The Midwest isn’t all rolling cornfields and football – although that’s a very big part of the equation. Lincoln is the beating heart of the Cornhusker State, and more and mor people are making the move every day. It’s a big city with a small-town vibe, with plenty of midwestern hospitality. What’s not to like?
At Moving APT, we’re all about making your move easy. That’s why we did the research to find the best movers in Lincoln, and that’s why we did the legwork to build a guide to the city and surrounding areas.
If you’re ready to move or you’re just doing some browsing, read on to see what you can find in Lincoln, NE.
Why Move to Lincoln, NE?
Don’t sleep on the Midwest. There’s actually quite a few reasons to move to Lincoln:
- Strong Educational System: Home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and several other top-rated schools, Lincoln offers excellent educational opportunities, whether you’re searching for a place to send your kids or looking for higher ed.
- Robust Job Market: Lincoln’s job market covers sectors like education, government, healthcare, and technology – and there’s more jobs and more industries every day. It’s a great spot for living and working.
- Affordable Cost of Living: If you’re coming from either of the coasts, this will be a major plus. Lincoln’s cost of living is lower than the national average, which means you’re finally getting a nice break from overpaying for an underwhelming living situation.
- Cultural and Recreational Opportunities: Lincoln provides refreshingly vibrant cultural experiences: theaters, museums, and a bustling music scene, all alongside numerous parks and recreational areas.
- Safe and Friendly Community: Known for its safe neighborhoods and friendly community, Lincoln is an ideal place for families and anyone else seeking a tight-knit place to call home.
There are plenty of good reasons to make Lincoln your new home. The above list is by no means exhaustive, but it provides a brief snapshot of what you can expect after your move. But how much will it cost to get there in the first place?
How Much Does it Cost to Move to Lincoln, Nebraska?
Moving to Lincoln will set you back between $200 and $18,500, sometimes more, and sometimes less. It all comes down to how you move, the amount of stuff you have to transport, and how far you have to travel.
Take a look at our chart for more info:
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4-5 Bedrooms |
| Local (<100 miles) | $200 – $600 | $350 – $1,200 | $750 – $2,500 |
| 100 miles | $1,000 – $2,500 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $2,500 – $6,500 |
| 250 miles | $1,500 – $3,500 | $3,000 – $6,000 | $4,500 – $10,000 |
| 750 miles | $3,000 – $6,000 | $5,000 – $9,000 | $7,000 – $14,000 |
| 1500 miles | $4,000 – $8,000 | $7,000 – $14,000 | $8,000 – $16,000 |
| 2500 miles+ | $5,000 – $12,000+ | $8,000 – $16,000+ | $18,500+ |
Our Best Lincoln NE Movers
We did the research to bring you the best of the best. Take a look at these options for your move to Lincoln:
Adams Van Lines
- Professional staff
- Flexible pricing
Native Van Lines
- Custom moves available
- No hidden fees
Pricing Van Lines
- Network of expert movers
- Quick moving estimates
What are the Pros and Cons of Moving to Nebraska?
Pros
- Low cost of living: Ranked as one of the top 10 states for affordability, Nebraska offers great value for the money.
- Low population density: Looking for an escape from the insane congestion of an overcrowded state or city? A smaller population is one of the definite perks.
- Omaha and other metro areas: Omaha, Lincoln, and other cities in Nebraska are bustling and progressive locations, ideal for all types of newcomers.
- Midwestern lifestyle: Delicious food, friendly folks, safe areas, and plenty of recreational amenities. Nebraska is a welcoming state with plenty to love.
- Higher-income potential: Nebraska offers some of the highest median incomes in the country, together with plenty of career opportunities.
Cons
- Natural disasters: Located in a place called Tornado Alley, the state of Nebraska sees some more twisters than pretty much any other state in the country.
- Location: This is either a huge plus or a big miss for most people. Nebraska is far from oceans and mountain ranges, and the state is covered in farms, grass, and flatland.
- Petty crime: Even though there are low cases of violent crime in Nebraska, the state does see higher rates of petty theft and car theft, especially in more urban areas.
- Extremely flat: Do you like oceans and mountains? You might want to think twice about Nebraska. It’s FLAT. If you need elevation changes and different landscapes, look somewhere else.
- Frigid winters, muggy summers: Harsh temperatures are the order of the day. Summers here are hot and humid. Winters are the opposite, with an average snowfall of around twenty-eight inches.
What's the Cost of Living in Lincoln?
Nebraska is an affordable state, and Lincoln is no exception. The average home price is about $267,000, which is a breath of fresh air for anyone moving from California or New York. Aside from home prices, rent isn’t too shabby either: You’re looking at about $1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
What about groceries, gas and utilities? You can expect to pay between $400 and $500 per month on food for yourself. Gas is usually around $3 per gallon, and utilities float between $100 and $170. All told, Lincoln is a far cry from Manhattan or San Francisco.
What are the Best Places to Live in Lincoln?
There are several neighborhoods worth looking into if you’re thinking of moving to Lincoln. Take a look at our top choices, and don’t be afraid to do some exploring to find your own hidden gems:
- Downtown Lincoln: Ideal for anyone who loves the energy and convenience of city life, Downtown Lincoln is the heart of the city’s cultural and social scene. There’s restaurants, shops, and entertainment, with easy access to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Haymarket District: Known for its historic charm mixed with modern living, the Haymarket District offers a unique blend of old and new. This area is a hub for entertainment, dining, and shopping, and it hosts a popular farmers’ market.
