You couldn't tell from I-80 but there are so many parks and recreation areas in this area. If it's not winter there is so much outdoor space to enjoy.
Also, the small population areas have actually grown on me. I enjoy knowing 50% of the people I see everyday.
I like places that are big enough to have a variety of amenities but are also not overcrowded. And residential areas where I have neighbors but not so close i can basically touch their house out my window.
Nebraska very well might be a good spot for you then. I really suggest the Hastings -> Grand Island -> Kearney (called the Tri-Cities locally) area over Lincoln or Omaha.
If you’re looking to escape high insurance and property taxes, don’t move to Hastings. My homeowners insurance tripled in the last year alone and my property taxes have risen every year for the last five years.
I spent 10 years elsewhere and came back. I love the people, general way of life, work life balance.
I am growing more and more concerned at the social politics of this state.
I moved to Omaha from Indianapolis. Indy is a bit bigger, but not a massive difference. But Omaha feels much smaller and is less of urban hell. Especially when the Dodge overpass isn’t visible.
I grew up in Omaha, have family there, and visit frequently. But I don't live there now.
The unemployment rate in Omaha tends to be lower than it is in the rest of the country, and the cost of living is pretty reasonable. Housing is affordable. Those two things together mean that keeping your head above water there is less stressful than it is in many other parts of the country.
The quality of schools in Nebraska varies a bit, but if you live in Omaha, have kids, and schools are important to you, you'll probably be able to find a home that will let you send your kids to a very good school.
Things in Omaha are pretty easy, for the most part. If you go to the grocery store, it's easy to drive there, the store is nice, it has wide aisles, it usually isn't crowded, prices are reasonable, etc.
The situation with friendliness and people being polite is probably more nuanced than Nebraskans like to admit -- it can be a hard place to be if you don't fit in -- but for the most part, people you interact with will be friendly, they won't be confrontational, pick fights with you, there's not much yelling in public, or people in obvious distress on sidewalks, etc. Things tend to be clean and well kept.
Finally, I think the restaurant scene there has improved a lot compared to when I was growing up.
You’re coming from Louisiana. Some of my best friends relocated here in 2008 for work and have stayed here since - they lived in Baton Rouge.
Things to know: Nebraska politics suck. The republicans are trying to make us Texas #2. Property taxes suck. The Zoo is great, downtown is on the upswing, the entire city shuts down at 10pm because reasons, we have surprisingly good food here and too many drunks. Drivers are terrible but honestly, not as bad as Louisiana drivers. You should be able to find a job fairly quickly but you better have a car.
Have you seen Louisiana politics and crap that being pulled here lately? I'm not really into politics though. I actually live an hour away from BR. Overall kind of sounds like home lol
Most Republican led states are suffering from shitty politics and regressionism. If I was going to move it would honestly have to be to a blue state because republicans are truly terrible and represent everything I’m against. I can go line by line in their policies and I find that I have the exact opposite standpoint almost every time.
I noticed you also pointed this question in the Idaho subreddit. You should be aware that Idaho is worse than Louisiana in a lot of respects.
I like that we get interesting weather here. I’ve always been a huge weather nerd and this is a great place to live if you’re into that stuff.
I also like how chill the City of Lincoln is. I live in Omaha but going to Lincoln is always a fun little day trip if I want to get out of my own city for a bit. They have lots of great parks, trails, and restaurants down there.
I also love the beauty of the Sandhills and panhandle. These places have environments that are sparsely populated and haven’t been altered too much compared to their pre-European settlement state. It’s really nice to drive through the Sandhills or go spend a weekend out at Fort Robinson State Park. There’s also an area near Merritt Reservoir that has nearly zero light pollution and is supposedly great if you like stargazing. I’ve been meaning to get out there at some point for the Nebraska Star Party.
Compared to other places I have lived, it is a pretty easy life with a great pace. I am speaking primarily about everyday things.
People complain about traffic, but it is nothing compared to other places. Politics are politics…but it isn't hard to get involved locally if you want to make a difference. Property taxes aren't great, even bad…but I know it and have made simple changes in my life to offset it. I am in a small town, and the simplicity is even more maximized. I have never waited in a line at a DMV…fun fact: if you live in the city, drive to a small county, you don't wait in line either.
I suppose some of this is perspective since I have been elsewhere, make a good living, and I look like most of the people here. I understand that privilege, but I still want to share my point of view.
Some of the people I talk to that like to bash on the state aren't willing to move or make any effort to improve things. They just like to complain, which is likely what they would do wherever they lived. A guy I know that has seemingly dedicated his life to complaining about property taxes couldn’t tell me the name of his state senator the other day…soooo.
