Located about 50 miles southwest of Indianapolis is the Indiana city of Bloomington, which is also the county seat of Monroe County. Incorporated as a city in 1818, Bloomington got its start as a settlement when U.S. President James Munroe selected the site as the location of a seminary, originally known as Indiana Seminary. The seminary later became a college and in 1848 finally became Indiana University (IU). The first college west of the Allegheny Mountains, the University has evolved into one of the most beautiful university campuses in the U.S. offering several nationally recognized programs for students. Owing to its location in the heart of the Midwest, Bloomington is within a day’s drive of over half of the U.S. population. The city can be accessed from two major state highways: Indiana State Highways 37 and 46, both of which provide easy access to several Interstates including I-69. The primary source of air service to Bloomington is the Indianapolis International Airport, located just 50 miles to the north, although private aircraft can fly to and from Monroe County Airport, located just west of Bloomington.
Today, Bloomington is a regional center for industry and commerce. Ranked No. 3 for “Best Places For Business Careers” by Forbes, as well as one of the Top 50 “Hottest Small Cities for Entrepreneurs” by Entrepreneur Magazine, Bloomington has developed into a great place to live and work. The Mill, Bloomington’s center for entrepreneurship serves as the heart of the area’s startup ecosystem. The city is also home to a growing tech industry as well as medical manufacturing with major employers such as Cook, Catelent, and Baxter present in the area.
The area’s natural beauty makes Bloomington ideal for an outdoor excursion. Home to the state’s only national forest, its largest inland lake, and a large number of parks including Switchyard Park and Lower Cascades Park, Bloomington offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The Hoosier National Forest offers over 230 miles of hiking, horseback and mountain biking trails. Seasonal recreation is found on lakes Lemon and Griffy while Lake Monroe is a large and popular venue for boating, fishing, water-skiing, and more.
Community
Bloomington, Indiana is known as one of the best places to call home in the state of Indiana. You will find a mix of both urban and suburban areas in Bloomington. There are a variety of restaurants, shopping, and parks to enjoy in Bloomington. Because Indiana University is located in Bloomington, there are always events going on throughout the community for residents to enjoy. In addition, because of the student population in the area, more residents rent vs. own their homes in Bloomington.
Demographics - 2022
- Population: 79,168
- Median Age: 24
- Median Household Income: $47,360
- Homeownership Rate: 32.7%
Housing Stats - May 2024
- Number of Homes Sold: 61
- Median Days on Market: 43
- Median Sales Price: $394,00
- Homes Sold Above List Price: 11.5%
Restaurants
Bloomington is well known for locally owned restaurants serving some of the best cuisine in the midwest. With a diverse community, restaurants range from international cuisine to historical downtown restaurants. Bloomington is also home to several popular craft breweries.
What You’ll Find in Bloomington
Restaurants
- The Uptown Cafe, American eatery with a cajun-creole twist
- The Owlery, Vegetarian cuisine
- Upland Brewing Co., Contemporary pub fare with a rotating beer list
- Malibu Grill, laidback bistro serving seafood, steaks, pasta, and more
- Social Cantina, Mexican cuisine with a modern flair
- Lennie’s, tavern serving local, craft beers as well as gourmet pizza
Shopping
- College Mall, a traditional mall home to more than 80 stores
- Fountain Square, a shopping destination in the heart of Bloomington
- Uptown Plaza, Home to a variety of shopping options
Commute Times
- 2 mins to Indiana University
- 20 mins to Lake Monroe
- 35 mins to Brown County State Park
- 1 hour to Indianapolis International Airport
Nearby Neighborhoods
- Ellettsville
- Spencer
- Martinsville
- Bedford
Nearby Communities
- Ellettsville
- Spencer
- Martinsville
- Nashville
Local Attractions
- Monroe Lake
- Oliver Winery
- WonderLab
Bloomington Schools
Residents of Bloomington use the Monroe County Community School Corporation. The district offers early learning programs, fourteen elementary schools, three middle schools, five high schools, adult education, and an online academy. The mission of the district is to empower students to maximize their educational success to become productive, responsible global citizens. Bloomington elementary schools are the foundation of student success. The district offers several choices, so it’s worth reading up on which school would be the best fit for your child. Click here to see the school boundaries map and click here for a detailed guide with specific information about each elementary school. Each school has its own perks. For example, Binford Elementary places an emphasis on STEM skills and Summit Elementary fosters diversity and global education by hosting students from over 40 countries who speak over 20 different languages. No matter which school you choose, your child will get an excellent education in the Monroe County Community School Corporation.
Indiana University’s intercollegiate athletics program has a long tradition of excellence. The Hoosiers, a member of the prestigious Big Ten Conference, have won a total of 24 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships, including its 1975-76 men’s basketball team coached by Bobby Knight which remains the last Division I squad to go undefeated for an entire season and then go on to win the NCAA championship. Fans craving sports of the professional variety can take the one hour drive to Indianapolis and see a variety of pro teams. The Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL) and the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) represent the area’s two major sports franchises. Also in Indianapolis are the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) Indiana Fever and the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Indiana Ice. Minor League Baseball in the city is played by the Indianapolis Indians, a Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates. The Indianapolis 500, often called “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, is held annually over the Memorial Day weekend in Speedway, Indiana, which is just outside of Indianapolis.
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