2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Galena, IL vs Normal, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Normal older or younger than people in Galena?
- The Median Age in Normal is 31.7 years younger than in Galena.

Are housing costs cheaper in Normal or Galena?
- Normal housing costs are 15.5% less expensive than Galena housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Normal or Galena?
- The average commute for residents of Normal is 3.7 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Galena.

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.

Things to do in Normal?
Normal, Illinois is a vibrant city located in McLean County, just north of Bloomington-Normal. It is home to Illinois State University and has a bustling downtown area with numerous shops, restaurants, and businesses. Normal is a major hub in the region for healthcare, finance and education opportunities. There are abundant recreational options including natural areas, parks and trails that offer plenty of outdoor activities. A variety of cultural amenities are also available such as theater performances, festivals, art galleries and other entertainment venues that give residents something to do in their spare time. Normal is truly a wonderful place where people can come together to work, play, learn and live!

 Galena, ILNormal, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock53,446329,725,481
 Median Income$57,632  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock25.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$248,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.53  Unlock26.38
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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Reviews for Normal    5 Reviews

While not a perfect town by any stretch of the imagination, I have lived in Normal my entire life and I have to say that there are FAR worse places one could live. The  More

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Over 16 years ago

I would like to know more about the quality of education at Illinois State  More

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With relatively low crime, good schools and excellent access to higher education, Normal is a great place to raise a family. The city is trying to update its city center  More

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