PCSing to Nebraska

Taxes for Military Families in Nebraska

Nebraska now offers a 100% state income tax exemption on military retirement pay, a major win for retirees settling near Offutt. Active-duty pay is taxed for Nebraska residents, though nonresidents stationed in the state pay no Nebraska tax on military pay under SCRA. Property taxes are on the higher side nationally, but Nebraska's homestead exemption program can eliminate property tax for 100% disabled veterans, subject to program rules.

Nebraska Veteran Benefits Worth Knowing

• Full state income tax exemption on military retirement pay
• Homestead exemption that can fully exempt property taxes for qualifying totally disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses
• Nebraska Veteran Tuition Waiver covering a portion of tuition at state colleges for eligible veterans' dependents
• Veteran-friendly occupational licensing reciprocity and military spouse license portability

The Nebraska Housing Market for Military Buyers

The Bellevue-Papillion corridor around Offutt is one of the best BAH-to-mortgage markets among major headquarters bases. Median prices in Sarpy County sit below the national average, and new construction in Papillion and Gretna gives buyers modern inventory. Older Bellevue neighborhoods near the base offer entry-level prices, while Omaha proper adds variety at every price point. Turnover from PCS cycles keeps the resale market liquid.

Top School Districts & Counties in Nebraska

• Near Offutt AFB: Bellevue Public Schools (Sarpy County) serves most base housing and has long experience with military students
• Papillion La Vista Community Schools: a top pick for Offutt families buying new construction in Sarpy County
• Gretna Public Schools: fast-growing and highly rated, a short drive west of the base
• Near Lincoln ANG Base: Lincoln Public Schools and suburban Waverly (Lancaster County) draw Guard families

Weather & Climate in Nebraska

Eastern Nebraska sees the full four seasons: humid 90°F-plus summers, winters that dip below 0°F, and a genuine severe-weather season. Hail is the big home-buyer issue — impact-resistant roofing can lower insurance premiums, and roof age matters at inspection. Tornado risk means basements are standard and worth prioritizing. Offutt itself flooded in the 2019 Missouri River flood, so check flood zone maps carefully for low-lying Bellevue properties near the river.

Traffic & Commutes in Nebraska

Commutes around Offutt are manageable. The Kennedy Freeway (US-75) backs up at the Highway 370 interchange during shift changes, and gate lines add time on exercise days. Bellevue addresses put you 5-15 minutes from the gates; Papillion and Gretna run 20-30 minutes but trade time for newer schools and homes. Living in midtown Omaha means a 25-35 minute reverse commute. Winter ice storms occasionally snarl I-80 and US-75, so garage parking is a plus.