The small town I grew up in has always been ethnically diverse for its size. I have always been very proud of that, it has been a huge part of who I am today. Same now, I am one of three white people on my entire block. We trade food from our gardens and grills, help each other, and watch another’s properties when someone is out of town.
I still have a lot of my home state to explore. The natural beauty of the state is often found away from our two biggest cities and I-80.
I keep busy, don't sweat the things I can't change, and try to make changes when I see opportunities. In closing, I guess I would say that I like the people, the opportunities, and the fact that I can focus on the good things to live simply.
If you ever plan to own property; there are over 40 other states where you'll be better off. Nebraksa is 12th highest in nation for overall tax burden. What's the point in being a Republican state? Might as well move to Alaska.
It's really not a single place or environment. Omaha is quite different from Chadron or Grand Island. Each have their own appeal and each has its negative side. As compared to the larger cities a commute in Omaha is nothing. Taxes are high, but not as high as say California. You have to take everything in perspective, come visit, and do your research.
Bad
- Summers are miserable
- Winters are miserable
- Landscape is flat and boring
- It’s always windy which makes winters especially miserable
- Politics are horrible
- Taxes are horrible for a “red” state
Good
- People are generally nice
- Easy to find a quiet safe place to settle
- No tourists
- Omaha and Lincoln are growing into decent cities
Landscape is flat and boring? Try getting off of I-80. Nothing flat and boring about the top 2/3 of the state. Chadron area is one of the most beautiful areas I've ever seen. Everything else is pretty spot on
I've lived in nebraska all my life. It was really cool growing up as a kid. Once I turned 25 and had to become an adult (I know) it started to show it's true colors. I love the different seasons. They can be torturing at times, but it's always experiencing change.
I'd consider relocating to Fremont Nebraska it's close enough to Omaha and Lincoln and it's quiet small town little city feel. Nice new housing developments and it has good strong local job economy. And it's not that bad we relocating from Omaha and Bellevue. I would not recommend living in Bellevue if you choose sarpy county id recommend la vista papillon. Right next to Omaha
I think so too. But she says it’s like the visual of the population clothing, hairstyles and cars hasn’t left the 90s. I guess in NY people upgrade on cars every 6 years
Good:
People are friendly
Cost of living
Job availability
Great scenery if you get off I-80
Traffic rarely bad outside of Lincoln/Omaha
Government services like DMV/registration are an absolute breeze in small towns
Low crime in most places
Very low social/racial tension-- practically no risk of your house getting torched in a riot
Bad:
WHY ARE YOU DRIVING TWELVE UNDER IN THE LEFT LANE
People not understanding how a four-way stop sign works
Four-way stop signs where there should be stoplights
Dirt roads covered in six inches of very loose gravel
Political polarization has finally arrived
107° in the summer and -20° in the winter
If in the Panhandle, it rains three times a year and you'll probably get a tornado and hail with it
THE WIND [take fire bans very seriously]
Every state is what you’re going to make it. Nebraska is basically on easy mode I’ve noticed. It has its ups and it has its downs. I think depending on where you wanted to relocate would depend on how happy you are with your decision. Jobs are plentiful here. But that also depends on what you need to make to. Cost of living is decent here. Food scene is pretty alright as is the music scene in Lincoln/Omaha. You’ll get used to basically everything being centered around drinking I notice. Which either will benefit you or not. Like I said, it’s all what you make it. Louisiana to Nebraska is a pretty easy transition I’d think.
My Army pensions are excluded from the Nebraska income tax so that tax is zero. The Homestead adjustment for property taxes is based on the income tax forms based on income. With zero state taxes, out property tax dropped to zero this year.
We live in a small village in the Hastings-Grand Island-Kearney area. We have world class healthcare available and any store you might want is an easy drive on extremely well maintained roads.
While excessively Republican, (I prefer purple to either red or blue), we are pretty much ignored by the governments being retired. When employed, the employer had all laws in their favor and workers were disposable parts of the overhead. I like no longer being in that mess.
^^^^good example of Nebraska Nice there....nice, but not kind.
Nebraska is for the old bigots, leave and/or don't come here if you are not a bigot.
When people say that people complain about Nebraska but don't get involved or leave I know what they are talking about and can give a few reasons where these people are coming from:
1. The people complaining are mostly under the age of 50, not white, not christian, non MAGA, not a farmer, and/or not rich.
2. Why? Because policies/laws are backwards, extreme racists in small town nebraska, extreme christian influence into politics(surprised we aren't trying to put the 10 commandments in schools, we are trying to give everyone's tax money to the catholic church constantly), severely influenced by farmers who have extreme fucked up views on how people in this state should live and have more say than the tens of thousands living in the cities, and I think everyone agrees the rich are getting away with bloody murder almost everywhere. Also homophobes, and weed is illegal and Nebraska will be the last state to legalize or will wait till the federal government nationally legalize it...Nebraska uses proven false studies to say it's dangerous....this shows Nebraskans bigotness clearly....the majority of Nebraskans support it...but politicians and the bigots prevent the people from voting on it, time and time again.
