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Beautiful photo of downtown Bloomington MN, showcasing a few high-rise buildings.

What's It Like Living In Bloomington MN? Moving To & Living In Bloomington MN

Last Updated On: 31st August 2026, 08:29 am

Thinking about moving to Bloomington Minnesota? Just a few minutes south of Minneapolis, this vibrant community is full of natural beauty, urban amenities, and friendly people. Whether you’re looking for career opportunities, great schools, or endless outdoor activities, living in Bloomington MN delivers a lifestyle that appeals to families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

Bloomington has grown significantly since its founding in the mid-1800s as a small farming settlement along the Minnesota River. Today, it’s a thriving city with a large population, best known for being home to the world-famous Mall of America. But beyond this iconic shopping destination, Bloomington residents enjoy a high quality of life, with fresh air, green spaces, and an excellent job market.

What makes living in Bloomington MN truly special is the way it seamlessly blends city convenience with suburban charm. You’ll find easy access to Minneapolis for work or entertainment, yet Bloomington itself offers a quieter environment with beautiful parks, nature preserves, and more. Plus, families appreciate the city’s strong public schools. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about living in Bloomington MN. 

Is Bloomington MN a Good Place to Live?

Bloomington MN is a good place to live. With top-rated healthcare facilities, outdoor activities, natural beauty in green spaces, and the famous Mall of America, Bloomington is a great place to live. When living in Bloomington MN, you can also enjoy easy access to both Downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Where Is Bloomington?

What county is Bloomington MN in? Bloomington MN is in Hennepin County and is situated on the north bank of the Minnesota River above its confluence with the Mississippi River. Within the city limits, you can enjoy easy access to plenty of green spaces and things to do.

How far is Bloomington MN from Minneapolis? It is 10.6 miles from Minneapolis to Bloomington MN. When living in Bloomington MN, you’ll be a part of the Minneapolis St Paul area and will only be 19.7 miles from St. Paul.

After moving to Bloomington Minnesota, you’ll have a few options for public transportation. The Metro Transit light-rail line connects Bloomington and Downtown Minneapolis. This light-rail line also connects to the Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport and other communities near the Twin Cities. Metro Transit also operates buses in the area. 

If living in Bloomington MN sounds like a dream to you, then get in touch with our Bloomington MN movers. Our Bloomington moving company will make your life easier before, during, and after moving day.

Bloomington Population & Demographics

How many people are living in Bloomington MN? Bloomington is one of the largest cities in Minnesota. According to the US Census, the city’s population is currently sitting at 88,344. Bloomington has a diverse range of residents, but is very popular among young families. The median age in the city is 41, and 62% of households are occupied by married couples. The median household income of residents living in Bloomington MN is $93,211, which is higher than the Minnesota average of $89,062.

Additional Bloomington Demographics:

  • Sex ratio: 51.7% female, 48.3% male
  • Racial & ethnic composition: 66.2% White (65.0% non-Hispanic), 12% Black or African American, 8.7% two or more races, 5.2% Asian, 0.6% American Indian
  • Foreign-born population: 15.4%
  • Educational attainment: 93.1% high school degree (or higher), 46.2% bachelor's degree (or higher)
  • Notable people from Bloomington: Director Pete Docter, NHL player Erik Johnson, Singer Mod Sun

Is Bloomington MN safe? Here’s a quick overview of the crime statistics in Bloomington.

  • Overall crimes: 4,231.9 crimes per 100,000 people (127.16% higher than the state average and 99.69% higher than national average)
  • Violent crimes: 307.6 crimes per 100,000 people (19.86% higher than state average and 14.31% lower than national average)
  • Property crimes: 3,924.3 crimes per 100,000 people (144.31% higher than state average and 122.97% higher than national average)

Living in Bloomington MN is very safe. Although the crime rate is above the national average, most of the crime in the area is property crime and happens around the Mall of America. Because this is such a popular tourist spot, many car break-ins happen in this area, driving up the crime rate for the entire city. There are plenty of areas in the city where you’ll see little to no crime at all. 

