Bloomington, IL
Bloomington · McLean County · IL 61701
Updated August 1, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Good for now
Verdict
$145K
Median Price
91/100
Walk Score
7.6/10
Schools
164 min
to Chicago Loop
Score Breakdown
Our Take
Bloomington is a small, affordable town with decent schools and a quiet, family‑friendly vibe, but it lacks walkability, nightlife, and a strong local job market. It’s best suited for people who value a low‑cost, low‑stress environment over convenience and career opportunities. If you can accept long commutes and a car‑centric lifestyle, it can work.
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The Good
- ✓Very affordable housing and rent
- ✓Strong local schools with high ratings
- ✓Quiet, suburban feel with good parks
- ✓Low cost of living overall
Real Talk
- !Car dependence is high; almost everything requires a vehicle
- !Limited local job opportunities, especially for higher‑skill positions
- !Nightlife and dining options are sparse and often generic
- !Commute to Chicago is long (about 2.5 hours) and not feasible for daily work
- $Higher car insurance due to rural location
- $Parking costs during local events can add up
- $Utility bills can be higher than average due to older infrastructure
Best For
Risk Snapshot
Crime & Safety
Bloomington, IL
Safety grade
5% higher than the national average
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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