Bloomington, ILBest Places to Live in the US in 2022

Major industry sectors include education, agribusiness, hospitality and financial services. The largest employers are led by State Farm Insurance, which is headquartered in Bloomington, along with Illinois State University, COUNTRY Financial and OSF HealthCare.

Illinois State University & Illinois Wesleyan University

Although winter can be quite cold, with an average high of 36 degrees and an average low of 18 degrees, the cold is mainly contained to December through February. Summer averages 85-degree highs and pleasant 61-degree lows. Spring and fall bring mild days and cool evenings.

A joint project between Bloomington and Normal, Constitution Trail features 45 miles of hard surface for cyclists, runners, walkers, skateboarders and in-line skaters. The popular trail connects to parks, historic neighborhoods and business districts.

With a recent skyrocket in employment and an accompanying rise in the median income, Illinois is an excellent place to consider when looking for remote work. Specifically, in Bloomington, you’ll get some of the lowest home prices in the state — home prices are on average $50,000 lower than the national average, and rent is $200 lower than the national average. Good internet and great coworking spaces like Co:Create and The Launchpad are great for remote working. The cost of living is well below the national average, coming in at 82.9 out of 100.

Independent bookstore Bobzbay sells new, vintage and gently used books in downtown Bloomington. Trade in books for store credit, shop for novelties and attend events, including poetry readings and book signings.

Start the day at Coffee Hound to fuel up before embarking on the Art Gallery & Studio Tour with more than a dozen downtown options. There are plenty of nearby restaurants for a bite of lunch.

The McClean County Museum of History is always free on Tuesday and Saturday mornings during the Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market. The iconic building in the heart of downtown features five permanent and two rotating exhibit galleries with nearly 20,000 objects preserved at the museum.

With a selection of cold brews, martinis and Rosie’s Rum Punch, plus a choice of burgers and flatbreads – it’s no wonder Rosie’s Pub gets high marks as a favorite place to meet.

It seems some ISU students really like to act out. Television and big-screen stars who attended the university include Laurie Metcalf, Jane Lynch, Craig Robinson, Sean Hayes, Gary Cole and John Malkovich.

Affordable housing, diverse cultural offerings and easy access to outdoor fun make Bloomington a best place to live in Illinois.

Many consider the Bloomington – Normal area one of the best places to live in the prairie state and since there’s no other major city within close proximity, oftentimes Normal and Bloomington real estate are looked at as one in the same. The homes for sale in Bloomington – Normal are available in a variety of types and styles. Whether you’re looking for a hip downtown condo, or a stately single-family home in established neighborhoods like Founders’ Grove, you’re sure to find something that suits you. There are Bloomington real estate agents willing to help you find the perfect place to call home.