Renamed Lincoln after the famous president's assassination, the Nebraska state capital was founded in 1856. With more than 157 years of history, the Great Plains region is renowned for the state university's football team, the Cornhuskers.
The family friendly city has much to offer anyone considering a move to the Midwest. From excellent education systems to satisfying suburban neighborhoods, Lincoln offers an array of activities to keep adults and children alike amused.
Relocating to the Nebraska capital could offer advantages you never imagined. To get a feel for the city and it all it has to offer, read through this guide so you are more familiar with why so many families love to call Lincoln their home.
Lincoln Climate
Swimsuits and snowshoes will be used while living in Lincoln since it has a four-season climate, with temperatures as high as 109 degrees in the summer and as low as -27 degrees in the winter. Though residents have not seen these extreme temperatures since the 1980's, they still prepare for the very hot and cold seasons. The hottest month is in July and the coldest month is in January.
Lincoln does not see as much precipitation in the winter as it does summer. Summers in the city see severe thunderstorms with the potential risk for tornadoes. Snowfall is not as heavy as rainfall, with Lincoln averaging light snow through the winter season. Though there may not be enough snow to build a snowman at any one time, residents can still enjoy the frosting feeling of flakes falling from the sky during the season.
Lincoln Neighborhoods
Lincoln is made up of many neighborhoods, with families settled all around the capital city. Whether you choose to live in downtown Lincoln with the hustle and bustle of the university students or you choose to keep it quieter on the outskirts of the city, you are sure to find a place to call home.
From Arnold Heights to Cripple Creek or Fallbrook to Fox Hollow, numerous neighborhoods make up the city, offering homes, schools, churches and businesses close together for the utmost convenience. Before moving to the Midwest region, it may be a good idea to contact some Lincoln Neighborhood Associations so you can have a better feel for where your family should settle.
Registering Your Car
A trip to the local Division of Motor Vehicles will be necessary so that you can change your license and register your vehicle, making you an official Cornhusker. But do not delay, since a new resident only has 30 days to register for a Nebraska title and registration.
Nebraska requires that new residents supply at least one form of identification with their name and birth date and two forms ID that show their current, local address to obtain a license. The required forms of identification needed to obtain a new Nebraska license can be found on the noted website.
Lincoln Schools
Lincoln Public Schools is a dynamic district with more than 60 schools and educational programs serving almost 37,000 students. With 38 elementary schools, 11 middle schools and 6 high schools, the district provides educational institutions throughout the capital area, making home and school a convenient distance apart. Superintendent Dr. Steve Joel governs the district, noting the system offers special programs from kindergarten to high school.
To find out if Lincoln Public Schools is the educational system for your family, visit the District Website and see all it has to offer. The list of private schools is long, offering students a chance get a more specialized or religious based education. From Blessed Sacrament Elementary to Lincoln Pius X High School, students can conveniently spend all 12 years of schooling in the private district. Check out the location and list of Lincoln Private Schools to see what institution may be the right one for your child.
Lincoln Employment
Nebraska's unemployment rate is down 3.8% percent from the national average rate of 7.7%. This figure is inspiring in spite of the recent economic downturn. Looking for employment in Lincoln is like searching for a job in any other state. First, it is important to know what you want to do. Taking it from there can be a challenge since the job market is not as prosperous as it was in the past.
However, if there is a will, there's a way and finding steady employment is possible for any new Lincoln resident who is persistent in their search. There is a Lincoln Job Board that can assist you in your hunt and the local classifieds for employment can be found in the areas popular newspaper the Journal Star.
Living Costs in the City
The cost of living in Lincoln is 1.5% greater than the Nebraska average and 7.1% than the national average, making it an ideal Midwest location to consider relocating to. Though Lincoln's average gas price is around $3.60, higher than the East Cost and lower than the West Coast, the lower rent and utilities counterbalance overall living expenses. The Midwest average for a two-bedroom apartment ranges from as low as $625 to as high as $1,200 depending on the luxury of living.
The median home price in Lincoln is approximately $125,000 and the median family income is around $50,000. In considering annual salary and the cost of living, the lower cost of renting or buying real estate in Lincoln is a plus. Like anywhere in the country, utility costs in the city will vary depending on family size and use of services.
In Lincoln, the average electric bill is approximately $90, the median gas bill is $100, and the standard water bill is around $40. Adding the cost of cable and Internet utilities at around $100, the total monthly utility average in Lincoln is approximately $330.
Lincoln Moving Resources
Loading up your goods and moving to Lincoln from anywhere in America can be quite the trip. The local or long distance move cost should be figured into your families' finances, assuring there is enough money for any type of move. It is important to have a balanced moving budget before you even pack the first box. No matter what type of service you choose or how much money you spend, there is always moving stress when you relocate to a new residence. So relax, take a breath and think it over while checking out Movers.com to become more informed on all types of moving services:
Lincoln Transportation
Major interstate highways will lead you directly into Lincoln, however, if you are having your car transported into the capital city there are plenty of rental car services, bus lines and taxis to get you to your new front door.
Star Tran Bus Services may be the perfect choice to get from home to work for those that are without a vehicle and depend on public transportation to get around. However, the other means of transportation, other than walking or biking, are limited in Lincoln. Car rentals and limousine services are the only other ways to get from A to B unless you have a friend who can give you a ride.
Culture & Contemporary Life
Between parks, museums, dining and dancing, Lincoln is a great place to celebrate life. Selected by the National Geographic Guide to Public Gardens as one of the best parks in the United States and Canada, Sunken Gardens offers a healing, perennial and annual garden on site. Pioneer Park Nature Center is another place to enjoy Lincoln's landscape anytime of the year.
Lincoln Children's Museum, the University of Nebraska Museum and the Sheldon Museum of Art are just a few of the exhibitions in the area that add flavor and fun to the capital city. The Lied Center and Pershing Auditorium feature famous tours and lectures that offer constant cultural growth to locals.
Finding local Lincoln events to attend is simple since the Lincoln Convention Center always has something happening in the community. Dining downtown offers cuisine from various cultures. Local Lincoln restaurants serve Greek, Asian, Indian, Italian and more, making the city a great place to eat out or order in.
Lincoln Relocation Tips
- Carefully plan your move to Lincoln, looking at all aspects of the area to assure it is the right fit for you and your family. Vacation in the area or visit a friend that lives close by so you can see all that the capital has to offer.
- Secure a job before moving to the Midwest. It is never a good idea to relocate unless you are sure of employment. Though an educational institute, the University of Nebraska can be an excellent place of employment. Also look to local businesses, hospitals ands schools for jobs. Always remain positive about possible employment since the right attitude is a sure way to success.