The great state of Nebraska is a land of astounding natural beauty sandwiched between the Midwest and the Great Plains.
It is located in the heart of the United States, and many consider it a flyover state filled with miles and miles of corn.
Well, there are also plenty of developed cities and urban centers, where you can find more opportunities than you can imagine.
With so many praises, anyone considering moving to Nebraska will likely ask:
(Accordingly) What Are The Pros And Cons Of Relocating To Nebraska?
First off, you will meet plenty of welcoming and friendly people. The state also offers cheap housing prices, a great job market, higher incomes, and overall high quality of life. On the flip side, Nebraska has inclement weather, high crime rates, particularly in metro areas, and experiences natural disasters.
Is that enough for you to make the big decision about moving to the Cornhusker state?
If not, keep reading. This post will discuss the pros and cons of relocating to Nebraska to help you make an informed decision. Read on!
The Ten Pros Of Living In Nebraska
In recent years, Nebraska has made it to the top of the best places to live in the US. Here are reasons why anyone would consider relocating to the Cornhusker state.
1. Affordable housing
Cornhuskers know how to do housing right.
Whether you want to rent or buy a home, housing is a lot cheaper in Nebraska.
In fact, Nebraska was ranked fifth in terms of housing affordability by the US News & World Report.
Notably, although rent started increasing recently, the average rent in Nebraska remains far below the national average.
Whether you choose to live in big cities like Omaha and Lincoln or rural areas, you are more likely to find a decent house at considerably lower prices.
2. Low cost of living
The cost of living is a major consideration when relocating to a new place.
Thankfully, Nebraska is one of the most affordable states to live in.
Although the cost of living in some areas can be higher than others on state and federal levels, the overall average living costs are significantly lower than the national average.
According to Bestplaces, Nebraska has a cost of living index of approximately 89.1, which is 11% lower than the US national average.
The low cost of living can be attributed to the abundance of land, low population density, and the fact that crops and meat are produced locally.
That said, some of the things you will find less expensive include housing costs, health care, transportation, utilities, grocery items, and miscellaneous goods and services.
Groceries are tax-free.
3. Stellar education
The quality of education in the Cornhusker state is pretty good and ranks high relative to the rest of the United States.
You will be moving to the state with the 4th highest high-school graduation rate at 89.3% and 14th highest public-school funding nationwide.
Besides, Nebraska has a collection of over 40 colleges and universities combined, which gives many students options to choose from.
It is estimated that an average family spends about 30% of their household income on their kid’s education, which is an indication of top-notch education.
4. Lower population density
If you are trying to run away from the suffocating congestion of an overpopulated city or state, Nebraska is an excellent destination.
The state has a population density of 24.5 persons per square mile despite being the 16th largest state in terms of size.
With its population density, it surely won’t feel like living in New Jersey even if you choose to live in Omaha, the largest and most populated city in the Cornhusker state.
5. Well maintained roads
In the Cornhusker state, there is a network of interstate roads, scenic byways, and country roads, and the Nebraska Department of Roads maintains this system.
As a result, residents can easily get around the state, but – the fact – you will most likely need your personal vehicle.
6. More economic and employment opportunities
Nebraska ranks well in terms of economic opportunities.
The state is famous for its agricultural vocation, which fuels the booming economy and creates more opportunities for residents.
These activities have greatly contributed to the average income of a whopping $60,000 per year, which is, of course, the highest nationwide.
Besides the average family income, Nebraska has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the US, fluctuating around 3%. The two aspects make it a desirable destination for job seekers.
7. Great livable cities
In the cornhusker state, you will find Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, North Platte, and other great cities that appear on lists of the best places to live in the country.
Overall, NE cities are lively and progressive hubs with plenty of welcoming people and something for every lifestyle and career.
8. There Is A Promising Element Of Privacy
If you like private life, Nebraska might be an ideal destination for you.
There are few residents per square mile, which increases the chances of finding a remote property where you won’t have a lot of neighbors to bother you.
9. There are a lot of programs to help those struggling financially.
10. There are no toll roads or bridges.
The vehicle inspection laws are close to non-existent.
11. You will have a greater chance to enjoy the midwestern lifestyle.
Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or history lover, Nebraska has plenty of American attractions, friendly folks, a family-friendly atmosphere, and amenities – you will always have something to your liking.
The Five Cons Of Living In Nebraska
The Cornhusker state packs a lot for its residents and presents great possibilities for growth. All in all, it might be a perfect place for you.
Here are reasons why you may not want to relocate to Nebraska.
1. Weather and natural disasters
Nebraska experiences two major climates: the eastern half sees a humid continental climate while the other half is semi-arid.
In terms of weather, the cornhusker state experiences severe temperatures and a wide variety of seasonal weather.
In most cases, summers are super hot and muggy, which can leave you dehydrated.
On the other hand, winter brings cold and snowy weather.
Let alone the less-than-pleasant temperatures year-round, Nebraska is located in what is called Tornado Alley, meaning it experiences some of the highest numbers of tornadoes.
Considering that the state is very flat, this can be annoying.
If you are brave enough to deal with things flying through the air, remember to prepare your house for the violent storms and other possible disasters.
Before moving, beware that climate changes abruptly between seasons, and anything can happen.
2. High crime rate
The crime rate in Nebraska scares most. Selected parts of this midwestern state, including the largest city Omaha, have higher crime rates than other populated areas at the state level and nationwide.
This can be a big issue because everyone craves safety.
Notably, it is mostly petty theft and car theft. Violent crimes are rare in Nebraska.
3. Wacky laws
Like other states, the cornhusker state has its fair share of bizarre laws.
For instance, mothers can’t give their daughters perms without a state license.
Also, men aren’t allowed to run around with shaved chests.
4. Minimal leisure and entertainment options
The state is significantly far from oceans, mountain ranges, plus the region lacks natural forests within reasonable driving distance.
Honestly, this is not a place for people who like a lively lifestyle.
5. Depending on where you are coming from, racism can be a big issue.
Conclusion
Despite the dilemma it brings along, moving to a new place is often one of the best decisions you can make.
If you’re considering relocating to the cornhusker state, you are lucky to be moving to one of the states with a lower cost of living and decent wages.
Nebraska also offers a lot of opportunities, which makes it a great place to relocate to.
Beware of the above-listed cons before making your final decision.
References
What You Need To Know Before Moving To Nebraska
#1 Moving to Nebraska Relocation Guide for 2021
Moving to Nebraska – Complete Relocation Guide for 2021
The Pros and Cons of Living in Nebraska
Living in Nebraska pros and cons
Related
United States Relocations
| Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California |
| Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia |
| Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa |
| Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland |
| Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri |
| Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey |
| New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio |
| Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina |
| South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont |
| Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