- Hawthorne: This is a family-friendly area known for quiet streets, well-maintained homes, and excellent public schools. Hawthorne is ideal for families and anyone looking for a suburban feel within the city.
- College View: Surrounding Union College, College View is known for its vibrant community and diverse population. You’ll find a mix of housing options, as well as plenty of green spaces and local businesses.
- Country Club: Offering a more upscale living experience, Country Club is known for its luxurious homes, well-manicured lawns, and a peaceful environment. It’s popular among professionals and families looking for a quiet, yet upscale living experience.
- Belmont: Belmont is well known for its affordability and community spirit. This area is ideal for first-time homebuyers and anyone who’s looking for the authentic feeling of a close-knit community.
Lincoln offers plenty of variety when it comes to lifestyle and living arrangements. There’s plenty of other great neighborhoods, and it doesn’t take long to find them!
How is the Job Market in Lincoln?
Looking for a job in Lincoln? You’re in luck. There’s a diverse range of different fields, and they’re all waiting for your application.
- Strong Government and Education Sector: As the state capital, Lincoln offers numerous jobs in government services. The presence of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln also adds a significant number of opportunities in education and research.
- Thriving Healthcare Industry: With multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities, there are ample jobs in both medical and administrative roles in the healthcare sector.
- Manufacturing and Retail Employment: These sectors are key players in Lincoln’s job market. Manufacturing and retail both offer a variety of roles from production to customer service.
- Growing Technology Scene: They don’t use the term “silicon prairie” for no reason. The tech sector in Lincoln is constantly expanding, which means you can find a position in an established tech player or a fledgling startup with just a bit of searching.
- Diverse Job Opportunities: Aside from government, healthcare, manufacturing, and tech, the city’s job market is pretty varied. Lincoln appeals to a wide range of professional backgrounds, and you can carve your own niche with ease.
Overall, Lincoln’s job market offers a balanced mix of opportunities. Whether you’re drawn in by the lower cost of living or the burgeoning tech scene, the city has what you need to stay afloat.
What is Lincoln Most Known For?
1. Midwestern Culture
Nebraska embraces its midwest culture, and Lincoln is no exception. The folks are friendly, the food is great, and there’s plenty of community engagement and activities. It’s a big city with a small town feel, and they’re welcoming to transplants and new arrivals. Respect the locals and don’t try to change Lincoln into wherever it was you just left – otherwise, what’s the point of moving?
2. Tons of Great Food
For foodies, Lincoln is the place to be. It’s home to plenty of restaurants, offering anything from burgers to Thai, BBQ, and juicy steaks from Lazlo’s. As an added bonus, the food is pretty affordable throughout the entire state. Many Nebraskans know a thing or two about agriculture, so farmers’ markets are plentiful.
3. An Easy Commute
Whether you decide to bike, walk, drive, or use public transport, navigating your way around Lincoln is easy and convenient. If you prefer driving, you won’t have to worry about traffic – even at rush hour. It’s not Los Angeles; it’s way more compact and convenient. There are also tons of bike trails and walking paths, not to mention reliable buses.
4. Pet Friendly
In Lincoln, it’s easy to find houses and apartments that accept small pets such as dogs and cats. Combine that with the plentiful green spaces and outdoor activities, and your furry friends will be as happy as you are. Just make sure you invest in little booties for the snowy season.
5. Getting Around Lincoln
Lincoln is built on a grid. This makes it way easy to navigate around the city, whether you’re on foot or going by car. There’s also plenty of parking. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to the expensive and hard-to-find parking lots you’ve seen in more crowded areas. Plus, since Lincoln is much less densely populated, you won’t get all claustrophobic.
What are the Best Schools and Universities in Lincoln, Nebraska?
From K-12 to higher ed, Lincoln has plenty to offer. Take a look at some of our picks for the best schools in the area:
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL): As the flagship of Nebraska’s university system, UNL is a distinguished research university. It’s celebrated for strong programs in business, engineering, law, and education, not to mention its athletics. Go Huskers!
- Lincoln Public Schools: This district includes a variety of elementary, middle, and high schools, each recognized for their academic excellence and student development. Lincoln East High School and Lincoln Southwest High School are both great options.
- Southeast Community College (SCC): Known for offering a variety of associate degree programs and vocational training, SCC caters to scholars seeking practical, career-focused education – especially in health sciences, business, and technology.
- Private and Charter Schools: Lincoln also hosts several private and charter schools. Lincoln Christian School and Pius X High School are both highly-rated, offering unique educational approaches and curricula.
Education in Lincoln isn’t all about taking home Heismans (although they sure aren’t going to pass up the opportunity).
There’s plenty of options for K-12, community college, and university education, and there are some great programs for anything engineering to business and trades.
Ready to Head to Lincoln? Let’s Get Moving!
Moving to Lincoln is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With out list of the best long distance movers (and our guide to the city), you’ll be able to breeze through your relocation and make yourself at home in Cornhusker territory.
If you’re ready to pack your bags, let Moving APT handle the heavy lifting. Check out our moving cost calculator, and use our easy moving checklist to make sure you get everything you need – right down to the last packing peanut.
Don’t forget to get in touch with our top movers in Nebraska, and keep checking in with Moving APT for more tips and tricks to make your moving day even easier!
