Living in Bloomington, IL offers a blend of small-town charm and urban amenities, with the convenience of being close to major urban centers. Located in Central Illinois, Bloomington is just a couple of hours' drive from Chicago, making it an ideal location for those who enjoy the benefits of a peaceful, scenic setting while having easy access to the bustling city life of Chicago. The city is known for its strong sense of community, historic neighborhoods, and thriving local economy.
Bloomington’s dining scene is diverse, offering a range of options from classic American fare to international cuisine. The city’s downtown area is a vibrant hub of activity, featuring a variety of shops, cafes, and entertainment venues. The annual Illinois Shakespeare Festival and the Sweet Corn Circus are highlights of the year, bringing the community together to celebrate the region’s rich culture with performances, food, and family-friendly activities.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Bloomington provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The city’s parks, including Miller Park and Ewing Park, offer scenic spots for hiking, biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of Illinois. The nearby Constitution Trail provides additional opportunities for walking, jogging, and cycling in a peaceful environment.
Bloomington is also known for its strong sense of community and commitment to preserving its historical heritage. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Farmers' Market and the Downtown Bloomington Christmas Parade, which bring residents together to enjoy the community spirit and festive atmosphere. The city’s proximity to Chicago means that residents can easily access the amenities of a major city, including theaters, museums, and professional sports venues.
For those considering a move to Illinois, Bloomington offers a perfect blend of small-town charm, cultural richness, and urban convenience. Whether you're drawn by its parks, community events, or easy access to Chicago, living in Bloomington, IL provides a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle.
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.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
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.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Bloomington, Illinois is a mid-sized city with a population of 77,725 inhabitants. The majority of Bloomington residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Bloomington. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Bloomington can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Bloomington and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Bloomington to Illinois and the national average.
Using data and statistics Bloomington has received a livability score of 75/100. This score is ranked in the 89th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Bloomington could be a great choice! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Bloomington has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (B), cost of living (A-), employment (B+) and housing (B+).
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Bloomington, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.98% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Bloomington can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Bloomington is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Bloomington come in at $165,300, which is 5.4% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Bloomington, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 16.7% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Bloomington | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.0% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.9% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.2% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.0% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.2% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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