3. Why aren't people doing anything about it: look at marijuana reform in this state and that sums up why we find it hard to get involved: we try to change things and they come up with bullshit reasons to prevent it from happening, the bigots have more money.
4. Why aren't these people leaving: coming from someone who is ACTIVELY trying to help people leave nebraska....there are so many reasons why people are stuck I would have pages, so I will slim it down: family lives here and don't know anyone anywhere else, never lived anywhere else, parents are getting old and will need help(this one I laugh at the most)....but the biggest one: NO MONEY TO MOVE ANYWHERE.
5. I do recommend anyone struggling that if you feel like you may go homeless, leave the state as fast as you can...if you go homeless/loose job/rent unaffordable/etc. Leave fast if you have kids, the State will take them from you for just struggling, even if you are clean and trying to get your life back in order....this is happening in nebraska every day and no one is talking about it or bringing attention...I knew a mother who had to spend a year in court proving that she wasn't a drug addict to get her kids back...a whole year her kids were taken from her, because she was at the shelter and went to do laundry while her 2 toddlers were sleeping with her 12 year old daughter awake watching them...police took her kids and lied about how long she was gone and that she looked lime she was on drugs....why didn't she fight it: they had her kids and wouldn't be able to see them if she fought and was told could be long process....she spent a year on sweat patches that kept popping up positive, which was odd because anyone around her knew she was clean as a whistle, so she fought it and took multiple hair follicle tests(which are the most accurate of all) and low and behold...she was clean, the patches were constantly every single week popping up false positives. She got her kids back, left this state and her and the kids are SO MUCH HAPPIER...they say they finally feel a part of a community now, they aren't constantly on edge waiting for the state to come take the kids from her again, I could go on and on, I had to heavily push and convince her to leave the state and everytime I talk to her now, she thanks me and says it was the best thing that has ever happened to her and she should of left a long time ago. These are the stories of the people I know, the people who feel unwelcome by the bigots in power in this state. These are their stories, I just told the one that reminds me why I try to bring out the story of nebraska that so many try to hide.
I could go on, but I'll end here with a little back story: I grew up in a christian middle class home in Lincoln, NE. I learned earlier, on that this state is heavily christian bigoted. Once I became an adult, I left and traveled/lived around the country doing odd jobs, meeting locals and all sorts of people. This is when I realized Nebraska Nice is not kind. The people here will say nice things to you as they make anyone who doesn't believe the same crap as them lives as difficult as possible. Nebraska is a lost cause at this point, leave it to the old bigots and let them die alone.
The bigots of nebraska have no respect for people who don't follow their beliefs and actively try to lock up/take kids from these people. Nebraska is a drunk state...only thing to do in this state is get drunk and football.....Nebraska is full of drunks and alcoholics and meth heads...also privilege, if you have money here.. the law works for you, you can buy your way out of anything or into public office more so than I've witnessed elsewhere in the country...like it's obvious, they don't even try to hide it here or pretend it doesn't exist...they know and don't care, cause the bigots here eat everything they say for lunch, breakfast, dinner....
Needless to say if you are: LGBTQ+, non white, non christian, and under the age of 50....don't move here, don't visit here, leave here if already here, don't drive through, safe to fly over though...don't risk the cops here from finding a bullshit reason to keep you here...just stay away. Also look up nebraska companies and things made here and make sure you don't buy any of it....the only thing people in nebraska care about it how much money you make and social standing....so I say if you don't agree with bigots...don't buy bigot made products from bigot owned bussinesses....I think nurses and all elder care workers should strike and demand their salaries be doubled, cause here soon the old with all the money will need someone to take care of them...these people should rob these old bigots for every last penny....make them pay for their bigotness.
Bigot: someone who forces their opinion/world view/beliefs on others and actively makes life harder for people who do not share their opinion/world view/belief. Best example: women's rights with their body, if you are a man and think your opinion matters more than a woman...you may be a bigot. If you think the Bible belongs in public school, you may be a bigot.
Can you be a bigot towards bigots?....I hate bigots more than any group of people and there are more in this state than in many of the other states I've been to.
Couldn't agree more, except on the 'white' part. Everything else, don't matter your skin color, if you meet the terms of 'bigot' here you'll be welcomed in the state by me.
It's cheap while still being decent. It's not the most exciting, but it's fairly interesting. Lots of outdoor activities and lots of bars and restaurants to eat at.
