Home to Illinois State University, Normal offers a college-town atmosphere with its own distinct character. The town features Uptown Normal, a walkable district with a roundabout center, restaurants, shops, and the 1937 Normal Theater, an Art Deco landmark showing classic and independent films. Normal is also known for being the birthplace of the original Steak 'n Shake restaurant in 1934 and now houses Rivian's electric vehicle manufacturing plant, which has brought new economic energy to the area.

Renters in Normal find a variety of housing options, from newer apartment communities near Uptown to established neighborhoods with single-family homes and townhomes. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,127, while two-bedroom units average $1,195. Neighborhoods like One Normal Plaza offer tree-lined streets and direct access to Constitution Trail, a 24-mile converted rail line perfect for walking, running, or cycling. The Children's Discovery Museum and Ironwood Golf Course provide recreational options for residents.

Normal's central Illinois location places it at the intersection of three major interstates (I-55, I-74, and I-39), making commuting convenient. The Uptown Station transportation center offers Amtrak service to Chicago (2.5 hours) and St. Louis (2.5 hours). Major employers include Illinois State University, Heartland Community College, and Rivian Automotive. The town experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures typically reaching the mid-70s and winter temperatures dropping into the 20s, with about 20 inches of snow annually.