Living in Bloomington, IN offers a vibrant blend of academic energy, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Home to Indiana University, Bloomington is a college town that thrives on the arts, education, and outdoor activities. The university's influence is evident in the city’s diverse cultural offerings, from performances at the IU Auditorium to exhibitions at the Eskenazi Museum of Art.
Bloomington’s downtown area is a lively hub with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The city’s Farmers Market is a popular destination for fresh produce, local goods, and live music, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. The annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival is a highlight, celebrating global cultures with music, dance, and visual arts.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Bloomington offers plenty of opportunities for recreation. The nearby Hoosier National Forest and Lake Monroe provide scenic spots for hiking, boating, and camping, offering a natural escape just minutes from the city. The city’s parks, including Bryan Park and Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, are popular spots for picnics, sports, and relaxation.
Bloomington is also known for its strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Fourth Street Festival of the Arts & Crafts and the Taste of Bloomington, which bring residents together to celebrate the city's creativity and culinary scene. The local schools and the presence of Indiana University make Bloomington an attractive place for families and students alike.
For those considering a move to Indiana, Bloomington offers a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural vibrancy, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're drawn by its university town vibe, artistic community, or natural beauty, living in Bloomington, IN provides a fulfilling and dynamic lifestyle.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Located in the state of Indiana, Bloomington is a mid-sized city with a population of 84,691 residents. In Bloomington, there are 3,643 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we look at the most recent Census, Bloomington is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. The median age of all Bloomington residents is 24, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 28% of the Bloomington population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Bloomington will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Bloomington, Indiana. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Bloomington, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like health & safety, employment, housing and more.
Using data and statistics Bloomington has received a livability score of 81/100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the national average, Bloomington ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Bloomington is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Bloomington has higher than average grades for the following: cost of living (A-) and education (B-). On a less positive note, Bloomington does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (D-) and employment (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Living in Bloomington offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Bloomington provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: WonderLab, Indiana University Art Museum, and Buskirk-Chumley Theatre.
Bloomington real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Bloomington. The median home price for Bloomington homes is $219,200, which is 73.3% higher than the Indiana average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Bloomington, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.3, which is 112% higher than the Indiana average.
| Statistic | Bloomington | Indiana | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 61.0% | 83.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.5% | 8.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 5.2% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.4% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 11.5% | 2.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.6% | 3.5% | 4.6% |
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