If you've decided to move to Omaha, there are more things to prepare than you might think.

The preparations may differ slightly if you're moving from another city in the U.S. or coming to the U.S. from abroad (Korea), but I've organized a core checklist that applies to settling in Omaha.

First, securing housing is essential. Good areas to live in Omaha include West Omaha, Elkhorn, Millard, and La Vista. These neighborhoods have good school districts and decent safety. If you're renting an apartment, a credit history is often required, so if you don't have a credit history in the U.S., you may need to provide proof of income or a larger deposit along with your SSN (Social Security Number).

It's advisable to search for listings on platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Realtor.com, and if an in-person visit is difficult before moving, requesting a virtual tour is a good idea. Be sure to ask for a move-in inspection checklist in the rental agreement to document the condition of the property before you move in.

Second, obtaining a driver's license and securing a vehicle is crucial. Life in Omaha can be challenging without a car. You must pass both the written and driving tests at the Nebraska DMV, and Nebraska does not have a direct exchange program for converting a Korean driver's license to a U.S. license, so you'll need to take the tests from the start. For purchasing a used car, you can use CarMax, Autotrader, or Facebook Marketplace, and when buying a car in the U.S. for the first time, you must have insurance in place first. Compare and enroll with major insurers like State Farm, Allstate, and GEICO, but be aware that if you have no driving history, your insurance rates may be higher.

Third, opening a bank account and obtaining an SSN is important. It's crucial to open a bank account as soon as possible after arriving in the U.S. In Omaha, you have options like US Bank, Wells Fargo, First National Bank of Omaha (strong in the Omaha area), and Centennial Bank. Initially, you can use basic accounts that can be opened with just an ID, like those from Chime, and later switch to a regular account.

Without an SSN, accessing most regular financial services can be difficult, so be sure to expedite your SSN application based on your visa status, such as work visa or green card. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is an alternative for tax reporting if you cannot obtain an SSN.

Fourth, understanding healthcare and educational institutions is necessary. Major healthcare facilities in Omaha include Nebraska Medical Center and CHI Health (including Creighton University Medical Center). It's important to designate a primary care physician in advance, and health insurance can be obtained through employer-provided plans or individual plans via Healthcare.gov.

If you have children, you need to check the school district and register your child for school along with your change of address, and immunization records are required. Omaha public schools provide registration procedures through each school district's website. Finally, finding a Korean church or community group can be a great help in settling in. There are a few small Korean churches operating in Omaha, which can help you quickly build a network and gather information about living in the area.