Bloomington, MN
Why You’ll Love Living in Bloomington, Minnesota
With its vibrant community, great schools, and good balance of city convenience and natural beauty, Bloomington, Minnesota, has earned a well-deserved reputation as a great place to call home. The city’s strong economy, low crime rate and top-notch health care facilities lend to its attraction as a family-friendly destination, while its proximity to Minneapolis and robust economy appeal to young professionals seeking to build careers in industries such as retail, hospitality and health care. Located in the iconic Land of 10,000 Lakes, Bloomington’s natural beauty is a big draw for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of green spaces, trails and nature facilities for residents of all ages and abilities, as well as numerous lakes and a wildlife refuge.
Thinking of moving to Bloomington, MN? 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, MN, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Home to the 5.6 million-square-foot Mall of America (can you say shop ’til you drop?!), Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington, MN, located just 10 miles south of Minneapolis, offers plenty of fun. Add to that excellent health care options, high-quality schools, and public parks that deliver numerous ways to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors.
As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Bloomington goes beyond with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion — including a full-time racial equality coordinator for the city — and as a welcoming place for companies such as Ceridian, HealthPartners and International Dairy Queen. There are robust retail, health care and tourism sectors, not to mention the plethora of Fortune 500 firms with a presence in the Greater Minneapolis region. And, of course, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport makes doing business here easy. This state of 10,000 lakes offers nearby water-based recreational fun for Bloomington residents, as well as golf courses, bike paths, ski slopes and other great spots to get some fresh air. Other amenities include a burgeoning arts scene, chef-driven restaurants and the serene Japanese Garden on the Normandale Community College campus.
Bloomington, MN Quality of Life LivScore
Bloomington, MN Top Categories
Health
Economy
Education
Bloomington ranks highest for health, economy and education.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Bloomington, MN
Very cold winters bring lots of snow, and warm summers mean lots of lake days. The average highs and lows are 83°F and 62°F (summer) and 27°F and 11°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Bloomington is higher than the national average at 52 inches.
The average annual rainfall in Bloomington is around 39 inches.
Bloomington averages 198 sunny days a year.
Celebrate Bloomington’s snowy season and hit the slopes at Hyland Hills Ski Area. During the summer months, residents can go hiking, biking or boating at Hyland Lake Park Reserve.
Things To Do in Bloomington, MN
There are several free activities in Bloomington, but one of the best is exploring the natural beauty of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge has walking trails and scenic overlooks, providing plenty of chances to spot native birds and enjoy some fresh air.
Pack a picnic and head to Hyland Lake Park Reserve and Play Area, which features a three-story slide, ropes course and scenic lake to walk around.
Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes; however, there are actually 12,034 lakes throughout the state! Because of these vast waterways, it’s easy for Bloomington residents to take a break in local parks and nature areas.
Mall of America — need we say more? This major tourist destination has an understandable reputation for its vast selection of stores, restaurants and entertainment choices. Locals can also enjoy a large variety of Minnesota-made brands, like Duluth Trading Co.
Grab your pals for a delicious dinner at Hazelwood Food & Drink, where your order for the table should definitely be the brie cheese curds.
The Mall of America occasionally hosts live performances, including musical acts and cultural performances, in the Rotunda area. The best way to find out about upcoming shows is to check the mall’s event calendar. The Target Center in nearby Minneapolis hosts big-name artists.
Mugshots Coffee Company in the Valley West Shopping Center is known for its great coffee, modern atmosphere and excellent eats.
The Local and State Economy in Bloomington, MN
Tourism, hospitality and retail are three of Bloomington’s largest industries. The Mall of America, Health Partners and Best Buy are some of the major employers.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Bloomington is 8.53%.
Yes, Minnesota has a state income tax.
Bloomington’s proximity to Minneapolis gives residents many providers to choose from.
Several colleges and universities are located in Bloomington, including Normandale Community College, Bethany Global University, Northwestern Health Sciences University and Academy College.
Weather in Bloomington, MN
Average Temperatures
55 High / 37 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
31 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
53 Inches
Quick Facts about Bloomington, Minnesota
- Median Home Value
- $321,788
- Median Property Tax
- $3,117
- Total Population
- 89,631
- Average Commute
- 18 min
- Median Household Income
- $92,589
- Median Rent per Month
- $1,227
Map of Bloomington, MN
Bloomington, MN: Where to Live Now
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