Welcome to Bloomington, MN
Discover the Vibrant City Life and Natural Beauty of Bloomington, MN
Bloomington, Minnesota, is a thriving city that offers the perfect balance of urban amenities and outdoor adventures. With its convenient location, diverse community, and strong economy, Bloomington has become an attractive destination for those looking to relocate to the Twin Cities area.
📍 Bloomington, MN at a Glance
- Population: 89,987
- Location: 10 miles south of downtown Minneapolis
- Incorporated: 1858
- Known For: Mall of America, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and a strong corporate presence
🔗 Dive Deeper into Bloomington
💸 Cost & Budget
- Cost of Living Overview — High-level look at Bloomington’s overall monthly expenses
- Local Hidden Fees — Taxes, HOA charges, and surprise costs residents face
- Monthly Budget Examples — Sample budgets for different household sizes
🏘️ Housing & Lifestyle
- Housing Costs & Ownership — Rent vs buy, property tax, and HOA fee breakdown
- Income Needed to Live Comfortably — Salary targets by lifestyle and household type
- What It’s Like to Live Here — Local sentiment, community vibe, and quality of life
- Student Living in Bloomington — Cost and lifestyle for college and university students
🚍 Utilities & Transportation
- Grocery Costs — Typical monthly grocery spending for Bloomington residents
- Internet & Streaming Costs — What you’ll pay for internet, cable, and streaming services
- Public Transit Costs — Fares, passes, and best-value transportation options
- Utilities Breakdown — Electricity, water, trash, and seasonal bill fluctuations
🏙️ City Comparisons
🔍 In-Depth Relocation Overview
🗳️ Politics & Civic Life
Bloomington has a council-manager form of government, with a mayor and six city council members. The city is known for its active community involvement and strong civic engagement.
🚓 Crime & Safety
Bloomington has a lower crime rate compared to the national average, making it a safe place to live and raise a family. The Bloomington Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a secure environment for residents and visitors alike.
🍽️ Dining & Entertainment
Bloomington offers a diverse culinary scene, with popular restaurants like Hazelwood Food & Drink, Ciao Bella, and Kincaid’s. The Mall of America, located in the heart of the city, is a world-renowned entertainment and shopping destination, featuring countless dining options, an indoor theme park, and an aquarium.
🏛️ Local Government
The City of Bloomington provides a wide range of services to its residents, including public safety, parks and recreation, public works, and community development. The local government is committed to maintaining a high quality of life for its citizens.
🚍 Transportation
Bloomington is well-connected to the Twin Cities metro area through a network of highways, including I-35W and I-494. The city is also served by the Metro Transit bus system and the METRO Blue Line light rail, which provides easy access to downtown Minneapolis and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
🏘️ Housing & Real Estate
Bloomington offers a diverse range of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments and condominiums. The median home value in Bloomington is $301,600, which is slightly higher than the national average but competitive within the Twin Cities metro area.
🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life
Bloomington is home to over 90 parks and 1,000 acres of parkland, including the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which offers hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The city also boasts several golf courses and the Hyland Lake Park Reserve, which features skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
💼 Job Market
Bloomington has a strong and diverse economy, with major employers including HealthPartners, Mall of America, Seagate Technology, and Toro. The median household income in Bloomington is $76,925, which is higher than the national average.
🧑🏫 Education
Bloomington is served by the Bloomington Public School District, which includes several highly-rated schools. The city is also home to private schools, such as Bloomington Lutheran School and Nativity of Mary Catholic School. For higher education, residents have access to nearby colleges and universities, including Normandale Community College and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
🌞 Climate & Weather
Bloomington experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average high temperature in July is 83°F (28°C), while the average low temperature in January is 7°F (-14°C). The city receives an average of 30 inches of rainfall and 52 inches of snowfall annually.
💬 Community Sentiment
Residents of Bloomington appreciate the city’s strong sense of community, excellent schools, and convenient access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation. Many residents enjoy the balance of a suburban lifestyle with the proximity to the vibrant Twin Cities metro area.
✨ Why People Are Moving to Bloomington
With its strong job market, excellent schools, and abundant recreational opportunities, Bloomington has become an increasingly popular destination for families and professionals alike. The city’s convenient location, just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a high quality of life with easy access to the amenities of a major metropolitan area.