Alex is the founder of 9Kilo Moving, which he started to help people easily find and choose the right moving company to make their move as stress-free and seamless as possible. He has spent over 20 years working in the moving industry, so he knows every aspect of the business and uses his knowledge to write about the industry and give moving advice. More on about us page
Nebraska is a state full of scenery, historic sites, and recreation areas in the Midwestern part of the United States. The state is known to have a great metropolitan area along with a high quality of living. You’ll find miles and miles of cornfields here that have earned the state the nickname of ‘Cornhusker State’.
Whether it’s education, job opportunities, or low cost of living, the state will certainly not disappoint you as there are plenty of amenities here. Planning to move to Nebraska? We’ve compiled a list of all the things you should know before moving to Nebraska. Keep reading to find out if this place ticks off all the things you’d want in a state.
CALCULATE MY MOVE
When deciding which state to move to, the weather is one of the things you might want to consider. Nebraska experiences two types of climate zones. The eastern part of the state is known to have a humid continental climate whereas the southwestern part of the state experiences a subtropical climate. You’ll experience really hot summers in the state while winters tend to be quite cold. The winds from the Rocky Mountains moderates the temperature of the entire state especially during winters.
Let’s take a look at the different seasons in Nebraska:
Summers are very hot and humid in Nebraska. During the daytime, the average temperature in the state ranges from 85°F to 90°F. To give you an insight into the highest recorded temperature in summers, the state experiences a humid climate ranging between 100°F and 115°F statewide. So, to beat the summer heat, most residents also enjoy canoeing on the Niobrara River in the state.
The winter months in Nebraska are from December to February. Unlike summers, the state experiences very harsh winters with an average temperature between 10°F and 20°F. During harsh winters, the temperature also drops down to almost 0°F in many parts of the state. The residents of Nebraska enjoy skiing and snowshoeing on the vast trails of the state in winters.
The temperature during spring in Nebraska is moderate. However, the state is known to have thunderstorms and tornadoes during springtime. The average temperature during spring ranges from 28°F to 58°F. In spite of the occasional storms in spring, the springtime hikes are one of the most awaited things to do in the state.
There are occasional storms and moderate rainfall during the months of fall in Nebraska. The average temperature during this time ranges from 56°F to 78°F. This is considered to be one of the best times in Nebraska as you get to experience pumpkin patches and enjoy a hayrack ride and the beautiful harvest festivals in the state.
Unfortunately, Nebraska doesn’t have a good public transportation system for you to get around in the various cities and towns of the state. For local residents, the state has public transportation which is managed by the Nebraska Department of Transportation. You’ll find several taxis and buses in popular cities like Lincoln and Omaha. But don’t worry, there are several other ways for you to get around in this Cornhusker State.
Let’s have a look at the different types of transportation options available for you in Nebraska:
If you’re planning to take the bus in Nebraska, Amtrak has the Greyhound Bus Line that can help you travel to and around big cities like Lincoln and Ohama. There are other modes of transport like the Arrow Stage Lines and Burlington Trailways that will take you to a few towns within the state. If you want to commute in the downtown area of the state, you can rely on the Omaha Metro Area Transit, which will also connect you to several other tourist destinations.
Nebraska’s Eppley Airfield in Omaha is one of the largest airports in the state. Another important airport in the state is Lincoln Airport which is located just an hour from the popular city of Omaha. As for the airlines, there’s American and United Airlines that’ll connect you to important places like Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Las Vegas, etc from Nebraska.
In terms of railways, the BNSF Railways, Canadian National Railway, etc are some of the railroads that operate in the city. Amtrak also has its Zephyr, which operates in the middle of the state. The train runs from San Francisco to Chicago while also plying from Nebraska to Denver.
As mentioned before, the transportation system in Nebraska is quite limited. That’s why it’s best if you have your own private vehicle to travel in and around the city. You can avail of the various rental cars and taxis that run in the city. For example, there are Happy Cab and Capital Cab that run in the popular cities of Omaha and Lincoln.
