Bloomington Apartments and Rentals

Renters looking for a hip city with a vibrant culture need not look further than Bloomington. The city, located in south-central Indiana, combines its progressive attitude with a charm not seen in many cities. There's plenty to do in Bloomington, because residents like to keep busy and try new things.

Bloomington apartments for rent can be found all over the city. However, renters should note that if they're looking for apartments near the Indiana University Bloomington campus they may be in competition with students.

Bloomington was established in 1818, and parcels of land were auctioned off to those who wanted to settle in the new town. Within just a few years, Bloomington had several hundred residents, and by 1854, an important railroad line expanded to the city. This provided valuable connections for the city, and more local growth was now a realistic possibility. Bloomington changed drastically after the rail line brought business and visitors to the city, adapting to the modern world by installing electric lights and street lamps.

Bloomington's growth didn't stop with the arrival of the 20th century. The city enhanced its foundation, adding sewers, paved roads and a brand-new commercial district. The population surged, and Bloomington has continued to develop economically since.

Today, Bloomington is home to 81,381 residents, according to July 2011 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Its population is a diverse range of students, business owners, professors and families, who can all find ways to appreciate the city's unique charm.

Bloomington is well-known as the home of Indiana University Bloomington. The college combines its history of academic excellence with exciting Big Ten sports and cultural traditions. Indiana University offers a variety of programs for students to study, and was even named the Hottest Big State School by Newsweek in 2005. Students can get involved in various clubs, Greek organizations or just choose to enjoy the unique culture Bloomington has to offer.

Pupils seeking a community college will find that Ivy Tech Community College has a campus conveniently located within Bloomington. A large, diverse student body creates an atmosphere on campus representative of the best of Bloomington's culture. 

Those who wish to teach will find opportunities to do so in Bloomington. Several of the city's top employers include Indiana University, Ivy Tech and Monroe County School Corp. Other principal employers in the city include Cook Inc., the City of Bloomington, Bloomington Hospital, Monroe County and the Monroe County Bar Association.

Bloomington has a large, diverse population, which is reflected in the range of rents in the city. Bloomington apartments can range from $450 to $1,500 per month, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The median gross rent in the city is $688, according to the same source.

While rents can be low, residents will find that other aspects of living in Bloomington will also be easy on their wallets. An extremely walkable downtown area combined with bicycle lanes and public transportation makes getting around Bloomington convenient and affordable.

One of Bloomington's popular annual events is the Little 500, hosted by Indiana University. The Little 500 is similar to the Indianapolis 500 car race, but this event takes place on bicycles. Teams of four must make 200 laps around a quarter-mile track while more than 25,000 spectators cheer them on.

When the weather is nice, Bloomington offers outdoor activities to those who want to enjoy its natural beauty. The Cedar Bluff Nature Preserve, Charles C. Deam Wilderness, Griffy Lake Nature Preserve and Hoosier National Forest all provide opportunities for residents to explore nature in Bloomington.

Since there are plenty of college students and young people around, Bloomington is full of art and music, something this city prides itself on. The Bloomington Early Music Festival, IU Summer Music and Lotus World Music and Arts Festival are all great ways to experience local music with friends or family. Those interested in the visual arts will find that the Gallery Walk is the perfect way to discover new art in local venues.

To find a Bloomington apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.