Living in Bloomington, MN
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Bloomington, MN? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Bloomington, MN

Let us count the reasons why you’ll love living in this Minnesota gem. Home to the 5.6 million-square-foot Mall of America (can you say shop ’til you drop?!), Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington, located just 10 miles south of Minneapolis, offers plenty of fun. Add to that excellent health care options, high-quality schools and public parks that deliver numerous ways to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors.

The city is also a close-knit community where the nearly 90,000 residents practice what they preach in a place that values diversity and inclusion – a few years ago, the city hired a full-time racial equality coordinator. It is a welcoming place for companies looking to get down to business. There are robust retail, health care and tourism sectors, not to mention the plethora of Fortune 500 firms with a presence in the Greater Minneapolis region. Plus, the nearby Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport makes it easy for business travelers making weekly commutes and those using up their PTO days.

This state of 10,000 lakes offers nearby water-based recreational fun for local residents, as well as golf courses, bike paths, ski slopes and other great spots to get some fresh air. Other amenities include a burgeoning arts scene, chef-driven restaurants and the serene Japanese Garden on the Normandale Community College campus.

Top Reasons to Move to Bloomington

• Home to the Mall of America, Bloomington is a hub for retail and entertainment.
• Bloomington prioritizes green spaces and the environment – one-third of the city is dedicated to parkland.
• There are plenty of economic and educational opportunities in Bloomington thanks to high-quality schools, a business-friendly environment and a stable economy.
• Commuting is a breeze in Bloomington as the city is minutes from the Twin Cities and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. 

Bloomington is just south of Minneapolis along Interstate 494. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, a central international hub, is just 5 miles away. Ready to venture out? Here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Minneapolis is just 10 miles north, where you can visit the Walker Art Center, roam the Sculpture Garden or cheer on the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
• Saint Paul sits 15 miles northeast, offering the Minnesota State Capitol, Science Museum and the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
• Rochester is about 75 miles southeast, tempting with the Rochester Art Center and lovely Silver Lake Park. It’s also home to the Mayo Clinic. 

You’ll experience all four seasons in their full glory here. Think warm, wet summers with plenty of time on the lake and freezing, snowy winters ideal for cozying up indoors. Spring and fall are those “just right” seasons, with mild temperatures and beautiful changes in scenery.

The city’s location in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area primes the city for economic success. The largest industries here are health care, retail and manufacturing. The Mall of America, Health Partners and Best Buy are some of the major employers. To sweeten the deal, Dairy Queen’s headquarters is located here. 

The cost of living in Bloomington is below the national average. The median home value in Bloomington is $358,478, and the average household income is $93,068.

Minnesota has a state income tax. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Bloomington is 9.03%.

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Bloomington is home to the Mall of America, the largest retail mall in both the United States and the Western Hemisphere. The Mall of America is more than 5.6 million square feet and holds 520 stores, attracting 40 million visitors annually. The mall is so massive that it has its own zip code.

But the mall isn’t just for shopping. Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre indoor theme park, will excite kids and kids at heart. Or, visit SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, which has more than 1.2 million gallons of water.

Residents love living here thanks to the city’s array of activities, entertainment and cultural and educational experiences. Families can enjoy hands-on learning at The Works Museum, aquatic adventures at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and year-round fun at Edinborough Park, an indoor play area in nearby Edina. The city has unique attractions such as the Museum of Illusions, SEA Life Minnesota Aquarium and both Can Can Wonderland and Trapped Puzzle Rooms in St. Paul. The Northwest Airlines History Center is perfect for those interested in history and aviation. 

Located in the iconic Land of 10,000 Lakes, this city has earned a well-deserved reputation as a beautiful place to call home. Because of these vast waterways, it’s easy for local residents to take a break in local parks and nature areas. In fact, more than one-third of the city is dedicated to parkland.

Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the city’s pride in maintaining its extensive park system. There are plenty of green spaces, trails and nature facilities for residents of all ages and abilities. Normandale Lake Park is considered a local treasure, featuring a lake for paddleboarding and kayaking in summer that transforms into a hub for ice skating and cross-country skiing in winter. Hyland Lake Park Reserve is another local favorite with miles of hiking and biking trails, a beach and spots for downhill skiing and snowboarding during the colder months. Another great destination is the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which boasts around 14,000 acres and an abundance of opportunities for birdwatching. 

Minnesota is full of mouthwatering foodie destinations, including Bloomington. Blending established local favorites and new ventures, there is an array of international cuisines, including Indian dishes at Aroma Indian Cuisine and Chinese staples from Mandarin Kitchen. Italian fare is a favorite, with Ciao Bella offering classic dishes and Luna di Luna providing hearty pasta in a family-friendly atmosphere. Long-standing establishments like Wally’s Roast Beef contribute to the area’s charm. The city supports culinary entrepreneurs through initiatives like “Hatch Bloomington,” fostering local startups like the Scramblin’ Egg. Residents also have easy access to the broader offerings of the nearby Twin Cities. 

Bloomington is known for its high-quality school system, which makes it an appealing destination for families. The city schools often rank high on state assessments and offer a good balance of academic and extracurricular activities for elementary, middle and high school students.

The Bloomington Public School District is one of the most diverse districts in Minnesota and offers a 20:1 student-to-teacher ratio for the more than 10,000 students enrolled. There are also plenty of private schools to choose from, with roughly 20 in the area.