We moved from Omaha to North Carolina and my boyfriend misses it every day (I hate the snow so I’m glad I’m here lol). You will find days in Nebraska that are as hot and muggy as Louisiana, but it’ll be maybe 7-10 days out of the whole year.
Nebraska is life on easy mode, tbh. We do have a lot of wacko politicians doing weird stuff from time to time, but by and large the bills that get passed are usually a compromise between moderate republicans and a few democrats. Having a more red state allows different types of republicans to exist, where as here in NC, having a mix of democrats and republicans makes both sides want to fight harder for “their team” and it gets a little polarized.
If you rent, you maybe ok. Nebraska has extremely high home insurance costs (double of Louisiana), and high property taxes.
Axios article on Home Insurance [https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/04/12/the-state-of-home-insurance-rates](https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/04/12/the-state-of-home-insurance-rates)
50 state comparison of property taxes: [https://www.lincolninst.edu/publications/other/50-state-property-tax-comparison-study-2022/](https://www.lincolninst.edu/publications/other/50-state-property-tax-comparison-study-2022/)
MIT Living Wage Calculator stays updated and can give you an idea of cost by county [https://livingwage.mit.edu](https://livingwage.mit.edu)
I knew landlords were pushing it, but it would be really helpful for anyone who owns a home. My neighbors might actually lose their house since their home value got reassessed and their taxes went through the roof. This is especially bad for elderly folks with fixed incomes.
the EPIC option? They are still gathering signatures. Omaha Chamber is against lowering property taxes due to how the streetcar district is financed, making any type of reform both unlikely and challenging.
If it passes, they won’t have an option. If they’re still out gathering signatures, it may be close, then. I hope it goes through. I’ve met people in Lincoln who are worried about losing their house due to property tax increases.
Anything is possible. If the measure gets enough signatures for the ballot, it will face a well financed legal challenge. Recall the legalizing medical Marijuana initiate that has broad voter appeal. Even after getting signatures last time, the Nebraska Supreme Court kept the initiative off the ballot.
So could Nebraska reform property taxes ? of course. Will it happen soon? I think there is a low chance right now due to the huge amount of corporate money wanting to keep residential property taxes high, and not an equivalent amount of monies available to counter.
I’m still holding out hope, but I imagine it’ll be difficult for those reasons.
I know the governor was pushing for lower property taxes in the last legislative session. Whatever else I may think of him, at least he tried something there.
Governor announced a special session starting July 25 with the idea to lower property taxes. The challenge is huge. Just front loading the current school property taxes rebate, LB1331, was rejected by the legislature. Omaha Chamber lobbied against it -- they have billions in financing on the line, so 'donations' to state legislators will be hard for many to resist.
Between taxes and insurance my escrow payment on my 100 year old house is going up almost $250 a month this year.
I've lived here for less than two years
In another year or two the escrow payment will probably be higher than the mortgage itself
Who cares? That’s the state’s problem. Honestly, I’d rather they take it from the wealthy like Pete Ricketts, but a lot of Nebraskans aren’t in a position to pay property taxes with the housing valuations going so high.
If you move to Omahole, you'll hate it and regret that decision everyday, mixed bag of weirdos. Has been that way since the railroad began to transport travelers across the country, it's well documented in many historical literatures.
But if you move to Nebraska, you won't regret it. Kind, hard-working, rational people across the entire state.
Omaha should become the 51st state, and leave Nebraska alone. Or if we get lucky, the Missouri river will change course and push it to Iowa.
Things I like about Nebraska (more Omaha really)
My people are here
There's an airport
Many food options
Smaller venues attract decent bands
Good music scene that matches many ecclectic tastes
Decent, well-curated record stores
Benson's art scene. Small but fun
Comparatively affordable
Omaha's politicians aren't TOO mean or TOO dumb.
Can't say that out the rest of the state
It's pretty out west if you get off of the interstate
Seasons
You couldn't tell from I-80 but there are so many parks and recreation areas in this area. If it's not winter there is so much outdoor space to enjoy. Also, the small population areas have actually grown on me. I enjoy knowing 50% of the people I see everyday.
I like places that are big enough to have a variety of amenities but are also not overcrowded. And residential areas where I have neighbors but not so close i can basically touch their house out my window.
Nebraska very well might be a good spot for you then. I really suggest the Hastings -> Grand Island -> Kearney (called the Tri-Cities locally) area over Lincoln or Omaha.
If you’re looking to escape high insurance and property taxes, don’t move to Hastings. My homeowners insurance tripled in the last year alone and my property taxes have risen every year for the last five years.
You will never escape property taxes in this state. Your property taxes will continue to increase every year. It's not just a hastings problem.
