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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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".
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shannan Werckle,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Galesburg, IL sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Galesburg, IL over the last 12 months is $115,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning Victorian charmer built during the country's centennial in 1876. Features include five bedrooms, 3.5 baths, three finished levels of spacious rooms with hardwood floors, ornate woodwork, and a large and inviting modern kitchen and updated baths. Currently the upstairs is being used as a short-term rental, so the main level and 2nd/3rd floors are divided by an easily-removed door if a
Convenient and Comfortable All One Level Living with your beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch style home featuring covered entry porch, living room open to dining room offering fireplace, and glass sliders providing nice backyard views plus patio access. Eat-in kitchen designed for ample storage with plenty of cabinets, cupboards, counter space, and garage entry ensures just a few steps for the
Welcome Home to your warm and comfortable 3 bedroom ranch style home offering convenient main level living with your 3 bedroom ranch style home offering light and bright living room open to dining area and your easy step kitchen equipped with appliances and convenient laundry closet. Inviting family room offers nice space for relaxed living and features a wood burning fireplace, plus French doors
Fantastic Five Bedroom home offering great living space throughout. Meticulously kept and well cared for home features covered front porch perfect for evening visits and providing shelter for arriving guests. Entry features hardwood flooring, easy access to your formal living room accented with double faced fireplace, gleaming wood flooring, and nice natural light filling the room. Formal dining
Comfortable and Convenient 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Ranch Style Home offering covered front entry porch protecting arriving guests from the elements. Generous combination living and dining room centrally located within in the home providing beautiful exterior views of the front yard and back yard of the home. Large kitchen comes complete with appliances, nice cabinetry, plenty of counter space,
This 3 bedroom 2 bath home is ready to move in. The first floor features new flooring and has been freshly painted. The kitchen, dining room and living room flow into each other allowing easy entertaining and family time. The kitchen is large which provides ample room to prepare meals. Just off the kitchen is a bathroom with a shower. The upper floor has two bedrooms and a bathroom. A large
Looking for a Wonderful Home and a Great Garage with Shop Space? Then take a look at this beautiful brick 3 bedroom 3.5 bathroom home featuring double entry offering a coat closet for easy storage of coats and hats, living room which allows plenty of space for hosting guests, family, and features crown molding, warm and inviting wood burning fireplace, bordered by built-in shelving. Living room
Everything has been updated and is ready for you to move right in and enjoy. The inviting living room features a bay window, laminate floors and a darling dining nook. The kitchen offers stainless-steel appliances, beautiful wood cabinets and an open staircase leading to the finished, waterproofed basement with a second bathroom. You'll also love the replacement windows throughout, 4-season room
Convenient Living Offered with Your 3 Bedroom Ranch Style Home. Amenities include covered front entry, light and bright living room featuring gleaming hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling, and open to dining area. Kitchen includes appliances, washing machine and clothes dryer, access to three season patio overlooking fenced backyard. Three bedrooms all located within steps of hall bathroom. Other
Comfortable, and Convenient, Condominium Living offered with your enjoyable three bedroom, 3 bath home featuring open and bright living/dining room combination with inviting fireplace, crown molding, built-in book shelves, and glass sliders granting balcony access. Kitchen offers appliances, under cabinet lighting, ample counter and cabinet space, plus informal dining area ideal for casual meals
Gorgeous Brick and Masonry Stucco 2 Story home features expansive and covered front porch perfect for evening visits rain or shine. Gracious double entry with entry door highlighted with leaded glass side lights, natural woodwork, and beautiful open oak staircase setting the tone for décor throughout the home providing a warm welcome to arriving guests. Formal living room offers French and pocket
Bring your vision and toolbelt- this property is a blank slate for your next rebuild project! Previously having 3 apartment units, it offers a rare chance to restore the home to its former glory or explore new possibilities! The property features a 2 bedroom main floor, with a full bathroom. The upstairs has the potential to be two separate 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartments. Offering a unique
PLEASE CALL PROPERTY IF INTERESTED !!!! Calls will be answered more promptly versus messages / emails. Great north location - close to shopping and activities. Spacious 2 bedroom, 1 bath apt with extra closets , storage and laundry in the basement. Each unit is equipped with a gas furnace, central air, and a hot water heater. Tenant pays all utilities. 1 year renewable lease. No
Galesburg Towers Apartments is both a home and a community. It offers gracious, one-bedroom apartment homes for senior adults, age 62 and older, and/or handicapped persons. Units have all electric utilities and the resident pays for the electric service. Water trash & sewage are included in the rent. You will appreciate all the best aspects of apartment living with a vibrant community of people.
When you call Parkway Estates home, you'll find yourself surrounded in a beautiful, lush, park-like environment. Our spacious, luxury, one, two, and three bedroom apartments include private entrances, and is on a public transportation route along with a variety of great amenities. The professional, on-site management staff will assist you in meeting all of your needs.If you would like to
River Oaks Trails offers a charming and affordable living experience nestled beside the expansive 50-acre Kiwanis Park. The proximity to the park, complete with golf facilities and a refreshing spray water park, provides residents with an abundance of recreational opportunities right at their doorstep. There is also a grocery store nearby, standing as a convenient haven for residents, offering a
This charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family residence offers roughly 1,700 square feet of comfortable living space. The property features a bright living areas and ample storage space throughout.*Property does have a functional obsolescense-- must walk through a bedroom to get to another (upstairs.)Located on a large corner lot, this home offers a spacious backyard and
Introducing the epitome of elegance in the heart of Galesburg! Nestled within a charming neighborhood, this stunning 2-story brick home boasts timeless beauty and offers a luxurious living experience. With 4 spacious bedrooms, a walk-up attic, and a basement, this home is truly a dream come true. Property not available until July
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