Nebraska's economy is dominated by the sectors of manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, finance, and agriculture. The state is also known to produce natural gas and crude petroleum. Since the state has such a diverse economy, it’s no surprise that the state has an unemployment rate of only 2.8% which is lower than the national average of 6.0% as revealed by BestPlaces. One of the best things about living in Nebraska is that the median household income is around $52,400 which is almost on par with the national average of $53,482 as shared by BestPlaces.
Here are some of the top employers that operate in the state of Nebraska:
One of the many things to consider when moving to a new state is the real estate market. First of all, you need to figure out whether you want to buy or rent a house. That’s why we suggest you make a budget for yourself before you plan your move. It goes without saying that a place with good real estate options can be more prospective and attractive to people wanting to move there.
When it comes to housing options, the state of Nebraska has several options for you. If you’re planning to buy a house in Nebraska, then you should know that the median house cost is around $225,552 as per Zillow. Don’t forget that the location of the house and the number of bedrooms are other factors that will determine the overall cost of the house.
There’s always the option of renting a house if you can’t afford one. The median house rent in the state is around $1,195 per month, as shared by Homesnacks. Again, this price can increase or decrease depending on the number of bedrooms in the house, square footage, and the neighborhood you choose to reside in.
See Also: 10 Best U.S. Cities to Rent in Right Now
This is a very important aspect to consider before you move to any new place. To help you understand your safety in the state, we’ve listed down the crime rates shared by NeighborhoodScout. The violent crime rate in the state is 3.30 (per 1,000 residents) which is lower than the national median of 4. When it comes to property crime, the state’s crime rate is 18.86 (per 1,000 residents) which is close to the national median of 19. This brings the total crime rate in the state to around 22.16 per 1,000 residents.
So, if you’re planning to move here, we suggest you move to safer parts of the state. You can consider staying in safe neighborhoods like Roseland-Holstein, St. Libory, Winside, Silver Creeks-Clarks, etc. Just make sure you do your research before choosing a place to live in the state since your safety should be one of the top priorities when planning your move.
A high cost of living can be a real deterrent for many. After all, the cost of living differs in different states of the U.S. Fortunately, Nebraska is not that expensive compared to other states in the U.S. As per the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the cost of goods and services is almost 10.5% less than the national average.
To give you an insight on your basic expenses in the state, 24/7 WallSt. has given certain estimates. If you’re planning to get around the state with your private vehicle, then you can expect to pay around $2.14 for every gallon of gas. In terms of food, the annual expenditure for a single adult in the state would be around $3,025 which is less than the national average of $3,240. Similarly, a family of four would have to pay almost $8,736 which is relatively lower compared to the national average of $9,354.
Let’s not forget the other utility costs that you’ll have to take care of if you’re planning to live in Nebraska. Your monthly electricity bill in the state will be around $108.08. For your water bill, you can expect to pay around $70.93 on a monthly basis.
These were some of the basic expenses you’d have to meet in Nebraska. Don’t forget to include your housing and other moving expenses when planning a budget for your move to this state.
The public school system in the state is run by the Nebraska Public School System. Nebraska is also known to have the 14th highest public school funding in the entire country as stated by US News. There are almost 249 school districts and 265 high schools throughout the state.
Here are some of the top-rated schools, colleges and universities in the state of Nebraska:
Papillion resides in the Sarpa County of Nebraska. The city has a population of almost 24,159 people. It’s a great place to live for all those seeking employment opportunities as the city has an unemployment rate of just 2.6% which is less than the national average of 6.0% as shared by BestPlaces. Some of the big companies that call this city their home are Infogroup, Midlands Hospital, Blazefly, Salesgenie, etc. Papillion is also a good place for families as there are a number of public and private high schools here. To name a few, the city is home to Papillion La Vista South High School, Nebraska Christian College, etc.
