Let the numbers do the talking.
Bloomington, MN vs St. Paul, MN
Bloomington, MN vs St. Paul, MN: What the data shows
Bloomington, MN is in Bloomington, MN while St. Paul, MN is in St. Paul, MN — both in the same state. On home prices, St. Paul, MN is the more affordable option at $244,900 median — $39,400 less than Bloomington, MN's $284,300. WYLT rates Bloomington, MN as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and St. Paul, MN as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Bloomington, MN has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. St. Paul, MN has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Bloomington, MN has Low flood risk and St. Paul, MN has Low flood risk.
St. Paul, MN is the more walkable neighborhood. Bloomington, MN scores N/A/100 versus St. Paul, MN's 65/100 (somewhat walkable). For families weighing school quality, St. Paul, MN has the higher school rating — Bloomington, MN rates 4.8/10 and St. Paul, MN rates 6/10.
| Category | Bloomington, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Think twice |
| Median Price | $284K | $245K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $74K | $76K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 65/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 35/100 | 82/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 18/100 | 44/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 20 min | 18 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 4.8/10 | 6/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Suburban familiesDaily commutersPet owners | Young professionalsCommutersNightlife lovers |
Bottom line
For families or those prioritizing a quiet suburban lifestyle, Bloomington is the better choice despite its limitations in walkability and transit options. In contrast, St. Paul's downtown area is more suited for young professionals, commuters, and nightlife enthusiasts who are willing to trade off noise and safety concerns for urban amenities. Overall, Bloomington offers a more well-rounded experience for a broader range of residents, but St. Paul has its niche appeal for specific lifestyles.
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