Minnesota Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Bloomington, Minnesota

Population: 88,100

Located in Hennepin County

Shop 'til you drop at Bloomington's Mall of America or experience nearby popular attractions, world famous museums, music, theater, and historic sites. No matter what the season, recreational opportunities like golf, tennis, biking, hiking and skiing are endless.

Known as the City of Hospitality, Bloomington is a combination of contrasts in perfect harmony. With miles of world-class shopping, family-fun attractions, elegant restaurants and exciting nightlife, this bustling city attracts visitors from around the world. It's also home to stretches of scenic woodlands offering varied recreational activities.

To compliment world-renowned shopping and big-city conveniences, Bloomington has set aside one-third of its land for recreation and conservation, which means visitors who enjoy biking, hiking, golfing, skiing and other outdoor activities have plenty to choose from. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which borders the Mississippi River on Bloomington's southern edge, is one of only four urban wildlife refuges in the country.

The city has 102 park and recreation areas, encompassing 3,014 acres, leisure and sporting activities abound in Bloomington. The city is also home to Hyland Lake Park Reserve, the Hyland Hills Ski area and Ski School. Additionally, the city boasts 208 lakes and ponds and a 180 square-mile watershed area.

Quality education is a concern to all Minnesotans, and Bloomington is no exception. The city is home to Normandale Community College, which is the largest community college in the state of Minnesota and whose freshman class is second in size only to the University of Minnesota. Also making its home in Bloomington is Northwestern College of Chiropractic, one of the most respected institutions of its kind in the nation. The nationally recognized Bloomington Public School system is operated by Independent School District #271, with more than 11,000 students. The school district is well respected throughout the state and the nation for its students' consistently high scores on standardized achievement and college entrance exams. In addition, there are five parochial schools serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Two of the area's most respected hospitals, Fairview Ridges and Fairview Southdale, as well as a number of state-of-the-art medical clinics meet the health-care needs of Bloomington residents. Physicians in a broad variety of medical specialty areas are available to serve the Bloomington population. The city of Bloomington has the lowest tax rate (school district, county, city, and special district tax notes combined) of any city in Hennepin County. The city' s tax base is balanced equally between residential and commercial/industrial development.

Whether experiencing the world' s most prestigious retail and entertainment venue, visiting fascinating attractions, stepping out for a night on the town or just ambling down a pristine nature trail, see why Bloomington has earned international recognition as a fun-filled destination offering it all. Visit our exciting city of contrasts and we're sure you'll agree!

Bloomington Fun Facts Bloomington has a population of 90,000 and is Minnesota's 3rd largest city Major employers include Mall of America, Ceridian, Seagate Technology, Health Partners, Ellerbe, ADC Telecommunications, Thermo King, and Toro Company. Hospitality is the number one industry in Bloomington, MN, employing over 20,000 people in our 35 hotels/motels, restaurants and Mall of America. One-third of the city of Bloomington is designated as parkland and recreation space (8,000 acres!) Three golf courses, 108 tennis courts, a 50-acre Dred Scott Playfield, and 123 parks are within the city of Bloomington. Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge, which is one of only four urban wildlife refuges in the country, (12 square miles) borders the Minnesota River in Bloomington.