Medium Home Value: $337,428
Monthly Median Rent: $1,108
Gretna is a charming city that is located in the Sarpy County of Nebraska. One of the best things about living in Gretna is that it is located in the center of Omaha and Lincoln, the two most popular cities in the state. So, it’s easy for the residents of Gretna to get around in these popular cities. Gretna has an unemployment rate of just 2.6% which is less than the national average of 6.0% as per BestPlaces. Some of the best schools in the city are Gretna Elementary School, Gretna High School, Squire John Elementary School, etc. Whether you’re moving for your career or with family, this city is a good choice to consider in the state of Nebraska.
Median Home Value: $360,767
Monthly Median Rent: $1,267
Blair city resides in the Washington County of Nebraska with a population of almost 7,990 people. The city has a small-town feeling to it with several friendly communities. You’ll find beautiful rural settings here and tons of shopping centers and sports activities to indulge in. The city has an unemployment rate of 2.6% which is less than the national average of 6.0%, as stated by BestPlaces. Some of the top companies that call the city their home are Great Plains Communications, Woodhouse Ford, Jensen Well Co, MACC, etc. If you’re looking for a place that offers a blend of rural settings with urban amenities, Blair is a place worth considering.
Median Home Value: $289,057
Monthly Median Rent: $878
Holdrege resides in Phelp County in Nebraska with a population of almost 5,495 people. The city is home to popular attractions like Nebraska Prairie Museum, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, etc. The city has a suburban feel to it and is known to have friendly communities. So, if you’re thinking of moving to Nebraska, you can consider living in Holdrege. The city has the lowest unemployment rate of 1.9% in the state, which is also way lower than the national average of 6.0%, as stated by BestPlaces. Some of the top-notch companies that operate here are Phelps Memorial Health Center, Holdrege Public Schools, Wardcraft Homes, etc.
Median Home Value: $142,183
Monthly Median Rent: $653
Omaha resides in the Douglas County of Nebraska and is the largest city in the state. The city is home to the renowned Henry Doorly Zoo, which is a popular tourist attraction here. Finance, insurance, telecommunications, construction, and healthcare are the dominating sectors in this city. The city has an unemployment rate of just 3.4% which is less than the national average of 6.0%. Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific, Kiewit, etc are some of the biggest companies that operate here.
Median Home Value: $251,594
Monthly Median Rent: $1,027
Summing Up
Nebraska certainly has everything you’d want in a state. Right from good educational and employment opportunities to low cost of living and affordable housing, Nebraska is a state where you'll get modern amenities without burning holes in your pockets. If you think the state ticks all the right boxes for you, then you can plan your move here. Don’t forget that you’ll have to deal with tornadoes and thunderstorms in the state. Otherwise, it’s definitely a beautiful state to move to. We’re here to help you get your moving quotes and help plan your move.
What Are The Dangers Of Living In Nebraska?
If you’re planning to live in Nebraska, then you’ll have to beware of the thunderstorms and tornadoes here. The state also reportedly has a lot of deaths caused by drunk drivers, so you will have to be careful while getting around in the city. There have also been cases of deer involved accidents in the state.
What To Know About Moving To Nebraska?
Here are some things you should know before moving to Nebraska:
Why Should I Move To Nebraska?
Nebraska is a state with a low cost of living and many educational and employment opportunities. The state is home to several Fortune 500 companies and has a thriving job market. So, if you’re looking for a place that has a good standard of living, then you should definitely consider moving to Nebraska.
Also Read: 10 Best Out Of State Movers in the US
Fill Out the Form and Get 100% Free Moving Quote!
Quick Response
Satisfaction Guarantee
Expert & Professional
Professional Approach
High Quality Work
24/7 Emergency
Complete the form to get instant quotes! Its that easy!
Privacy Policy Terms Of Use
We will send you a text with a short verification code
9Kilo brings the movers directly to you! We'll find the top moving companies for your needs and have them call you right away. Search no more. Just sit back and relax!
This is your estimated moving cost. Professional movers will contact you within one business day.
We're sorry, but we are unable to service this move because it is considered a local move.