and pay any county tax fee that is applicable.
Change your address
Along with mail forwarding, you will also have to update your new address with the concerned authorities in Nebraska, like the DMV. To exercise your right to vote in Nebraska, you can register to vote online, by mail and in person.
To register by mail, you need to submit a completed and signed Nebraska Voter Registration Application and mail it to the County Clerk/Election Commissioner. You can also complete the application in-person at the County Clerk/Election Commissioner.
Changing your address with your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and service providers so that you can avoid any complications further down the road.
Setting up a bank account
Obtaining a bank account in Nebraska is a straightforward process. You only need to present a copy of your valid state or government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. The bank with most branches in Nebraska for easy access is Pinnacle Bank. Nebraska’s residents has access to a whopping 65 offices of First Pinnacle Bank in the state.
Getting health insurance
Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. The state of Nebraska proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose Nebraska as your state and create an account.
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$162.75 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance |
$620.00 |
|
Gym |
$68.75 |
Numbeo (Oct 2023) & EHealthInsurance (Oct 2023)
3. Best places to live in Nebraska
If you are a couple, you might want to consider living in Gretna. Gretna is situated between Nebraska’s two big cities ‘Omaha’ and ‘Lincoln’ providing residents with easy access to amenities in both cities. In addition, the city offers plenty of job opportunities and outdoor activities.
If you are a family, you might want to consider Omaha. Omaha is the most populous city in Nebraska and is centrally located. It offers plenty of job opportunities, a friendly neighborhood, and a laid-back lifestyle. It is one of the top places to raise a family in the country.
If you are single, you should consider moving to Lincoln. Lincoln offers a vibrant and active lifestyle and is home to the University of Nebraska. It offers a friendly neighborhood, a thriving nightlife and an excellent education system. On top of all, Lincoln has a low cost of living.
Setting up home services
Setting up essential home services like electricity, water, gas, and internet in Nebraska is a straightforward process.
- Nebraska City Utilities is responsible for regulating electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunication services in Nebraska City. Similarly, you will find a separate utility regulatory authority in every city. You can visit their website and search for electricity, water, and gas providers and even reach out to them if you have any inquiry.
- The best internet providers in Nebraska will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.
Should you rent or buy?
The average Nebraska home value is $252,108, went up by 4.80% from 2022. Nebraska’s price per square foot to buy an apartment outside the center is $161.67.
Finding an apartment for rent in Nebraska is easy, utilize websites like Zillow, Apartmentguide, and Apartments.com. When seeking a house, these websites—Zillow, Realtor, and Century21—will assist you in your search for a home in Nebraska.
Cost of rent in Nebraska
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Omaha (Outside of Center) |
$1,201.67 |
$1,983.33 |
Cost of buying a property in Nebraska
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Omaha |
$252,108 |
Numbeo (Oct 2023) & Zillow (Oct 2023)
Consider getting home insurance
Getting home insurance is essential, whichever state you are residing in. It is a kind of financial protection that will cover for your expenses if a natural disaster damages your home. Residents in Nebraska are at a high risk to severe storms, floods, tornadoes, winter storms, landslides, and wildfires. Therefore, getting home insurance will prove to be valuable.
4. Cost of living in Nebraska
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$1,201.67 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($67.61 multiplied by 4) |
$270.44 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$278.62 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$78.71 |
|
Transit pass |
$55.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$89.50 |
|
Gym membership |
$68.75 |
|
Total |
$2,042.69 |
5. The weather in Nebraska
On average, there are 223 sunny days per year in Nebraska. The highest temperature in summer is 87° and the winter low is 13 degrees. Nebraska averages 28 inches of snow per year and 27 inches of rain. Summers in Nebraska are humid and hot, with chances of thunderstorms.
On the other hand, winters are cold and snowy. Ice storms and blizzards are common in Nebraska. In autumn, you’ll get to enjoy crisp air and colors of fall foliage.
6. What to do as a local in Nebraska
After you are done settling into your new home in Nebraska, you will probably want to familiarize yourself with the state and all its attractions. Some of the most popular activities and locations in Nebraska include:
Henry Doorly Zoo – It is ranked as one of the world’s top five zoos. Offers guided tours and various activities.
Sunken Gardens – You’ll find a lot to explore in this 100-year-old garden. It is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region.
Niobrara River – Enjoy the natural soundscape of this Scenic River. You can participate in various activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking & Tubing
Some common grocery stores in Nebraska are:
The two most popular big chain stores are Walmart and Costco.
Must-visit food places in Nebraska are Kirk’s Nebraskaland Restaurant and Taco John’s.
Visit the popular cities in Nebraska: Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island and North Platte.
7. Fun facts about Nebraska
- Fun Fact #1: Nebraska has some of the biggest football fans in the country.
- Fun Fact #2: Nebraska is home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest: The Lied Jungle at Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha.
- Fun Fact #3: Kool-Aid was invented in Nebraska.
Conclusion
Nebraska’s diverse landscapes, from rolling plains to forests and scenic Sandhills, make it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. The state is also home to reputable educational institutions, such as the University of Nebraska system, offering quality education opportunities for students.
While moving to Nebraska has its pros and cons, checking the cost of living is essential to making sure you will live comfortably in this city and call it home. It’s a good idea to research specific neighborhoods within the state and consider your priorities to determine if Nebraska is the right fit for you and your family.
Need a trusted moving company for the area? Discover the 5 best movers in Nebraska.