The Bloomington crime rate is also below the Minneapolis crime rate in every category. The Bloomington Police Department protects residents living in Bloomington MN.

Bloomington MN Cost of Living

It is important to prepare for expenses you’ll face when living in Bloomington MN. Bloomington has a Cost of Living Index of 107.2, making the city 7.2% more expensive than the national average. This is slightly higher than the Minneapolis Cost of Living Index of 2.9. In addition to everyday expenses, you’ll need to pay both Minnesota state income tax and property taxes.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Bloomington MN would need to earn $134,789 per year to live comfortably in the city.

Typical Bloomington Living Expenses

  • Gallon of gas: $2.94
  • Loaf of bread: $4.17
  • Gallon of milk: $4.83
  • Carton of eggs: $4.77
  • Hamburger: $5.89
  • Doctor’s visit: $139.83
  • Average Bloomington utilities per month: $191.27

Source: Payscale

Before moving to Bloomington, you’ll also want to consider housing costs in the area. The Bloomington real estate market is very competitive, with the median home value rising 5.0% over the past year. According to Redfin, the median home price of houses for sale in Bloomington MN is $375,000, which is lower than the national average of $436,705.

If the housing market isn’t your speed, then you may want to consider renting an apartment when living in Bloomington MN. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Bloomington MN is $1,673, which is higher than the national median rent of $1,628.

Best Neighborhoods in Bloomington Minnesota

Here are a few neighborhoods to consider checking out when living in Bloomington MN.

Bayridge | Peaceful Area Close to Green Spaces

Located in the western portion of Bloomington, Bayridge is set away from the hustle and bustle. Here, you’ll find gorgeous single-family homes surrounded by beautiful nature at places like SE Anderson Lake, Veness Pond, and Bush Lake.

Haeg Park | Bustling Neighborhood Near Northwestern Health Sciences University

Haeg Park offers a great mix of suburban living and urban conveniences. This neighborhood features both apartment buildings and single-family homes and is just steps away from the popular Northwestern Health Sciences University.

East Bloomington | Busy Area Just a Short Drive Away From Downtown Minneapolis

 

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If you want to be in the center of the action when living in Bloomington MN, then check out East Bloomington. This is where the Mall of America is located, so there’s always something interesting to see or a new restaurant to try. This area is also popular among commuters as it is close to Downtown Minneapolis.

Bloomington MN Weather & Climate

When living in Bloomington MN, you’ll experience a hot-summer humid continental climate. This means that the Bloomington climate is characterized by four distinct seasons, with particularly warm summer months. The average highs in the summer range from 67ºF to 86ºF, and the average Bloomington temperature in the winter falls from 40ºF to 52ºF. Bloomington sees an average of 199 sunny days per year.

Things to Do in Bloomington MN

From golf courses to local parks to the weekly farmers market, there are plenty of fun things to do in Bloomington. Enjoy the natural beauty at one of the city’s parks, or catch a show at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. And of course, you can also venture into Downtown Minneapolis when living in Bloomington MN. These are a few of the best things to do in Bloomington.

Mall of America

 

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The Mall of America is easily one of the best things to do when living in Bloomington MN. This four-level mall has hundreds of stores and dozens of restaurants. It's also one of the best Bloomington activities for kids, as the mall features an amusement park, a cinema, and an aquarium. The Mall of America area is also where you’ll find the best Bloomington Minnesota hotels.

60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425, (952) 883-8800

Hyland Lake Park Reserve

If you’d rather enjoy nature, then head over to Hyland Lake Park Reserve. This beautiful area offers miles of walking trails, a huge playground, and several fun nature programs.

10145 Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438, (763) 694-7687

Additional Bloomington Attractions

If you still aren’t sure what to do in Bloomington MN, then check out the city event calendar. The local government also has its own calendar where they post happenings in the area.

Bloomington Restaurants

Bloomington residents have access to some of the best cuisine in the Midwest! Here are a few of the best restaurants in Bloomington MN.

