Normal, IL


5 Reviews



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Normal, IL

About Normal, IL

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! Mid-sized city complex - North-central Illinois, 100 miles southwest of Chicago.

Location Details

State: Illinois
County: McLean County
Metro Area: Bloomington Metro Area
City: Normal
Zip Codes: 61761
Cost of Living: -17.9% lower
Time zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
Elevation: 662 ft above sea level
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Dig Deeper on Normal

The Bloomington, IL metro area, is a place with a lot of history and nice views. It started back in the early 19th century when people first settled here. The area was big on farming and grew quickly when the railroad came. It’s right in the middle of Illinois and has flat land good for growing crops like corn and soybeans.

The economy here is pretty strong. Agriculture is still important, but there are also jobs in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and insurance. Big companies like State Farm Insurance are based here, which helps the job market. There are also colleges like Illinois State University that bring students and jobs to the area.

When it comes to politics, Bloomington is kind of in the middle. Some people lean conservative and others lean liberal. This makes elections interesting because both sides have a fair chance of winning.

Living in Bloomington is nice because it has a friendly vibe and isn’t too expensive. There are parks, trails, and lakes for spending time outside. The city also has theaters, galleries, and places for music, so there’s always something to do. Plus, there are fun events and festivals throughout the year.

New residents should know that Bloomington has all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. It’s a good idea to be ready for different kinds of weather. The community is welcoming, and getting involved in local events or organizations is a great way to meet people. Housing is affordable, and there are many options depending on what you’re looking for.

Overall, Bloomington offers a good mix of small-town feel with the benefits of living near a bigger city. There’s a strong sense of community, and it’s a place where you can enjoy nature, arts, and find opportunities for work or study.

Normal Cost of Living
$$$$

Small-town atmosphere, stable economy, and educated population make Normal a great place to live.

$209,800
-61.2% lower than avg
$58,564
-17.9% lower than avg
$840 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
-36.7% lower than avg
Normal Crime
31.5 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Normal, Illinois
$40,320
for a family
$32,000
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Normal
   Small-town atmosphere
Entertainment
   Stable economy
Air service
   Educated population
Unattractive landscape
Reviews for Normal
    See all (5)

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 15 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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