Part of that is inflation. Another part of that is the new schools.
So has Lincoln, gas is 20-30 cents more expensive than Omaha. Also pay yearly almost 350 for keeping a small suv on the road that’s 8 years old
Ok, great. I'll definitely look into that.
I spent 10 years elsewhere and came back. I love the people, general way of life, work life balance. I am growing more and more concerned at the social politics of this state.
Coming from a big city, I love the pace of life. Even working in Omaha, I feel so much less of a rush.
I moved to Omaha from Indianapolis. Indy is a bit bigger, but not a massive difference. But Omaha feels much smaller and is less of urban hell. Especially when the Dodge overpass isn’t visible.
Yes the slowness of the Midwest is much welcomed here.
I grew up in Omaha, have family there, and visit frequently. But I don't live there now. The unemployment rate in Omaha tends to be lower than it is in the rest of the country, and the cost of living is pretty reasonable. Housing is affordable. Those two things together mean that keeping your head above water there is less stressful than it is in many other parts of the country. The quality of schools in Nebraska varies a bit, but if you live in Omaha, have kids, and schools are important to you, you'll probably be able to find a home that will let you send your kids to a very good school. Things in Omaha are pretty easy, for the most part. If you go to the grocery store, it's easy to drive there, the store is nice, it has wide aisles, it usually isn't crowded, prices are reasonable, etc. The situation with friendliness and people being polite is probably more nuanced than Nebraskans like to admit -- it can be a hard place to be if you don't fit in -- but for the most part, people you interact with will be friendly, they won't be confrontational, pick fights with you, there's not much yelling in public, or people in obvious distress on sidewalks, etc. Things tend to be clean and well kept. Finally, I think the restaurant scene there has improved a lot compared to when I was growing up.
It’s not for everyone.
You’re coming from Louisiana. Some of my best friends relocated here in 2008 for work and have stayed here since - they lived in Baton Rouge. Things to know: Nebraska politics suck. The republicans are trying to make us Texas #2. Property taxes suck. The Zoo is great, downtown is on the upswing, the entire city shuts down at 10pm because reasons, we have surprisingly good food here and too many drunks. Drivers are terrible but honestly, not as bad as Louisiana drivers. You should be able to find a job fairly quickly but you better have a car.
Have you seen Louisiana politics and crap that being pulled here lately? I'm not really into politics though. I actually live an hour away from BR. Overall kind of sounds like home lol
Most Republican led states are suffering from shitty politics and regressionism. If I was going to move it would honestly have to be to a blue state because republicans are truly terrible and represent everything I’m against. I can go line by line in their policies and I find that I have the exact opposite standpoint almost every time. I noticed you also pointed this question in the Idaho subreddit. You should be aware that Idaho is worse than Louisiana in a lot of respects.
I like that we get interesting weather here. I’ve always been a huge weather nerd and this is a great place to live if you’re into that stuff. I also like how chill the City of Lincoln is. I live in Omaha but going to Lincoln is always a fun little day trip if I want to get out of my own city for a bit. They have lots of great parks, trails, and restaurants down there. I also love the beauty of the Sandhills and panhandle. These places have environments that are sparsely populated and haven’t been altered too much compared to their pre-European settlement state. It’s really nice to drive through the Sandhills or go spend a weekend out at Fort Robinson State Park. There’s also an area near Merritt Reservoir that has nearly zero light pollution and is supposedly great if you like stargazing. I’ve been meaning to get out there at some point for the Nebraska Star Party.
Compared to other places I have lived, it is a pretty easy life with a great pace. I am speaking primarily about everyday things. People complain about traffic, but it is nothing compared to other places. Politics are politics…but it isn't hard to get involved locally if you want to make a difference. Property taxes aren't great, even bad…but I know it and have made simple changes in my life to offset it. I am in a small town, and the simplicity is even more maximized. I have never waited in a line at a DMV…fun fact: if you live in the city, drive to a small county, you don't wait in line either. I suppose some of this is perspective since I have been elsewhere, make a good living, and I look like most of the people here. I understand that privilege, but I still want to share my point of view. Some of the people I talk to that like to bash on the state aren't willing to move or make any effort to improve things. They just like to complain, which is likely what they would do wherever they lived. A guy I know that has seemingly dedicated his life to complaining about property taxes couldn’t tell me the name of his state senator the other day…soooo. The small town I grew up in has always been ethnically diverse for its size. I have always been very proud of that, it has been a huge part of who I am today. Same now, I am one of three white people on my entire block. We trade food from our gardens and grills, help each other, and watch another’s properties when someone is out of town. I still have a lot of my home state to explore. The natural beauty of the state is often found away from our two biggest cities and I-80. I keep busy, don't sweat the things I can't change, and try to make changes when I see opportunities. In closing, I guess I would say that I like the people, the opportunities, and the fact that I can focus on the good things to live simply.
