Here Are The 12 Biggest Risks Living In The State of Nebraska
There are a million things to love about living in Nebraska, but we can all agree that life in Nebraska isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. What we mean by that is there’s an element of danger that comes along with living in the Cornhusker State. Maybe the dangerous things in Nebraska aren’t enough to drive us away, but there are some risks of living in Nebraska that every Nebraskan should watch out for. Still not sure what we mean? We thought you might need some convincing, which is why we put together a list of the biggest risks of living in Nebraska.
The sun seems to shine a little brighter here, doesn't it? Usually, that's a good thing, but when you forget the sunscreen it's an extremely painful thing.
Numbers 1 and 2 can happen on the very same day - no joke. This means that at least once or twice a year, you'll end up using your heater and air conditioner on the same day. This confuses and annoys the appliances, so be sure to treat them extra well.
Our state averages nearly 50 tornadoes per year, so we're seasoned experts when it comes to spotting a twister. Just be sure to get into the basement or storm shelter when the winds get strong enough to strip the shingles from your roof.
If it's not out-of-control wind, it is allergies. Tree and grass pollen and that dreaded goldenrod will bring more than a few miserable tears to your eyes every spring ... and then again in the fall. But don't worry! Your allergies will let up as soon as everything freezes, just in time for you to catch a cold.
Heavy winter melt-off and torrential springtime and summer rains contribute to frequent flooding. Some years are much worse than others, but rest assured that if you own property near a lake or river, you'll eventually have to deal with an unintended indoor pool.
There are a whole new set of rules you have to follow when driving on gravel vs. pavement. Those of us who learned to drive out in the country know how to handle those rural roads, but to people who have only driven on pavement, gravel can seem like an evil combination of quicksand, ice, and ball bearings under the tires.
If you've lived in Nebraska for any length of time, you know at least a few people who have hit a deer...probably everyone you know who drives, actually. Even if you've escaped that fate yourself so far, rest assured that one evening a deer will come scampering out of the trees right into the path of your moving car. Or, even worse, you'll round a corner and there will be one just standing there in the street, staring you down, daring you to decide in a split second if it's safer to swerve or slam on the brakes.
Snakes! In most parts of Nebraska, these slithery critters aren't a concern, but out west, the landscape hides four different types of rattlesnakes. Hikers beware – and maybe know where to find the nearest snakebite kit just in case.
If you spend time outdoors in the summer (and, well, who here doesn't?) you know all of the mosquito-repelling tricks. Some of them work, some of them don't - and for an unfortunate part of the population, nothing really keeps the skeeters away and summertime means lots of calamine lotion and baking soda baths.
The unique springtime cycle of melt, puddle, freeze, expand, and repeat wreaks havoc on pavement, causing these holes in the street to just appear overnight. The Midwest has some of the worst potholes in the country ... but your mechanic probably reminded you of that when fixing your car's alignment after your last big pothole run-in.
If you're not careful, you too could become a victim of Husker Fever. Symptoms include obsessive wearing of the color red, repeated tailgating at Memorial Stadium on game days, painting your face red and white, having a big red "N" embroidered on your business suits, and being physically unable to stop looking at a television set while anything Husker-related is on.
All in all, if these are the worst things we have to deal with when living in Nebraska, it seems like a pretty fair deal. What risks of living in Nebraska did we miss? Know of any other dangerous things in Nebraska? Let us know!
Now that we’ve examined the biggest risks of living in Nebraska, let’s switch gears and take a look at the best things about life in Nebraska.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Living In Nebraska
August 05, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What are the best things about living in Nebraska?
Don’t let the risks of living in Nebraska give you the wrong idea. Living in Nebraska is amazing and the good far outweighs the bad. Residents of Nebraska get to enjoy a slew of perks including affordable housing, higher wages, a great job market, and high quality of life. Access to quality education is another perk afforded to Nebraskans. Nebraska ranks in the nation’s top percentile as far as tuition costs, debt after graduation, and the quality of education. Plus, the state boasts one of the highest high school graduation rates in the nation and more than a dozen colleges.
What are the worst things about living in Nebraska?
Just like any other state, there are some bad things about living in Nebraska. For starters, there’s the state’s relatively high crime rate. The state’s violent crime rate is low; however, the rates of small robbery and car theft are on the higher side, which means residents of the Cornhusker State have a higher chance of becoming a victim of crime than those in other states. A monotonous landscape is also among the cons of living in Nebraska. The state is extremely flat, which means those who crave diverse landscapes, ocean views, or towering mountain vistas will be sorely disappointed.
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As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
