Nebraska is a land of astounding natural beauty. Sandwiched between the Great Plains and the Midwestern United States, Nebraska has a rich history of being crossed by many trails and being part of the Lewis and Clarke Expedition.

Moving Advice

• Roads in Nebraska are generally good and well-maintained, but be prepared and check with the Nebraska Department of Roads for any detours or roadwork.
• Summer temperatures can skyrocket so make sure your tires and radiator are in good shape, and make sure all fluids are topped off.
• In the warmer months, avoid heatstroke by hydrating yourself and wear head covering
• Keep your eyes and ears at alert for the latest weather news before moving. Weather can change unexpectedly and you don’t want to get caught in a tornado.
• Around the bigger cities of Omaha and Lincoln, traffic is busier. If you are driving a moving truck, try to avoid busy commute times, and always allow for extra time to get to your destination.
• A number of cities host popular festivals, state fairs and other events. To avoid crowds, check your city’s calendar before choosing a moving date.
• Parking can be tricky. Many Nebraska streets have restricted parking requiring permits or payment, so pay special attention to street and parking signs.

Change your address online. To make your move from California to Nebraska easier, consider changing your address online. It is easy to do, cost-efficient, and will ensure that your mail arrives to your new home with you.

Cities and Metro Areas

Nebraska boasts a high quality of life and where cities, agriculture and nature exist harmoniously side-by-side. The fact that billionaire Warren Buffett lives in Nebraska says a lot about what the Cornhusker State has to offer. Omaha’s vibrant cuisine scene includes many independent restaurants. Lincoln appeals to young professionals thanks to trendy shopping, nightlife, downtown housing options, multiple trails and recreational opportunities. La Vista boasts exceptionally low crime rates and 28 outstanding public schools, many of which offer students an A-rated education program.

Check out other Nebraska towns, such as Grand Island, Kearney, Norfolk, Papillion, and Scottsbluff.

Cost of Living

With an average household income of $42,166 per year and a cost of living that is almost 22 percent lower than the US average, money in Nebraska stretches quite a bit farther than in most other states. This is in large part due to the availability of land and low population density, as well as the local production of crops, meat and related food products.

Though gas prices remain high, the average commute is only 18 minutes. In addition, Nebraska is one of the leaders in green energy sources, utilizing both water power and ethanol as alternatives to fossil fuels for industrial buildings. For families with children, the fact that Nebraska spends 30 percent of its budget on education each year is a sign that public schools are of relatively high quality when compared to the rest of the country.

The Nebraska housing market suffered the same sharp increase in property prices in the past two years as we witnessed in most of the country. However, the real estate market is showing signs of correction following the aggressive monetary policy initiated by the Federal Reserve Bank since March 2022.

As of data collected for September 2022, Nebraska house prices reached a median selling price of $274,400, representing a 10.1% increase compared to September 2021 and marking a slight decline since their peak in July 2022 at $297,000. Signs seem to point that the Fed’s hawkish interest rate hiking policy is working.

Climate

There is a significant difference in climate between the east and the west of Nebraska. The western part of the state has a semi-arid climate, with equally hot summers and cold winters, but much less precipitation: approximately 14 inches. The eastern part has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters and approximately 31.5 inches of precipitation a year. Winter brings snowfall to the entire state, usually ranging between 25 and 35 inches annually. When moving to Nebraska, be warned that the state is part of Tornado Alley, and is especially prone to heavy thunderstorms and tornadoes in spring and summer.

Education

Public education in the Cornhusker state is relatively good compared to the rest of the US. Current school rankings (elementary, middle and high schools), campus and district zoning/location maps, information and reviews are available online for parents moving to Nebraska.

• Elementary Schools: Kahoe Elementary School in Lincoln, Upchurch Elementary in Omaha and Adams Elementary School are the top-ranked elementary schools.
• High Schools: Three of the best high schools are Dodge High School in Dodge, Junior-Senior High School at Palmyra in Palmyra and Pender High School in Pender.
• Higher Education: Students of all ages moving to Nebraska can attend top-notch universities, such as the University of Nebraska, Nebraska Wesleyan University, BryanLGH College of Health Sciences, Union College and Midland College. In addition, there are a number of good community colleges that offer an extensive selection of courses.

Government

The Official Nebraska Government Website offers lots of helpful information about moving to, living in, and doing business in Nebraska.

• You do not have to pay excise tax in Nebraska.
• Nebraska has no toll roads or bridges.
• You must apply for a Nebraska driver’s license and register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Nebraska. Registration fees are determined by each county individually and vary based on local taxation.
• Find your local United States Post Office online.
• For tax information visit IRS.gov.
• Register to vote by mailing in a voter registration from the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website. You can also register in person at your local county clerk or election commissioner’s office, or you can register to vote when you apply for your Nebraska driver’s license.
• Privately owned companies are responsible for trash and recycling. For more information about waste management in your neighborhood, contact your city.