11 Things to Know When Moving to Nebraska
Nebraska is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. Also known as the Cornhusker State, Nebraska is home to the largest indoor rainforests, 5 fortune 500 companies, a friendly community and a booming job market. You’ll find plenty of jobs here and the state is one of the top 10 most affordable states in the country. In addition to this, healthcare in Nebraska is less expensive than the national average. So, if you are considering moving to Nebraska, there are several things you need to know and prepare. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to Nebraska.
What to Know Before your Move to Nebraska
1. Before you Arrive in 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 good reviews, a professional-looking website, and years of experience.
Planning a move to Nebraska? Have a look at our selection of
Forward your mail
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 will allow 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.
Sell or donate the items you won’t need in Nebraska
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. What are the First Steps to Take When Arriving in Nebraska?
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. You should also change your address with your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and service providers so that you can avoid any complications further down the road.
Exchange 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, you will need to transfer any lien information to your County Treasurer’s office, show proof of auto insurance and get a vehicle inspection first. You should 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.
Consider 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.
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.
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.
4. Housing and Renting in Nebraska
How to find an apartment in Nebraska?
If you are looking for an apartment for rent in Nebraska, these websites will help you out.
How to find a house in Nebraska?
5. How to Set Up Utilities in Nebraska?
Electricity, water, and gas in Nebraska
Nebraska City Utilities is responsible for regulating electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication services in Nebraska City. Similarly, you will find a separate utilities regulatory authority in every city. They ensure that consumers are provided with accessible, safe and reliable energy services at reasonable rates.
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 main purpose of NCU is to keep the customers well informed regarding the services they are getting from the utility providers.
Internet and cell phone in Nebraska
Getting a reliable internet service provider is what everyone desires. The state of Nebraska has some of the best internet providers and is the 37th most connected state in the USA with 60 broadband providers and 97% residents having access to 25 Mbps internet service. Internet providers in Nebraska offer a wide range of prices, speed and connection types.
When it comes to a high-speed internet connection, there is a wide variety of options to choose from in Nebraska, including cable, DSL, Fiber and Satellite. The best internet providers in Nebraska will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.
6. Cost of Living in Nebraska
The average cost of living in Omaha, Nebraska per month is $2225 for a couple.
Cost of living per month for a couple in Omaha
Expense | USD $ |
Rent – Mortgage | $750 |
Utilities (gas, water, electricity, phone, internet) | $300 |
Groceries | $325 |
Entertainment | $150 |
Insurance (home, car, health) | $550 |
Other (transportation, material goods) | $150 |
Source: Numbeo, TheZebra, Love Money, Homeownersinsurancecover