I'm retired and Crime rate is something to consider -Bloomington sits at 236.3 per 100K. Household incomes average around $90,677 in Bloomington. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Would love some local perspective. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
17 upvotes
10 Replies
Aiden Clark
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much stable but now it's hit or miss.
32 upvotes
Ethan
I'm a accountant and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Grace C.
I'm a project manager and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Nevaeh Perez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 7 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Landon Clark
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 3 years. Moved from Portland for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
David
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Aubrey Kelly
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Austin about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Isaac M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Madelyn Morales
as a local I can confirm
3 upvotes
Lily Bennett
Came here for family and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The community vibe is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.