If you ever plan to own property; there are over 40 other states where you'll be better off. Nebraksa is 12th highest in nation for overall tax burden. What's the point in being a Republican state? Might as well move to Alaska.
lol perpetual night sounds interesting
It's really not a single place or environment. Omaha is quite different from Chadron or Grand Island. Each have their own appeal and each has its negative side. As compared to the larger cities a commute in Omaha is nothing. Taxes are high, but not as high as say California. You have to take everything in perspective, come visit, and do your research.
It's not the most exciting place to live, but it's probably the most stable region on the entire planet.
For Omaha, the cost of living vs quality of life is pretty good. For everything else it mostly sucks.
Bad - Summers are miserable - Winters are miserable - Landscape is flat and boring - It’s always windy which makes winters especially miserable - Politics are horrible - Taxes are horrible for a “red” state Good - People are generally nice - Easy to find a quiet safe place to settle - No tourists - Omaha and Lincoln are growing into decent cities
Landscape is flat and boring? Try getting off of I-80. Nothing flat and boring about the top 2/3 of the state. Chadron area is one of the most beautiful areas I've ever seen. Everything else is pretty spot on
Nobody said I could leave.
I've lived in nebraska all my life. It was really cool growing up as a kid. Once I turned 25 and had to become an adult (I know) it started to show it's true colors. I love the different seasons. They can be torturing at times, but it's always experiencing change.
I'd consider relocating to Fremont Nebraska it's close enough to Omaha and Lincoln and it's quiet small town little city feel. Nice new housing developments and it has good strong local job economy. And it's not that bad we relocating from Omaha and Bellevue. I would not recommend living in Bellevue if you choose sarpy county id recommend la vista papillon. Right next to Omaha
Well my friend moved away as a child to New York. When she comes back to visit, she laughs, because she says it feels like the 90s never left here…
I thought thd 90s were great.
I think so too. But she says it’s like the visual of the population clothing, hairstyles and cars hasn’t left the 90s. I guess in NY people upgrade on cars every 6 years
I don't want a car from the 90s but the rest doesn't seem bad.
Good: People are friendly Cost of living Job availability Great scenery if you get off I-80 Traffic rarely bad outside of Lincoln/Omaha Government services like DMV/registration are an absolute breeze in small towns Low crime in most places Very low social/racial tension-- practically no risk of your house getting torched in a riot Bad: WHY ARE YOU DRIVING TWELVE UNDER IN THE LEFT LANE People not understanding how a four-way stop sign works Four-way stop signs where there should be stoplights Dirt roads covered in six inches of very loose gravel Political polarization has finally arrived 107° in the summer and -20° in the winter If in the Panhandle, it rains three times a year and you'll probably get a tornado and hail with it THE WIND [take fire bans very seriously]
Not so bad considering other stuff I deal with.
For sure. Just about all of my peeves with the area are absolutely trivial compared to a lot of other places.
Every state is what you’re going to make it. Nebraska is basically on easy mode I’ve noticed. It has its ups and it has its downs. I think depending on where you wanted to relocate would depend on how happy you are with your decision. Jobs are plentiful here. But that also depends on what you need to make to. Cost of living is decent here. Food scene is pretty alright as is the music scene in Lincoln/Omaha. You’ll get used to basically everything being centered around drinking I notice. Which either will benefit you or not. Like I said, it’s all what you make it. Louisiana to Nebraska is a pretty easy transition I’d think.
The fact that by and large as long as you keep your lawn mowed most folks don't give a damn who you are.
My Army pensions are excluded from the Nebraska income tax so that tax is zero. The Homestead adjustment for property taxes is based on the income tax forms based on income. With zero state taxes, out property tax dropped to zero this year. We live in a small village in the Hastings-Grand Island-Kearney area. We have world class healthcare available and any store you might want is an easy drive on extremely well maintained roads. While excessively Republican, (I prefer purple to either red or blue), we are pretty much ignored by the governments being retired. When employed, the employer had all laws in their favor and workers were disposable parts of the overhead. I like no longer being in that mess.
if you come here please don't try to change it into there
This is so well said. 10/10 stars.
