Hi all, I'm originally from Phoenix and With a population of 88,838, Bloomington is a smaller city. Household incomes average around $90,677 in Bloomington. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
5 upvotes
11 Replies
Harper James
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much developing but now it's pretty good.
36 upvotes
Angel
interesting, hadn't considered that
33 upvotes
Stella Foster
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 30, moved here 7 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Dallas, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
33 upvotes
Aria Jackson
Moved here from San Diego about 5 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Silas
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Genesis Ortiz
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Amelia T.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
19 upvotes
Jameson Ross
+1
19 upvotes
Austin Patel
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Evelyn Mendoza
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Ava C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 13 years. Moved from Raleigh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are better than expected. 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. Nightlife is limited. Not very walkable outside downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
