If you’ve ever moved to a new state, you know that there’s usually a little bit of a culture shock at first. Every state seems to have its own personality, and a lot of people don’t know what to expect of Nebraska when they move here. If we lifelong residents could give new transplants some advice, it would be this.
- Get ready for some surprisingly rough winters…
flickr/Christa Burns People usually associate harsh winters with states that are more northerly than Nebraska, but the topography and central location here can lead to brutally low temperatures and crazy amounts of snow.
- …And equally rough summers.
flickr/Jenny Addison Summer temperatures out on the plains climb into the triple digits pretty regularly in the summer. If you can survive here without air conditioning, you’re a very brave person.
- The third and final season in Nebraska is Road Work.
flickr/Steve Pollock We know it’s necessary, but it’s still annoying and inconvenient. It seems like some places are always under construction.
- The east, central, and west regions of Nebraska might as well be three different states.
flickr/Dick Clark The big cities are in the east where it’s pretty flat; the beautiful and sparsely populated Sandhills are in the middle; and the west is rocky and wild. These are generalizations, of course, because every region has its own unique mix of characteristics.
- We don’t need oceans.
flickr/Shelby Bell Who wants smelly sea water with its big waves when you can have nice, gentle lakes for swimming, fishing, and boating? We have plenty of fun in the water without oceans, thank you very much.
- It’s always best to dress in layers.
flickr/Christa Burns No matter what season it is, there’s a pretty good chance that the weather will significantly change between the morning and afternoon. And just because it was 100 degrees yesterday doesn’t mean you won’t need a sweatshirt when you head to work this morning.
- You probably can’t get by here without a car.
flickr/Bradley Gordon As much as we love our cities, public transport there is sorely lacking. And if you live in a rural area, you’ll need a car if you ever want to leave your house.
- Get off of the interstate…
flickr/Doug Kerr It was built through some of the flattest, most boring parts of the state. A lot of people judge Nebraska by the interstate, but don’t fall into that trap.
- …And learn to love the country roads.
flickr/Mr. Nixter There’s so much beauty out there on the back roads. The real Nebraska is found on the rural highways.
- Every little town has its own unique charm.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM There are hundreds of little towns here, and you should try to visit as many as you can. There’s something special about each and every one of them.
- The cost of living is pretty low here…
flickr/Michael Cornelius Overall, we pay quite a bit less for the basics than people in other parts of the country. Your rent dollars go way further here - even in the cities - than in a lot of other places.
- …But our property taxes are among the highest in the nation.
flickr/Hamza Butt Nebraska’s property taxes are the sixth highest in the country. Ouch. Be prepared, future homeowners!
- There are some areas with high crime rates…
flickr/Office of Public Affairs In isolated spots, you’ll find crime rates that are quite a bit higher than we’d like to see.
- …But overall, our state crime rate is low.
flickr/DeepRoot The violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average. The property crime rate is closer to the national average, but still below it.
- We’re happy you’re here.
flickr/Ben Schmitt There are some grumpy people who would rather never see a new face, but most of us are friendly and happy to welcome new neighbors. We’re looking forward to sharing our love of Nebraska with you, transplants!
What do you think? Are there any other pieces of wisdom you’d like to impart to new Nebraskans? Add to the list by leaving a comment.
flickr/Christa Burns
People usually associate harsh winters with states that are more northerly than Nebraska, but the topography and central location here can lead to brutally low temperatures and crazy amounts of snow.
flickr/Jenny Addison
Summer temperatures out on the plains climb into the triple digits pretty regularly in the summer. If you can survive here without air conditioning, you’re a very brave person.
flickr/Steve Pollock
We know it’s necessary, but it’s still annoying and inconvenient. It seems like some places are always under construction.
flickr/Dick Clark
The big cities are in the east where it’s pretty flat; the beautiful and sparsely populated Sandhills are in the middle; and the west is rocky and wild. These are generalizations, of course, because every region has its own unique mix of characteristics.
flickr/Shelby Bell
Who wants smelly sea water with its big waves when you can have nice, gentle lakes for swimming, fishing, and boating? We have plenty of fun in the water without oceans, thank you very much.
No matter what season it is, there’s a pretty good chance that the weather will significantly change between the morning and afternoon. And just because it was 100 degrees yesterday doesn’t mean you won’t need a sweatshirt when you head to work this morning.
flickr/Bradley Gordon
As much as we love our cities, public transport there is sorely lacking. And if you live in a rural area, you’ll need a car if you ever want to leave your house.
flickr/Doug Kerr
It was built through some of the flattest, most boring parts of the state. A lot of people judge Nebraska by the interstate, but don’t fall into that trap.
flickr/Mr. Nixter
There’s so much beauty out there on the back roads. The real Nebraska is found on the rural highways.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
There are hundreds of little towns here, and you should try to visit as many as you can. There’s something special about each and every one of them.
flickr/Michael Cornelius
Overall, we pay quite a bit less for the basics than people in other parts of the country. Your rent dollars go way further here - even in the cities - than in a lot of other places.
flickr/Hamza Butt
Nebraska’s property taxes are the sixth highest in the country. Ouch. Be prepared, future homeowners!
flickr/Office of Public Affairs
In isolated spots, you’ll find crime rates that are quite a bit higher than we’d like to see.
flickr/DeepRoot
The violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average. The property crime rate is closer to the national average, but still below it.
flickr/Ben Schmitt
There are some grumpy people who would rather never see a new face, but most of us are friendly and happy to welcome new neighbors. We’re looking forward to sharing our love of Nebraska with you, transplants!
There are so many great reasons for living here – here are 15 of the best reasons to love Nebraska.
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