Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the decision to relocate to a new state can be daunting, especially when you’re unsure of the level of acceptance you’ll receive. It’s a legitimate concern to have, and unfortunately, in this day and age, it’s still a reality that not all places are equally welcoming. However, with the rise of queer-friendly cities and states, the process of moving can be made more comfortable and reassuring.
By conducting research and tapping into resources, queer people can identify places where they can live their lives authentically and thrive. So, if you’re thinking of relocating, don’t let the fear of not being accepted hold you back. With some planning and support, you can find a new home where you’re celebrated for who you are.
To help queer folx who are considering moving to Gay Nebraska, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in Nebraska and whether Nebraska embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in Nebraska and LGBT community organizations in Nebraska that you should be aware of!
Everyone who moves to Nebraska is taken away by the beautiful scenery that the state offers, friendly people you can rely on, and a plethora of outdoor activities for you to enjoy. However, what is less talked about is that – just like Missouri – LGBTQ people consider Nebraska to be a mixed bag in terms of queer acceptance and friendliness.
While the state has a number of laws and policies in place to protect and support its LGBTQ+ community, it also has a number of laws and policies that discriminate against LGBTQ+ people.
Even so, some of its cities, such as Lincoln and Omaha, are home to vibrant and active LGBTQ+ communities that have the pleasure of hosting gay-friendly hangouts and businesses. Even though the state has made progress in accepting and including members of the LGBTQ community, the truth is that there’s still a lot to do.
Even so, this doesn’t mean that the state has nothing to offer the LGBT community and individuals that want to make a home here. Moving to Nebraska means you can have access to affordable homes, no local income tax, and low crime rates. Also known as Cornhusker state, Nebraska also has a thriving economy, hosts lots of festivals, and has a low unemployment rate to offer.
To reduce the stress of your relocation, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in Nebraska early in the process to help you find your new perfect home there. They will have up-to-the-minute information on the best cities and areas for LGBT people and be able to match your needs to a neighborhood most suited to you.
You can just start with a no-obligation conversation, and if you decide to continue with your move to Nebraska – they will not only have your best interests at heart but also ensure you are treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process.
In this article we will cover...
Highlights Of Moving To Gay Nebraska
It’s hard not to get enthusiastic about the unique and tempting proposition that moving to Nebraska presents – especially once you get chatting with residents and long-time locals in the know about all their state’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets. After all, this is why many chose to live here.
Once you move here, you should quickly befriend locals, let them ‘spill the tea’ and then spend your free time discovering the best sights, food, nature and culture Nebraska has to offer. On top of this, thanks to an offbeat yet deeply engaged LGBT community – which congregates at a few fabulous queer hot spots – securing a relocation to Nebraska should allow you to meet local queer people with similar interests.
We are certain locals will have many more to add, but to get you excited, here are just a few highlights to look forward to as you become Nebraska’s newest denizen.
Job Market
The state of Nebraska is one of the states with some of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. It is also among the top 20 states for those looking for jobs since it has outstanding job opportunities.
Some of the companies that make significant contributions to the state’s workforce include Union Pacific, Berkshire Hathaway, and Home Instead Senior Care. Jobs in this state are fast-growing, and if you’re a health aide or web developer, chances are that you’re likely to find work sooner rather than later.
People and Culture
The state of Nebraska is an agricultural state. As a result, you have to expect a certain kind of lifestyle reminiscent of the Wild West here. It might be a bit much for those who are new to this lifestyle but be ready to see people walking around with cowboy hats.
The lifestyle here is a little rural, but do expect a slow and peaceful life if that’s what you’re after. Here’s the thing, though- it might be hard for you to adjust, you can always count on those around you to take it slow and help you make the necessary adjustment.
Lots of Outdoor Activities
If there’s one advantage of living in a rural state, it’s that you will have access to plenty of outdoor activities. There’s a way you will simply have to get your creative juices flowing if you’re to spend your time wisely.
Whether you prefer to create a corn maze or do some pumpkin chucking during the fall, there’s much for you to do. Nebraska has many rivers, and you’re likely to see locals in watering tanks enjoying a little dip. You can also explore Nebraska’s beautiful landscape by adventuring through Lake McConaughy, Nebraska National Forest, and Snake River Falls.
LGBTQ+ Rights In The USA
The laws governing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have altered considerably over time in the United States and vary from state to state. In many ways, LGBT rights are some of the best in the world – but the devil is in the detail, and some places are much more hostile to queer life than others.
