Bloomington, IL Reviews

Ten + years, a review of TWO cities: Blo/No - 10/8/2016
If you're not from here it might be hard to figure out that Bloomington and Normal are actually one city mushed together, so make sure you look up info on Normal, IL too. Locals call it Blo/No and, often, it's hard to tell where they overlap unless you pay attention to street names, which switch from side to side in places.

Now, I'll begin by saying that I grew up not far from here in an affluent small town outside of Peoria, IL and lived in Chicago for almost 13 years. As small cities go, this is not such a terrible place, though it's not a terribly exciting place either. If you're 20-something looking for a wild nightlife and big clubs, this is not it, though I think most people could make a niche if they move here and make friends too. If you're single you might have to resort to online dating, but heck, even my friends in huge cities do that these days.

If you're nerdy and bookwormish, we do have a table top gaming shop, a legit record store, comic Read More

14 Years a Native - 1/24/2014
Bloomington-Normal as a city is full of resturants and movie theaters. The downtown bar scene is dominated by ISU, IWU, and HCC students. The colleges can have some fun plays and art exhibits but they hardly advertise off campus. If you want culture and alternative entertainment, you really have to look for it or go to Chicago (3 hours north) or Springfield (1 hour south). which isn;t hard to do with the train station in Normal next to campus. We do have a roller derby team that plays spring and summer. I've been several times and it's actually a very family friendly environment with people bringing everyone from infants to granparents. All procedes to to local charitys.

The people are pretty neutral; not outwardly hostile, but also not going out of their way to be chummy. It is primarily Republican and the first question out of peoples mouths when you meet is "What church do you go to?" You'll find pockets of Democrats if you're vocal enough, but it's kind of a "Don't Read More

!4 Years in Bloomington; A Natives Perspective - 1/24/2014
Bloomington-Normal as a city is full of resturants and movie theaters. The downtown bar scene is dominated by ISU, IWU, and HCC students. The colleges can have some fun plays and art exhibits but they hardly advertise off campus. If you want culture and alternative entertainment, you really have to look for it or go to Chicago (3 hours north) or Springfield (1 hour south). which isn;t hard to do with the train station in Normal next to campus. We do have a roller derby team that plays spring and summer. I've been several times and it's actually a very family friendly environment with people bringing everyone from infants to granparents. All procedes to to local charitys.

The people are pretty neutral; not outwardly hostile, but also not going out of their way to be chummy. It is primarily Republican and the first question out of peoples mouths when you meet is "What church do you go to?" You'll find pockets of Democrats if you're vocal enough, but it's kind of a "Don't Read More

14 years in Blo-No; A Townies Perspective - 1/24/2014
Bloomington-Normal as a city is full of resturants and movie theaters. The downtown bar scene is dominated by ISU, IWU, and HCC students. The colleges can have some fun plays and art exhibits but they hardly advertise off campus. If you want culture and alternative entertainment, you really have to look for it or go to Chicago (3 hours north) or Springfield (1 hour south). which isn;t hard to do with the train station in Normal next to campus. We do have a roller derby team that plays spring and summer. I've been several times and it's actually a very family friendly environment with people bringing everyone from infants to granparents. All procedes to to local charitys.

The people are pretty neutral; not outwardly hostile, but also not going out of their way to be chummy. It is primarily Republican and the first question out of peoples mouths when you meet is "What church do you go to?" You'll find pockets of Democrats if you're vocal enough, but it's kind of a "Don't Read More

Police! - 10/31/2012
Great place to live if your not young or a student, the police around the uptown normal area and ISU police are very strict and will not let anything slide. If you are driving past midnight or seen leaving a bar late in your own vehicle you will be fallowed until you make a mistake or they make one up for you. After being a local to this area for 22 years I am ready to experience something new. As the saying goes about Bloomington Normal, come on vacation...leave on probation.  Read More

Bland but comfortable - 6/27/2011
Bloomington has a very bland suburban feel to it, although it is 2 hours from Chicago. Employment is fairly stable and the cost of living is low, but in terms of culture, it Read More

a place for the undecided - 2/3/2011
hot summers, cold winters...big town,little to do...unless you love to drink.college town Read More

Bloomington, Ill - 8/16/2010
Nice place to live, work and raise a Read More

climate - 6/2/2010
Can enjoy all 4 seasons here. My favorites are spring and fall. Winter can be mild or not! Usually snow comes in small amounts with the occasional "big" storm. Summers are nice, except for the humid Read More

Hometown - 2/15/2010
Bloomington/Normal is a nice place to live and raise a family. There are two colleges here that provide lots to do. Summers are especially nice. The schools are varied and all have their good points. My only complaint is in winter it is quite cold for quite some time. Because of the flat landscape snow is not much fun. As I reach retirement age I am considering a more temperate climate. My wife and I are leaning towards Read More