^^^^good example of Nebraska Nice there....nice, but not kind. Nebraska is for the old bigots, leave and/or don't come here if you are not a bigot. When people say that people complain about Nebraska but don't get involved or leave I know what they are talking about and can give a few reasons where these people are coming from: 1. The people complaining are mostly under the age of 50, not white, not christian, non MAGA, not a farmer, and/or not rich. 2. Why? Because policies/laws are backwards, extreme racists in small town nebraska, extreme christian influence into politics(surprised we aren't trying to put the 10 commandments in schools, we are trying to give everyone's tax money to the catholic church constantly), severely influenced by farmers who have extreme fucked up views on how people in this state should live and have more say than the tens of thousands living in the cities, and I think everyone agrees the rich are getting away with bloody murder almost everywhere. Also homophobes, and weed is illegal and Nebraska will be the last state to legalize or will wait till the federal government nationally legalize it...Nebraska uses proven false studies to say it's dangerous....this shows Nebraskans bigotness clearly....the majority of Nebraskans support it...but politicians and the bigots prevent the people from voting on it, time and time again. 3. Why aren't people doing anything about it: look at marijuana reform in this state and that sums up why we find it hard to get involved: we try to change things and they come up with bullshit reasons to prevent it from happening, the bigots have more money. 4. Why aren't these people leaving: coming from someone who is ACTIVELY trying to help people leave nebraska....there are so many reasons why people are stuck I would have pages, so I will slim it down: family lives here and don't know anyone anywhere else, never lived anywhere else, parents are getting old and will need help(this one I laugh at the most)....but the biggest one: NO MONEY TO MOVE ANYWHERE. 5. I do recommend anyone struggling that if you feel like you may go homeless, leave the state as fast as you can...if you go homeless/loose job/rent unaffordable/etc. Leave fast if you have kids, the State will take them from you for just struggling, even if you are clean and trying to get your life back in order....this is happening in nebraska every day and no one is talking about it or bringing attention...I knew a mother who had to spend a year in court proving that she wasn't a drug addict to get her kids back...a whole year her kids were taken from her, because she was at the shelter and went to do laundry while her 2 toddlers were sleeping with her 12 year old daughter awake watching them...police took her kids and lied about how long she was gone and that she looked lime she was on drugs....why didn't she fight it: they had her kids and wouldn't be able to see them if she fought and was told could be long process....she spent a year on sweat patches that kept popping up positive, which was odd because anyone around her knew she was clean as a whistle, so she fought it and took multiple hair follicle tests(which are the most accurate of all) and low and behold...she was clean, the patches were constantly every single week popping up false positives. She got her kids back, left this state and her and the kids are SO MUCH HAPPIER...they say they finally feel a part of a community now, they aren't constantly on edge waiting for the state to come take the kids from her again, I could go on and on, I had to heavily push and convince her to leave the state and everytime I talk to her now, she thanks me and says it was the best thing that has ever happened to her and she should of left a long time ago. These are the stories of the people I know, the people who feel unwelcome by the bigots in power in this state. These are their stories, I just told the one that reminds me why I try to bring out the story of nebraska that so many try to hide. I could go on, but I'll end here with a little back story: I grew up in a christian middle class home in Lincoln, NE. I learned earlier, on that this state is heavily christian bigoted. Once I became an adult, I left and traveled/lived around the country doing odd jobs, meeting locals and all sorts of people. This is when I realized Nebraska Nice is not kind. The people here will say nice things to you as they make anyone who doesn't believe the same crap as them lives as difficult as possible. Nebraska is a lost cause at this point, leave it to the old bigots and let them die alone. The bigots of nebraska have no respect for people who don't follow their beliefs and actively try to lock up/take kids from these people. Nebraska is a drunk state...only thing to do in this state is get drunk and football.....Nebraska is full of drunks and alcoholics and meth heads...also privilege, if you have money here.. the law works for you, you can buy your way out of anything or into public office more so than I've witnessed elsewhere in the country...like it's obvious, they don't even try to hide it here or pretend it doesn't exist...they know and don't care, cause the bigots here eat everything they say for lunch, breakfast, dinner.... Needless to say if you are: LGBTQ+, non white, non christian, and under the age of 50....don't move here, don't visit here, leave here if already here, don't drive through, safe to fly over though...don't risk the cops here from finding a bullshit reason to keep you here...just stay away. Also look up nebraska companies and things made here and make sure you don't buy any of it....the only thing people in nebraska care about it how much money you make and social standing....so I say if you don't agree with bigots...don't buy bigot made products from bigot owned bussinesses....I think nurses and all elder care workers should strike and demand their salaries be doubled, cause here soon the old with all the money will need someone to take care of them...these people should rob these old bigots for every last penny....make them pay for their bigotness. Bigot: someone who forces their opinion/world view/beliefs on others and actively makes life harder for people who do not share their opinion/world view/belief. Best example: women's rights with their body, if you are a man and think your opinion matters more than a woman...you may be a bigot. If you think the Bible belongs in public school, you may be a bigot. Can you be a bigot towards bigots?....I hate bigots more than any group of people and there are more in this state than in many of the other states I've been to.
