Living in Bloomington, MN – Complete Moving & Living 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

Jobs in Bloomington MN

Bloomington has a strong and diverse economy — perfect for job seekers across healthcare, retail, and tech.

Major employers:

• Mall of America – 11,000+ jobs
• HealthPartners – Healthcare system
• Toro – Manufacturing and engineering
• Great Clips & Dairy Queen HQs
• Bloomington School District

Average salary: ~$77,000

Search “jobs in Bloomington MN” on Indeed or LinkedIn to explore current openings.

Schools in Bloomington MN

Bloomington is served by Bloomington Public Schools (ISD 271), which includes:

• 2 high schools
• Alternative programs like Choice Academy
• Early learning and transition centers

Higher Education:

• Northwestern Health Sciences University
• Normandale Community College

Don’t miss the Oxboro Library, offering great resources and events for families and lifelong learners.

Bloomington Quick Facts

• County: Hennepin
• Area: 38.4 square miles
• Zip Codes: 55420–55438
• Area Code: 952
• Time Zone: Central (CST/CDT)
• Elevation: 827 ft
• Closest Airport: MSP – 7.3 miles away

Planning a Move to Bloomington, MN?

When you're ready to relocate, let Affinity Moving make it simple and stress-free. As trusted movers in Bloomington MN, we’re proud to offer:

• 4.8⭐ rating from over 130 happy customers
• Licensed & insured movers
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Free virtual or in-home estimates

📞 Call us today at (612) 979-1962 or request your free moving quote.