While same-sex marriage has been legal in every state since the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling on June 26, 2015 (before Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex marriage was legal in 36 states and Washington, D.C. ), LGBT people are still treated differently in different states – both societally and as inequality under the law.
Over half of all states still allow discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, while counties and cities within states often have distinct laws as well. While some states permit adoption by all couples, others forbid it for all unmarried couples.
This is all to say what most of us already know is that LGBT rights and equality differ greatly across the USA, and the specifics of family, marriage and anti-discrimination laws are different in every state.
Thus, while it is comforting to know that you can choose to marry whoever you love across the USA (and have it recognized as such) and are protected against hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity (which can be punished under Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009), there are still many questions you will likely have about moving to Nebraska and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does Nebraska Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
While there is a sizeable LGBT community in Nebraska, the truth is that this wouldn’t be the first state you would think about when considering moving to a new state. Same-sex marriage in the state has been legal since 2015. The state also bans discrimination in housing and employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
In Omaha, there is extended protection in public accommodations. The state of Nebraska had its first openly elected LGBT person in 2018. In 2019, a poll showed revealed that more than 70% of state residents supported anti-discrimination laws that protected LGBT people. Before the Europeans settled here, there weren’t any legal or social punishments for gay activity.
Many of the Native American tribes in the state had two-spirit people who were also known as “mixture.” The local native people did not have the same views as the western people on sexuality and gender. Today, the state allows same-sex couple adoption and also adoption by single LGBT people. Lesbians in the state also have access to in vitro fertilization.
Transgender people in the state can change their gender on their birth certificates. While Nebraska doesn’t seem to be the most LGBT-friendly state, the truth is that there’s much to be thankful for. The state is an LGBT organization that readily supports the community. There are also pockets of inclusion and acceptance that will be ready to invite you in and call you friends.
Is Nebraska An Expensive State To Move To?
The cost of goods and services in the state of Nebraska cost 10.5% less than the national average. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant costs that you will have to incur once you move to the state of Nebraska.
Housing costs
The typical home in Nebraska is valued at $147,800, which is significantly less than the country’s average home value of around $204,800. The median price for homes in the state built in or before 1939 is $895,800, while those built in and after 2014 cost around $330,800. If you plan on renting in the state, expect to pay about $800 each month on rent, which is also significantly less than the national average monthly rent of $1,020. A one-bedroom house in Nebraska costs about $665, and a house with five and more bedrooms costs around $1,120.
Transportation costs
Consider spending about $966 each year on gas. Car insurance premium costs around $1,410, also less than the national average.
Healthcare
Single adults moving to the state should expect to pay around $5,550 a year on healthcare, while a family of four should expect to spend about $16,780.
Cost of food
Expect to pay about $3,000 per year on food as a sing adult in the state. A family of four should expect to spend about $8,730 per year on food.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Nebraska
Wherever you live, it is essential that you support LGBT organizations in any way you can so that they can keep reaching out to and assisting other, more vulnerable members of the community. After all, we are stronger when we work together, and each of us will likely have a time in our lives when we require a little extra support.
Thankfully, Nebraska has a supportive and diverse LGBTQ community, which has helped the state become more gay-friendly in recent years.
As a result, there are a variety of LGBT resources available to community members, their allies, friends, and families – and you ought to feel free to utilize them or consider giving your support as needed to keep your new home state moving forwards! They are also great places to meet new people and find your queer chosen family in Gay, Nebraska.
OutNebraska believes in the importance of celebrating and embracing all LGBTQIA2S+ people. With the realization that the LGBTQ+ community in the state often experiences disparities, isolation, and discrimination, the organization seeks to celebrate, grow and empower these communities.
The organization has been making an impact for more than 10 years by celebrating, educating, and advocating to enhance the lives of LGBTQ people. The organization seeks to inform reform, connect with both state and local representatives, and also push for civic engagements.
One of the organization’s goals is to enhance connections and celebrate the community through events such as the Prairie Pride Film Festival. They also offer engaging community conversations, inclusivity, and training to ensure that the environment is welcoming and environment.
Omaha LGBT+ Center seeks to offer a physical space and care in order to build community, enhance understanding, and create equity according to values that all non-heterosexual orientations, as well as identities that aren’t cisgender, conform to. The Center seeks to meet its goals by offering strategic community partnerships, enriching programming, and services to the grassroots community.