Ciao Bella

Ciao Bella is a favorite among those living in Bloomington MN. This modern Italian restaurant features an extensive wine list as well as a terrace for you to enjoy in the summer months.

3501 Minnesota Dr, Bloomington, MN 55435, (952) 841-1000

Lucky 13’s Pub

When living in Bloomington MN, you can’t skip out on Lucky 13’s Pub. This American restaurant is a great casual hangout spot to enjoy traditional pub food and a draft beer.

1800 American Blvd W, Bloomington, MN 55431, (952) 405-2213

Bloomington Jobs

The city’s strong economy is one of the top benefits of living in Bloomington MN. Young professionals are drawn to the area due to the robust job market and respected major employers. Several companies have their corporate headquarters in Bloomington, including Ceridian, Dairy Queen, and Great Clips. Additionally, you can find job opportunities with top employers like:

  • Mall of America: 11,000 employees
  • HealthPartners: 3,533 employees
  • Bloomington School District: 1,950 employees
  • Seagate Technology: 1,365 employees
  • Toro: 1,150 employees

According to Payscale, the average salary in Bloomington MN is $77,000. If you want to look for jobs before moving to Bloomington, then try searching for ‘jobs in Bloomington MN’ on Indeed.

Schools in Bloomington

When living in Bloomington MN, you’ll have access to top-notch schools. The Bloomington School District (ISD 271) runs the public schools in Bloomington. There are two high schools in Bloomington MN, as well as a transition center and an alternative high school, Choice Academy. Choice Academy serves students ages 17 to 21 who have fallen behind in high school and want to attend a program that better fits their individual needs.

When it comes to higher education, there are plenty of great schools to choose from. A few popular options in the community include Northwestern Health Sciences University and Normandale Community College.

Make sure you check out the Oxboro Library when living in Bloomington MN.

Bloomington Statistics & Information

Here’s some practical information to consider when living in Bloomington MN.

  • County: Hennepin County
  • Bloomington area: 38.395 square miles
  • Bloomington zip code: 55420-55438
  • Bloomington area code: 952
  • Bloomington elevation: 827 feet
  • Bloomington time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
  • Closest airport to Bloomington: Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (MSP), 7.3 miles away

Map of Bloomington MN

Check out this map when living in Bloomington MN!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bloomington Minnesota a Nice Place to Live?

Bloomington is generally considered to be a nice place to live. It combines suburban neighborhoods with easy access to urbanized cities like St. Paul and Minneapolis. It has over 97 parks and green spaces, with residents benefiting from airport access, outdoor activities, and shopping. 

What Is Bloomington MN Famous for?

Bloomington, Minnesota, is home to the Mall of America, the biggest retail and entertainment establishment in the United States. They’re also known for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which is around the Minnesota River and offers outdoor activities. 

Is Bloomington MN a Famous City?

Bloomington is a famous city in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, though not known nationally the same way as Minneapolis. It’s known mostly for being the home of the Mall of America, the airport area, and visitor traffic. 

Why Is Bloomington Famous?

Bloomington is mostly famous for the Mall of America, which attracts visitors who want to shop, dine, and be entertained. They stand out for outdoor assets like the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and its proximity to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

Is Bloomington a Good Place to Raise a Family?

Bloomington is a good place to raise a family because of its parks, schools, amenities, and accessibility. The city is family-oriented and offers three types of activities: outdoor recreation, education, and retail.

Does Living in Bloomington MN Sound Great to You?

Is moving to Bloomington Minnesota in your future? Living in Bloomington MN offers a well-rounded lifestyle in a fun, vibrant community! The Move Crew is familiar with the Bloomington area and is ready to help you get settled into your new home. Call our Bloomington MN movers today at (612) 361-6787 to get started with a free quote.

Gunnar
Gunnar is from Hastings, Minnesota. He has a bachelor's degree in Business and Spanish. In addition to his work in the moving industry, he runs a photography business that has given him the opportunity to travel all over the US. He is an idealistic visionary when it comes to the spirit of entrepreneurship and prides himself for his meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of his work.

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