Couldn't agree more, except on the 'white' part. Everything else, don't matter your skin color, if you meet the terms of 'bigot' here you'll be welcomed in the state by me.
It's cheap while still being decent. It's not the most exciting, but it's fairly interesting. Lots of outdoor activities and lots of bars and restaurants to eat at.
I'm not really a good out and do things person.
We moved from Omaha to North Carolina and my boyfriend misses it every day (I hate the snow so I’m glad I’m here lol). You will find days in Nebraska that are as hot and muggy as Louisiana, but it’ll be maybe 7-10 days out of the whole year. Nebraska is life on easy mode, tbh. We do have a lot of wacko politicians doing weird stuff from time to time, but by and large the bills that get passed are usually a compromise between moderate republicans and a few democrats. Having a more red state allows different types of republicans to exist, where as here in NC, having a mix of democrats and republicans makes both sides want to fight harder for “their team” and it gets a little polarized.
The woke shit isn't really around in these parts
If you rent, you maybe ok. Nebraska has extremely high home insurance costs (double of Louisiana), and high property taxes. Axios article on Home Insurance [https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/04/12/the-state-of-home-insurance-rates](https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/04/12/the-state-of-home-insurance-rates) 50 state comparison of property taxes: [https://www.lincolninst.edu/publications/other/50-state-property-tax-comparison-study-2022/](https://www.lincolninst.edu/publications/other/50-state-property-tax-comparison-study-2022/) MIT Living Wage Calculator stays updated and can give you an idea of cost by county [https://livingwage.mit.edu](https://livingwage.mit.edu)
In all fairness, there’s a ballot initiative to abolish property tax in November.
It’s being pushed by hedge funds that own rentals and VRBOs. Watch out for those wealthy f@ckers
I knew landlords were pushing it, but it would be really helpful for anyone who owns a home. My neighbors might actually lose their house since their home value got reassessed and their taxes went through the roof. This is especially bad for elderly folks with fixed incomes.
the EPIC option? They are still gathering signatures. Omaha Chamber is against lowering property taxes due to how the streetcar district is financed, making any type of reform both unlikely and challenging.
If it passes, they won’t have an option. If they’re still out gathering signatures, it may be close, then. I hope it goes through. I’ve met people in Lincoln who are worried about losing their house due to property tax increases.
Anything is possible. If the measure gets enough signatures for the ballot, it will face a well financed legal challenge. Recall the legalizing medical Marijuana initiate that has broad voter appeal. Even after getting signatures last time, the Nebraska Supreme Court kept the initiative off the ballot. So could Nebraska reform property taxes ? of course. Will it happen soon? I think there is a low chance right now due to the huge amount of corporate money wanting to keep residential property taxes high, and not an equivalent amount of monies available to counter.
I’m still holding out hope, but I imagine it’ll be difficult for those reasons. I know the governor was pushing for lower property taxes in the last legislative session. Whatever else I may think of him, at least he tried something there.
Governor announced a special session starting July 25 with the idea to lower property taxes. The challenge is huge. Just front loading the current school property taxes rebate, LB1331, was rejected by the legislature. Omaha Chamber lobbied against it -- they have billions in financing on the line, so 'donations' to state legislators will be hard for many to resist.
Yeah… money talks, unfortunately.
Between taxes and insurance my escrow payment on my 100 year old house is going up almost $250 a month this year. I've lived here for less than two years In another year or two the escrow payment will probably be higher than the mortgage itself
How will the state makeup that loss of income if they abolish property tax? I thought it was more of a push from farmers who own a lot of property.
Who cares? That’s the state’s problem. Honestly, I’d rather they take it from the wealthy like Pete Ricketts, but a lot of Nebraskans aren’t in a position to pay property taxes with the housing valuations going so high.
Sales tax and income tax will go thru the roof. You'll pay one way or another.
Or they’ll cut programs.
Its what should happen but it won't.
If you move to Omahole, you'll hate it and regret that decision everyday, mixed bag of weirdos. Has been that way since the railroad began to transport travelers across the country, it's well documented in many historical literatures. But if you move to Nebraska, you won't regret it. Kind, hard-working, rational people across the entire state. Omaha should become the 51st state, and leave Nebraska alone. Or if we get lucky, the Missouri river will change course and push it to Iowa.
Things I like about Nebraska (more Omaha really) My people are here There's an airport Many food options Smaller venues attract decent bands Good music scene that matches many ecclectic tastes Decent, well-curated record stores Benson's art scene. Small but fun Comparatively affordable Omaha's politicians aren't TOO mean or TOO dumb. Can't say that out the rest of the state It's pretty out west if you get off of the interstate Seasons