Moving to Nebraska: Pros and Cons in 2025
If you’re thinking about moving to Nebraska, you’re not alone. The Cornhusker State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Omaha and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.
As much as there is to love about Nebraska, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.
Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Nebraska to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
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Pros & cons of living in Nebraska
Like any big move, relocating to Nebraska comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Cornhusker State to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of living in NE
- ✓Ample economic opportunity
- ✓Four seasons
- ✓Beautiful storms
- ✓Abundant rivers
- ✓Wide-open rural spaces
Cons of living in NE
- ✖Dull landscape
- ✖Natural disasters
- ✖Bad weather
- ✖Small-town life
- ✖Limited entertainment
Things to do in Nebraska
Whether you’re moving to Nebraska work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Nebraska has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.
You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.
Popular Attractions in Nebraska
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
- Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
- Lake McConaughy
- Chimney Rock National Historic Site
- Ponca State Park
- Harold Warp Pioneer Village
- The Durham Museum
- Papio Fun Park
- Niobrara National Scenic River
- Lauritzen Gardens
Museums in Nebraska
- Museum of American Speed
- The Durham Museum
- Joslyn Art Museum
- Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
- Omaha Children’s Museum
- Classic Car Collection
- Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
- Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer
- Lincoln Children’s Museum
- International Quilt Museum
Parks in Nebraska
- Heartland of America Park
- Pioneer Park Nature Center
- Kenefick Park
- First National’s Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park
- Holmes Park & Lake
- Cody Park
- Zorinsky Lake and Recreation Area
- Platte River State Park
- Gene Leahy Mall
- Yanney Heritage Park
Fun facts about Nebraska
Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.
These fun facts about Nebraska, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.
- Traditionally, the ingredients of a Reuben sandwich are Swiss cheese, corned beef, Russian dressing and sauerkraut. Reuben Kulakofsky, a grocer from Lithuania who lived in Omaha, reportedly invented the sandwich sometime between 1920 and 1935.Based in Hastings, Edwin Perkins developed the Kool Aid juice drink in 1927. He converted his ‘Fruit Smack’ syrup into powdered Kool Aid, which made it easier to ship. On May 21, 1998, Gov. Ben Nelson declared Kool-Aid to be the official state soft drink.
- The National Forest in Nebraska is America’s biggest hand planted forest, which covers 141,159 acres (57,125 hectares) of land. J. Sterling Morton introduced a state holiday in 1872, to encourage tree planting in the state. Forty-five other states had followed suit by 1920.
- The Japanese exploded a bomb over Dundee, which is part of Omaha, in April 1945. Happily, it only caused limited damage, and the incident was not reported until the end of the war.
- Nebraska is the only triply land-locked U.S. state, which means that to reach an ocean, gulf, or bay from Nebraska, one must travel through at least three states.
- The nation’s smallest city hall is in Maskell, Nebraska. It is a 10 foot by 12 foot structure and has been the dwelling place of roughly 70 residents since 1930s.
- The amount of land used to produce corn and livestock in Nebraska is greater than in any other state in the U.S.
- Malcolm X (one of the greatest and most influential African Americans in history) was born in Omaha, Nebraska in May, 1925. He was a American Muslim minister and human rights activist who became popular during the civil rights movement.
- The name Nebraska comes from an Oto Indian word meaning “flat water.”
Nebraska population and demographics
While you’re thinking about relocating to Nebraska, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Cornhusker State.
A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.
Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.
Understanding who lives in Nebraska, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.
| Metric | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,978,379 |
| Female | 49.7% |
| Male | 50.3% |
| College graduation rate | 34.45% |
| Political leaning | Republican 59.6-39.1 |
| Crime index | 21.72 |
Nebraska weather
Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Nebraska is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.
Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.
Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Nebraska aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.
| Metric | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF |
| Annual rain | 27″ |
| Annual snow | 28″ |
Income and cost of living in Nebraska
A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Nebraska.
Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.
The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.
These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Nebraska and make a confident, informed decision about your move.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Manufacturing ($13.5 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($12.5 billion)
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($12.3 billion)
- Professional and business services ($11.5 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($10.6 billion)
- Transportation and warehousing ($10.4 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($7.6 billion)
- Retail trade ($6.7 billion)
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting ($6 billion)
- Utilities ($3.9 billion)
| Metric | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $987 |
| Average home cost | $259,443 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,722 |
| Cost of living index* | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 6.64% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in Nebraska
If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Nebraska has to offer.
Here are some of the top schools in Nebraska:
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Creighton University
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Bellevue University
- Chadron State College
- Doane University
- Wayne State College
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Concordia University, Nebraska
- Peru State College
- Hastings College
- College of Saint Mary
- Nebraska Methodist College
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Nebraska
We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.
If you’re planning on moving to the Cornhusker State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.
- Alabama to NE
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Cost of moving to Nebraska
Before you take the leap to Nebraska, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.
The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.
To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.
But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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Cost to bring your car to Nebraska
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Nebraska.
Nebraska car insurance requirements
Nebraska drivers license requirements
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