2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Gary, IN vs Normal, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Normal older or younger than people in Gary?
- The Median Age in Normal is 12.0 years younger than in Gary.

Are housing costs cheaper in Normal or Gary?
- Normal housing costs are 164.6% more expensive than Gary housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Normal or Gary?
- The average commute for residents of Normal is 9.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Gary.

Things to do in Gary?
Gary, Indiana is a vibrant city located in the Northwestern region of the United States. Home to attractions such as Marquette Park and The Steel Yard, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Gary. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as The Wave Foundation Art Gallery and The Lake Michigan Theatre Company.For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Gary has something for everyone!

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!

 Gary, INNormal, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock53,446329,725,481
 Median Income$34,085  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock25.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$79,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time27.01  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Gary    8 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I've lived here for 5 years as a homeless gay drug addict, and I think this place is a real  More

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Over 10 years ago

Been here most of my life left and went to Air Force policies and elected residents are terrible not all there is a few that is really concerned but being that they say  More

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I lived in Gary in 1972 - 1976. I was just a kid but I loved Gary. My family moved to upstate NY and after college I moved to San Francisco, Ca. I will tell you this, I  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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