Info for Galena, PLEASE :) (rental, homes, neighborhoods)

[Paxtonian]

I'll certainly do that. BTW, have you ever heard of a place called Fairbury? For some reason as I pondered it came to mind. I used to live near there, it's a pretty nifty town.

[snowgirl]

Originally Posted by Paxtonian

I'll certainly do that. BTW, have you ever heard of a place called Fairbury? For some reason as I pondered it came to mind. I used to live near there, it's a pretty nifty town.

No Paxtonian, I have never heard of this place. Where is it and what does it have ?
So sorry about the late reply and thank you for understanding and for trying to help. I DO appreciate it for sure

[Paxtonian]

It's a rather obscure medium-sized town in Livingston County. I've been there many times and I like the feel of the place. For some reason, when I thought about where you needed to be, it popped into my mind.

[Paxtonian]

http://www.fairburyil.org

[jlmillerco]

As long as you guys are talking about Galena has anybody built or purchased a house in that area lately? We are looking at locating a store in Galena and would like a few opinions from anybody who maybe recently moved there, and why? Thanks

[schoenfraun]

Hello, Galena thread!

I was wondering if anyone else might chime in with information as to what it is actually like to live in Galena, not just to visit...

It there a strong sense of community? Do people resent the influx of tourists, do they feel as though their lives are always on display? What is it like to live in a tourist attraction? Or is it a "real" town, a place where people know their neighbors and care about each other, but it just happens to be beautiful and popular with tourists....

Are there decent places to get good food, like farmers markets or natural food stores? Is there a co-op or something like that? My husband is a baker (he makes beautiful whole grain breads, in particular...but he's getting into pastries, too) and he likes to use whole grains, organic produce, etc.... I guess you could say we're fussy about groceries.

I ask because we just started talking about moving there. I could look for work among the historical societies or museums, as I am finishing up my dissertation in architectural history....

We're just looking for a quiet, friendly place to live. We don't have kids, and we aren't looking for a place to go out howling on the streets all night, but we would like a vibrant, small community. I realize that Galena is not particularly diverse, but is it a place to move to? Is it affordable? Bakers and historians don't make a lot of money , but we'd love to "get by" in a place we can enjoy.

Any and all information and opinions from real live Galena residents, past and present, is appreciated.... What is Galena like, day in and out? What do you like and dislike about calling Galena home?

[nanannie]

I am reminded how I read of the resentment that vacation areas in Wisconsin have towards tourists(illinois ones reallY) and have to laugh as where would they be were it not for the tourist industry?.Same is true for Galena,,,take away the tourists and most businesses are down the tubes

[Drover]

I've spent tons of time in Wisconsin and even lived there for a while. The "we hate FIBS" phenomenon is exaggerated. Most of it is just good-natured ribbing. Even so, there is some genuine resentment among some folks up there, especially in resort areas that are seeing property values skyrocket... but it gets a lot more attention than it deserves.

[CarolL]

Originally Posted by schoenfraun

Hello, Galena thread!

I was wondering if anyone else might chime in with information as to what it is actually like to live in Galena, not just to visit...It there a strong sense of community? ...What is it like to live in a tourist attraction? Or is it a "real" town, a place where people know their neighbors and care about each other, but it just happens to be beautiful and popular with tourists....
...I ask because we just started talking about moving there. ...We're just looking for a quiet, friendly place to live. ...but we would like a vibrant, small community. I realize that Galena is not particularly diverse, but is it a place to move to? Is it affordable? ...but we'd love to "get by" in a place we can enjoy.Any and all information and opinions from real live Galena residents, past and present, is appreciated.... What is Galena like, day in and out? What do you like and dislike about calling Galena home?

I am bumping this up, because I too would like answers to these questions.

DH and I will be retiring soon. Our Chicago condo is for sale, and we'd like to move out of the city. Galena is a beautiful area, and DH is rarin' to go there. I think it's charming and love the restaurants and scenery and quaintness, but I also am wondering, with schoenfraun, What's it like to live in Galena as a tourist attraction?

[Dablondeone]

This is for Snowgirl and all the other curious folks who've been chatting. I just HAD to join so I could give some input. I live in Galena, and I love it!! I moved here 10 years ago and would never move!! The people are wonderful, there are all sorts of activities, festivals, celebrations!! The architecture and historical value are unparalelled. The natural beauty sees it's way into all 4 seasons. We're 20 minutes (max.) from Dubuque and about 3 hours from Chicago.

For Snowgirl, especially, I noticed you are single. This is one of the few towns I've lived in that embraces the single lifestyle. There are groups to join that are not specifically oriented to couples.

There may be some troubles among the shopkeepers etc. but they are willing to work glitches out and support each other. The local economy is based on the tourist industry, and they know it!

I have to run to the store, but I welcome any specific questions.

And I'll say it again!! Galena is awesome!!!!!: