Firstly why Normal, Illinois?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Normal
• State: Illinois
• Population: 12,885 people
• Normal’s quick summary would be Normal folks hang around Uptown Station, cheer on the Redbirds at ISU, and remember when it was mostly farmland here.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 5,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 6,000 annually
• Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a college-town feel with access to schools attracting students and families

Perk #1: Normal Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 65%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $57,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Normal is $56,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-1000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Normal’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,456
• Property Tax %: 1.78%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,050
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Normal
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Normal, Bloomington, Hudson, Leroy, and probably could include Heyworth
• Avg. Age of Homes in Normal: 44 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.7%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Normal’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Normal are  Education, Healthcare, and Retail
• Normal Job Scene: healthy job market centered on education and services
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech landscape primarily influenced by Illinois State University , ,
• Normal Resident’s pay $700 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Normal: 9%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 60 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 2

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Normal

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-55 runs through Normal providing vital north-south access
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Interstate Drive
• Transportation Score: 33 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Normal: 40,000
• Cars registered per Person: 3.1
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Normal: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: Central Illinois Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Normal’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Normal is best described as experiences hot summers and cold winters characterized by the transitions of spring and fall with temperatures that vary widely throughout the seasons
• Winter Weather in Normal i’d describe as cold with snowy weather
• Spring Weather in Normal can be described as cool with rain likely
• Summer’s in Normal are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Normal is usually cool and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 5 days in summer
• Days in a row in Normal below Freezing: 22
• Average Annual Rainfall: 39 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality supported by green spaces
• Normal Winter Air generally good air quality but can fluctuate with weather

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Normal Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Normal 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Normals’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Normal Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Normal Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Normal only Doctors is about 25
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Normal only Police Officers is about 90
• Crime Rate Index: 20/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Normal’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Normal’s Monthly Gym Membership: $37
• Normal’s Water Quality Score: 74

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Normal

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: college town with a relaxed atmosphere and community events
• You might enjoy local musicals at the Normal Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Normal  features local bars and restaurants that cater to the college crowd creating a lively social scene

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Normal

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a mix of casual dining and chain restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 25 scattered around Normal
• The Popular Sports Team is Illinois State Redbirds
• Top Level Political Climate in Normal can be described as moderate community influenced by the local university
• Normal’s Longer standing religious establishment is Normal Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Normal Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Normal has 20 Parks?
• Normal Community Park is Normal’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Normal Farmers Market normally open Thursday 3pm-6pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, picnicking, and cycling

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Normal Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Normal can be described as steady college town life with family amenities and community events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Normal playing at parks exploring nature community festivals
• The Cities people commute to from Normal are Bloomington 2 miles away Champaign 38 miles away Peoria 40 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Normal or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on Interstate Drive. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Normal’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Normal is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Normal are Bloomington 2 miles away Champaign 38 miles away Peoria 40 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 20 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Normal has 22 days in a row below freezing and 5 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Normal people have an average (positive or negative) $-1000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   200 homeless people living in Normal. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general moderate community influenced by the local university could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Normal.

Retiree & Senior Life in Normal

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might enjoy exemptions that help offset real estate taxes
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Meadows of Normal
• Normal Senior Center offers recreational activities meal programs and health services for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Normal, Illinois?

If Normal, Illinois ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Normal, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!