ACLU Nebraska is on a mission to fight for a state where all LGBTQ+ people live openly according to who they are. They foresee a location where families, identities, and relationships are respected and where there’s fair treatment in public places, schools, and jobs.
The ACLU also seeks to advocate for a Nebraska where there’s no discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Most Gay-Friendly Cities In Nebraska
In Nebraska, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ Nebraska, you should be cognizant that there are a few cities and gaybourhoods that are nearer to the queer hubs of life. Knowing them will allow you to pull your U-Haul up to your new house in a gay-friendly neighborhood or town that is best suited to your needs.
If you’re a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer person seeking a welcoming neighborhood with facilities you’ll cherish, start with these top gay and gay-friendly Nebraska cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Nebraska’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in Nebraska… and just because it does not make our list doesn’t necessarily make it a bad option.
We recommend speaking to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today. Now, let’s take a look at where these fabulously gay-friendly cities in Nebraska are and why you might want to consider them!
Lincoln
Lincoln is the state capital and its second most-populous city. The city is popular with the LGBTQ community thanks to its stance on anti-discrimination laws, inclusive laws in the workplace for city workers, and trans-inclusive healthcare.
Lincoln also offers city services for those living with HIV/AIDS, as well as transgender people. Lincoln is a city that cares for its LGBT people, and this is why it has openly LGBTQ appointed and elected officials as well as an LGBTQ+ police liaison. The city is home to the University of Nebraska, which is a magnet for students in the area.
The university is also attractive to the LGBTQ community located around the area. The city features historic homes and new developments with a downtown area that has mostly older houses. There are parts of the city that are a little modern, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you will get it. Unfortunately, though, the city of Lincoln hasn’t always been the best for the LGBTQ community.
For instance, the city council in Lincoln voted for equal protection laws to include gender identity and sexual orientation as an extension of the Fairness Ordinance. However, they were met by resistance from a couple of conservative groups. The truth is that there are currently people in the city struggling with their identity thanks to the fear that has been brought onto them by this opposition.
Even so, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t neighborhoods or communities that aren’t LGBT-friendly in the city. While most of the city is a little conservative, you will find those you can rely on here.
Omaha
Omaha is a Midwest city that’s popular for being progressive and forward-thinking. The LGBTQ community here is vibrant, and it is also one of the most inclusive and welcoming communities in the region.
Omaha is also popular for having some of the best hospitals and varying cultural experiences. Like many other of the country’s mid-sized cities, Omaha’s gay scene is quite lively. However, it isn’t so open, so you have to know where to look for it. Even so, there are very many companies in the city that are dedicated to diversity and inclusion.
These companies have also gone ahead to apply non-discrimination policies in the workplace that include sexual orientation and gender identity. Omaha has a lively gay nightlife scene, and whether you’re looking for a drag show or simply somewhere to quench your thirst and dance the night away, there are plenty of establishments like Flixx Video Bar that will give you exactly what you want.
Gothenburg
While Gothenburg may be a really small town in the state of Nebraska, it is impressive in having a high number of LGBT people. The town has a population of fewer than 4,000 people, but slightly more than 2.5% of Gothenburg’s residents identify as LGBT. If what you’re looking for is a small town with a great attitude, you might want to live in this town.
However, you have to be prepared to make the trip to some of the larger cities for your necessities. While Gothenburg might be somewhat gay-friendly, the truth is that, like many other smaller cities in conservative states, there’s not much to say in terms of ‘gayness.’
However, the town truly has much more to offer for those who love the outdoors. There’s always an adventure to be had in the town of Gothenburg. If you love the outdoors, you will enjoy horseback riding, hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, and so much more. There’s truly so much to enjoy in this small town that there’s never a dull moment.
Finding Gay Realtors In Nebraska
When looking for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are several reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Nebraska is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when it relates to one of life’s most significant transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes.
Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often describe feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a pleasant, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, and this is why we feel you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in finding your future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be familiar with the diverse communities in their area and know which ones may be best suited to you when looking for a home.
That’s not to say a heterosexual realtor isn’t capable, but they’ve probably never had to address many of the issues LGBT people face. Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors conduct extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to locate professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Nebraska, and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
You no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Nebraska to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradespeople, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then choose the one who is right for you. It’s critical that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exciting occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
