Been meaning to ask this. I've been here for 13 years and Rent is about $1,004/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Bloomington sits at 495.5 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development.
4 upvotes
12 Replies
Addison Ortiz
yep
36 upvotes
Nora P.
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
33 upvotes
Jordan R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Houston it's underrated.
30 upvotes
Samuel W.
+1
29 upvotes
Luna Phillips
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Valentina Ross
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Isabelle Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 48, moved here 15 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Nashville, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
19 upvotes
Charlotte Rogers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Minneapolis about 7 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Carson W.
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Genesis Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 33, moved here 2 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Fairview and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
9 upvotes
Aurora Brown
I've lived in Westside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The outdoor recreation scene is decent
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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