Living in Bloomington MN | Cost, Jobs, Schools & Neighborhood Guide

If you're thinking about moving to Bloomington, MN, you're choosing a vibrant Twin Cities suburb known for its mix of natural beauty, career opportunities, and suburban comfort. Located just minutes south of downtown Minneapolis and home to the iconic Mall of America, Bloomington is one of the most livable cities in the region.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about living in Bloomington — from cost of living and neighborhoods to schools, jobs, and local amenities — brought to you by movers in Bloomington MN with years of experience helping families relocate smoothly.

Where Is Bloomington, MN?

Bloomington is located in Hennepin County, along the north bank of the Minnesota River, just 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis and 7 miles from the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport.

Bloomington is well-connected through:

Metro Transit light-rail (to Minneapolis, the airport, and St. Paul)
Highway access via I-494 and I-35W
Extensive bus service throughout the metro

This makes commuting easy for professionals and convenient for families.

Bloomington Population & Demographics

Home to nearly 90,000 residents, Bloomington is one of Minnesota’s largest and most diverse suburbs.

Key demographics:

Median age: 40
Median household income: $90,677
Gender: 51.2% female, 48.8% male
Ethnicity:
- 68.7% White
- 11.2% Black or African American
- 7.7% multiracial
- 5.2% Asian
- 0.6% Native American
Foreign-born residents: 13.9%
Education: 45.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher

Is Bloomington MN Safe?

Yes — Bloomington is a safe place to live, especially when compared to neighboring urban areas like Minneapolis. While property crime is elevated due to tourism around the Mall of America, violent crime remains 21% below the national average.

Overall crime: 4,034 per 100,000
Violent crime: 292 per 100,000
Property crime: 3,742 per 100,000

Most neighborhoods experience little to no serious crime, and the city is patrolled by the Bloomington Police Department.

Cost of Living in Bloomington, MN

Bloomington has a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 107.2, meaning it’s about 7% higher than the national average, mostly due to housing and healthcare.

Average monthly expenses:

Rent: ~$1,718
Utilities: ~$191
Gas: $3.28/gallon
Groceries:
- Milk: $4.69
- Bread: $3.98
- Eggs: $3.48
- Hamburger: $5.56

Housing Market:

Median home price: ~$382,500
Annual growth: ~5%
A variety of options include single-family homes, townhomes, and upscale apartments

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need around $119,229/year to live comfortably in Bloomington.

Best Neighborhoods in Bloomington, MN

Bloomington offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit every lifestyle:

Bayridge

Quiet and nature-oriented
Close to Anderson Lake and Bush Lake
Known for spacious single-family homes

Haeg Park

Central location with access to Northwestern Health Sciences University
Mix of apartments and homes
Walkable to shopping and restaurants

East Bloomington

Lively and commercial
Home to the Mall of America
Great for commuters and food lovers

Bloomington Weather & Climate

Bloomington features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons.

Summer highs: 67ºF to 86ºF
Winter lows: 15ºF to 30ºF
Sunny days/year: ~199
Snowfall: ~54 inches annually

Spring and fall are popular for moving due to milder temperatures and clearer skies.

Things to Do in Bloomington, MN

You’ll never run out of things to do here — from outdoor adventures to world-class shopping and family attractions.

Popular attractions:

Mall of America – 500+ stores, Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE Aquarium
60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
Hyland Lake Park Reserve – Trails, playgrounds, cross-country skiing
10145 Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Richardson Nature Center – Educational exhibits and birdwatching
Normandale Lake Park – Biking, jogging, and lakeside relaxation
The Works Museum – STEM-based fun for kids

Bloomington also hosts farmers markets, local theater, and dozens of community events year-round.

Best Restaurants in Bloomington MN

Whether you're looking for fine dining or a casual meal, Bloomington has options:

Ciao Bella – Upscale Italian with a large wine list
3501 Minnesota Dr, Bloomington, MN 55435
Lucky 13’s Pub – Burgers, beer, and a relaxed vibe
1800 American Blvd W, Bloomington, MN 55431
Mall of America – 50+ dining choices from fast-casual to gourmet