2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Galena, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Galena older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Galena is 33.4 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Galena or Ames?
- Galena housing costs are 3.8% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Galena or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Galena is 5.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Ames.

Things to do in Ames?
Ames, Iowa is a lively city located in the heart of central Iowa. This bustling city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the picturesque Reiman Gardens or the historic Octagon Center for the Arts. Residents here also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities at Hills Memorial Park or Brookside Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Ames their home.

Things to do in Galena?
Living in Galena, IL is a unique experience. This small town of around 3,000 people offers a quiet, laid-back atmosphere surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills. The downtown area is full of antiques shops, quaint restaurants, and historic buildings, giving it a truly old-world charm that’s hard to find anywhere else. Residents enjoy outdoor recreation like kayaking on the Galena River or fishing at the nearby Lake Galena. There’s also opportunities for hiking and biking on trails that wind throughout the region. If you're looking for a peaceful place to call home, look no further than Galena, IL.

 Ames, IAGalena, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock3,212329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock56.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.44  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ames    12 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

Hello, I am in San Jose Ca, but am seriously thinking of moving somewhere much slower for a better quality of living. I've just turned 59, so I'm kinda preparing for  More

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Over 13 years ago

Like every other city Ames has both good and bad points. The good points are: low cost of living, very friendly people, lots of outdoor activities and quite a few events  More

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Ames enjoys a high quality of life at a very affordable cost, substantially lower than many other communities. The presence of Iowa State University, a large (28,000  More

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Reviews for Galena    3 Reviews

We've lived in Galena for about ten years now; previously lived in Elgin, then Cary. Moving here was like heaven (with some trade offs) especially after living in  More

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Over 13 years ago

My city of Galena, IL has festivals, parades, and parties almost every weekend of the year. Our Halloween parade usually lasts around 2 hours and draws in over 10,000  More

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Galena offers art shows, antique shops, arts/crafts fairs, Civil War re-enactments, theater, concerts, and more. Every weekend, there's something cultural going on, much  More

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