Surrounded by cornfields in every direction, Galesburg, Illinois, is an oasis with large employers, historical ties and affordable homes. The county seat of Knox County highlights its past as a railroad town, college town and stop on the Underground Railroad. Family ties also extend far into the past, and "People have been here for generations," says Noelle Thompson, director of the Galesburg Public Library. "Their roots are here." Though the city is slowly shrinking, with a decrease in population in all but one census since 1970, Galesburg still attracts those looking for a rural, small-town feel and plenty of room to spread out.
The Old City Hall is another historical landmark of Galesburg on Cherry street.
Galesburg's downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Built around a convenient train depot
The city started as a large railroad town, and its train depot acted as a halfway point between Quincy and Chicago. Blick Art Materials and Maytag utilized the convenient location for their plants and headquarters until relocations in the early 2000s. The railroad still plays a large part in the community's industry and culture, and BNSF Railway is the largest employer.
Amtrak has four daily trains from Chicago to Galesburg and three in the opposite direction. Located on the westernmost bend along Interstate 74, Galesburg has direct access to larger cities like Davenport and Peoria. Hospitals and airports with commercial flights are in both. "People who work in the cities often move here to settle their family in a smaller, tight-knit community," Thompson says. "New families are also coming for jobs, and students at Knox College stay after graduating."
BNSF Railway is the largest employer of Galesburg, IL.
Blick Art Materials utilized the previous train depot as it's headquarters in Galesburg.
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Below-average prices for Victorian mansions
Most homes date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, and are in need of regular repairs and renovations. "There's a big push from the city and from a social standpoint to repair and keep up historic buildings, especially homes," Thompson says. Bungalows, workers' cottages and American Foursquare in livable condition sell for as low as $40,000. The city's most expensive homes are well-maintained Colonial Revivals, Victorians and a limited number of new traditional and sprawling-ranch style homes from more recent decades. Prices top out at around $325,000, and at only $78 per square foot on average, homes in Galesburg are relatively affordable.
The median price over the past 12 months is $100,000 – $306,000 less than the national median of $406,000.
Historic homes are a common sight in Galesburg and give the city a charming character.
This blue Victorian home in Galesburg is an eye catcher.
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Lake Storey and Tornado Alley
Small neighborhood parks are within the city's small blocks, but Lake Story Park is a standout for recreation with its public beach, baseball fields, campground and nature center around the lake. The park also has mountain biking trails and a public pool with slides and a splash pad.
Galesburg is in Tornado Alley and has a higher-than-average chance of encountering tornados and windstorms. The last tornado to directly hit parts of the city was in the summer of 1968, but high winds are regular throughout the season. Winters are cold and moderately snowy, and according to the NOAA, summer days are comfortable, with daily mean temperatures in the low- to mid-70s.
Lake Storey Park features a public beach and nature center around the lake.
Central Park is a small, circular park in the middle of Downtown Galesburg.
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The National Railroad Hall of Fame
Construction on the National Railroad Hall of Fame began in 2019, and the museum will be a welcome addition to the area's railroad-centered history and celebrations. In addition to the Galesburg Railroad Museum, the city hosts the Railroad Days Festival on the fourth weekend of June each year. Rides, train tours, musical performances and vendors attract a large attendance. Thompson says, "The event is not just for locals; We absolutely see visitors and train enthusiasts from all over the country."
Galesburg Railroad Museum shares the rich history of the city's roots.
The railroad still plays a large part in the Galesburg's industry and culture.
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The Jewel of Galesburg
Galesburg's downtown, called Seminary Street Historic District by locals, is on the National Register of Historic Places. "The arts scene is growing throughout the community with visual arts, live music and performing arts," Thompson says. In addition to performances at coffee shops and bars, locals can catch a musical act at The Orpheum Theater – nicknamed "The Jewel of Galesburg."
Outside of downtown, the main shopping area is along North Henderson Street, which has department stores, grocery stores, car dealerships and fast-food chains.
Outside of downtown, the main shopping area of Galesburg is along North Henderson Street.
The Oprheum Theater is nicknamed "The Jewel of Galesburg".
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Extending education at Knox College
Galesburg Community Unit School District No. 205 is rated a C-plus on Niche and has high marks for diversity. President Ronald Reagan attended Silas Willard Elementary School for one year when his family lived there.
Knox College is a private liberal arts college that offers more than 60 education disciplines. Founded in 1837, the college has some of Galesburg's oldest buildings.
Galesburg Community Unit School District No. 205 is rated a C-plus on Niche.
President Ronald Reagan attended Silas Willard Elementary School in Galesburg, IL.
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Galesburg Police Department reports a decrease in crime
The most recent Galesburg Police Department annual report shows that violent crime counts decreased by over 50% from 2022 to 2023, and property crime counts decreased by 22%. According to statistics provided by the FBI, both violent and property rates in Galesburg are on trend with national rates.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Chris Jeong
Video By
Lucas Dyke
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Galesburg, IL sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Galesburg, IL over the last 12 months is $107,250, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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