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Bloomington, MN

Frequently asked questions

Bloomington, MN

Bloomington is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, on the north bank of the Minnesota River, above its confluence with the Mississippi River, 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Minneapolis. At the 2020 census, the city's population was 89,987, making it Minnesota's fourth-largest city.

Bloomington was established as a post–World War II housing boom suburb connected to Minneapolis's urban street grid, and is serviced by four major freeways: Interstate 35W running north-south through the approximate middle of the city, Minnesota State Highway 77, also signed as Cedar Avenue, running north-south near the eastern end of the city, U.S. Highway 169, running north-south along the western boundary of the city, and Interstate 494 running east-west at the northern border. Minnesota State Highway 100 also terminates just north of the city limits at Interstate 494. Large-scale commercial development is concentrated along the I-494 corridor. Besides an extensive city park system, with over 1,000 square feet (93 m2) of parkland per capita, Bloomington is also home to Hyland Lake Park Reserve in the west and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in the southeast.

Bloomington has more jobs per capita than either Minneapolis or Saint Paul, due in part to the United States' largest enclosed shopping center, the Mall of America. The headquarters of Ceridian, Donaldson Company, HealthPartners, and Toro, and major operations of Pearson, General Dynamics, Seagate Technologies, Express Scripts, and Dairy Queen are also based in the city. The city was named after Bloomington, Illinois.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 38.42 square miles (99.51 km2), of which 34.68 square miles (89.82 km2) is land and 3.74 square miles (9.69 km2) is water. There are three primary land types in the city. The northeastern part of the city is a sand plain, low hills dominate the western part, and the far south lies within the valley of the Minnesota River.

About a third of the city is permanently reserved for park purposes, including two large natural areas—the Minnesota Valley's wetlands (controlled by the City and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service) and the Hyland Lake Park Reserve (controlled by the Three Rivers Park District). Water bodies in the city include Bush Lake, Long Meadow Lake, Lake Normandale, Marsh Lake (Hennepin), Nine Mile Creek, Penn Lake, and about 100 small lakes and ponds with their wetland habitats.

The city is informally divided by Interstate 35W into "West Bloomington" and "East Bloomington". West Bloomington is mostly residential with newer housing stock, along with multi-story office high-rises along Interstate Highway 494 in the north, whereas East Bloomington contains more industry, destination retail centers, and the majority of Bloomington's less expensive housing. The dividing line may be placed as far west as France Avenue, where the high school attendance boundaries meet.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of Bloomington's community life. Bloomington is home to Fairview Southdale Hospital, a leading medical facility in the region. The hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services, ensuring residents have access to top-notch medical care. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include CrossFit 952, Luxury Health Club & Fitness Center, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Bloomington, such as Normandale Lake Park and Moir/Central Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.
 

Top sites in Bloomington, MN include Mall of America, FlyOver America, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, and SEA LIFE at Mall of America.
 

Population: 87,797 (2022). Elevation: 830 ft (253 m). Area: 38.39 sq mi (99.44 km2). ZIP Code: 55420. Area code(s): 952.
 

FAQs

Is Bloomington, MN a nice place to live?

Bloomington has earned high marks for amenities (A+), education (A-), and housing (B+). The median household income of Bloomington residents is approximately $70,000, which is about 20% higher than the national average! The unemployment rate is considerably below the rest of the United States. The crime rate has declined 9% year over year and is far below the national average. Some services in Bloomington cost less than the national average such as utility costs are lower than around the country; a trip to the optometrist costs 19% less than the national average, and a visit to the dentist costs 9% less.

What is the crime rate in Bloomington, MN?

With a crime rate of 42 per one thousand residents, Bloomington has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 24. Within Minnesota, more than 98% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Bloomington.

What are some fun facts about Bloomington Minnesota?

The name, ironically enough, means flowering field. During the 1960s, Bloomington experienced a population boom as businesses moved into the area, I-35W and I-494 were completed and every major sports team in Minnesota played within its city limits. Bloomington’s slogan became “All the Businesses That Will Fit.” Nearly a third of Bloomington’s 39 square miles is comprised of reserved parkland, including the Minnesota Valley wetlands and Hyland Lake Park Reserve.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Bloomington

Fairview Southdale Hospital

CrossFit 952

Luxury Health Club & Fitness Center 

Anytime Fitness 

Mall of America 

FlyOver America 

Hyland Lake Park Reserve 

SEA LIFE at Mall of America

Home IA

Neighborhoodscout

Bloomington MN Travel & Tourism

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