Bloomington, IN
Why You’ll Love Living in Bloomington, Indiana
Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, Bloomington combines small-town charm with vibrant urban amenities. As the home of Indiana University, a top public research institution, the city enjoys a rich tapestry of art, music, sports and entertainment offerings. The local dining scene offers a wealth of global flavors, ranging from international cuisine to artisanal pizza and farm-to-table favorites. The city is surrounded by forests, lakes and hiking trails, which afford residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Thinking of moving to Bloomington, IN? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Bloomington, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Bloomington, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Bloomington, IN, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Home to the Indiana University Hoosiers, Bloomington, IN, residents get to enjoy perks that come with living in a college town – youthful energy, team spirit and campus amenities shared with the public, like thought-provoking films shown at IU Cinema and free admission to see works by Picasso, Monet, and more at the Eskenazi Museum of Art.
The university is also a significant economic development engine as one of the nation’s premier research institutes. But high-ranking higher education is just one of many reasons that Bloomington is one of the best places to live in the U.S. Other things that make life great here include a fantastic culinary scene with 75 international restaurants, a walkable downtown, and a shared love for arts and culture. Bloomington is also a bike-friendly city, and the university hosts the Little 500, the largest collegiate bike race in the country.
Bloomington is also a great place to put down roots and raise a family because there are A+ schools, an award-winning children’s museum called WonderLab and amazing places to play, like Switchyard Park, which has rock walls and a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round.
And for the outdoorsy type, there is plenty to do in Bloomington. Lace up your sneakers or hiking boots and see the Bloomington area on foot. There are more than 200 miles of trails, from paved city paths to trails through the Hoosier National Forest. One of the most popular urban options for walkers, joggers and bikers is the B-Line Trail, a 3.1-mile route through downtown with access to shopping and dining.
Bloomington, IN Quality of Life LivScore
Bloomington, IN Top Categories
Transportation
Education
Health
Bloomington ranks highest for transportation, education and health.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Bloomington, IN
Bloomington enjoys four distinct seasons, with summers that are warm and humid and winters that typically see lows in the 20s. The average highs and lows are 84°F and 64°F (summer) and 40°F and 23°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Bloomington is around 16 inches.
The average annual rainfall in Bloomington is 47 inches.
Bloomington averages 188 sunny days a year.
Leonard Springs Nature Park is unbelievably lush during the summer months, and it offers some surprises, like caves, waterfalls and the occasional ranger-led full moon hike. Or explore the gorgeous hills of Brown County State Park, the state’s largest, which boasts countless scenic vistas and miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.
Things To Do in Bloomington, IN
Admission is free to the Lilly Library, a must-visit for literary lovers. The library’s collection includes 8.5 million manuscripts, 450,000 books, sheet music, mechanical puzzles and highlights, such as the first printed edition of “The Canterbury Tales.”
Karst Farm Park has four playgrounds (including a musical one!) and a fun splash pad.
This city is serious about hoops and even has a Hoosiers Basketball Trail celebrating Bloomington’s love for basketball.
Cardinal Spirits is a distillery that churns out award-winning craft spirits and crave-worthy canned cocktails (think Bourbon Cream Soda).
Bloomington has more than six dozen international restaurants. A favorite is Anyetsang’s Little Tibet Restaurant, which serves Thai, Indian and Tibetan cuisine in a restored house with a garden patio.
Live music is easy to come by in Bloomington. Catch a concert at The Bluebird or hear a local act and play pinball at the Orbit Room, a dive bar that also hosts comedy, trivia, author readings and more.
Start your morning off right at Verona Coffee Shop, a European-inspired spot that also serves breakfast sandwiches and acai bowls.
The Local and State Economy in Bloomington, IN
Three of Bloomington’s largest employers are Indiana University, the Cook Group and Baxter Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, so it should be no surprise that the city’s largest industries are education and health care.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Bloomington is 7%.
Yes, Indiana has a state income tax.
Bloomington is home to Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital, which U.S. News & World Report recognizes as a high performer in three adult procedures and conditions, including stroke and maternity care. It has also been recognized as the best hospital in Indiana.
Bloomington’s largest higher education institution is Indiana University – Bloomington.
Weather in Bloomington, IN
Average Temperatures
64 high / 43 low
Average Annual Rainfall
47 in
Average Annual Snowfall
15 in
Quick Facts about Bloomington, Indiana
- Median Home Value
- $244,663
- Median Property Tax
- $1,987
- Total Population
- 79,129
- Average Commute
- 14 min
- Median Household Income
- $48,149
- Median Monthly Rent
- $900
Map of Bloomington, IN
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