Bloomington, Indiana is home to Indiana University, which has approximately 40,000 students. Getting around town is easy: just remember that addresses are divided between "North" or "South" based on Kirkwood Avenue (also known as 5th Avenue), and "East" and "West" addresses on either side of Walnut Avenue. Indiana University is located to the east of downtown. Downtown centers around the historic copper-domed courthouse, and the surrounding four sides are called "The Square." The Square is beautifully illuminated for the holiday season.
Population:
The population of the Bloomington was 69,247 in 2006, of which approximately 85.7% is white (non-Hispanic), 4.2 is black, 2.5% Hispanic, the remainder being Asian, native American, or mixed-race (2%).
Unemployment rate: 4.8%.
Chamber of Commerce:
www.chamberbloomington.org/
Local Public Transit:
Bloomington Transit
Culture/Entertainment:
Know any good entertainment spots in Bloomington? Send them to us at newcolonist@newcolonist.com and we'll post them here.
BluebirdShopping:
Downtown club featuring live rock bands. 216 N. Walnut St., Bloomington, IN
812.336.3984Buskirk-Chumley Theater
Historic downtown theater featuring live performances of music, spoken word, poetry, film, and theater.
114 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN 47408
Sunrise Box Office: 812.323.3020Indiana University Auditorium
Auditorium on Indiana University campus featuring Broadway, opera, and touring group performances.
1211 East Seventh Street, Bloomington, IN 47404-5501
812.855.1103Rhino's
All ages downtown club featuring live bands. The mission of Rhino's Youth Media Center and All-Ages Club is to provide entertainment and engagement for the youth of our community in a safe environment, free from alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and violence.
331 S. Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN
812.333.3430Uncle Fester's
Downtown club featuring live bands.
430 E. Kirkwood Unit #7, Bloomington, IN 47401
812.323.1023
Tell us your favorites places to shop in Bloomington and we will list them here. E-mail them to newcolonist@newcolonist.com.
Downtown ("The Square")
Pedestrian friendly downtown area surrounding the Courthouse with a variety of independent stores and boutiques.
Intersection of Kirkwood and WalnutFountain Square Mall
Downtown historic landmark featuring independent shops and boutiques. On the Square.
101 W. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN
812.332.0053East Kirkwood Avenue
Pedestrian friendly street featuring a variety of independent stores and boutiques catering to college students.
Kirkwood east of WalnutCollege Mall
Suburban indoor mall featuring a variety of chain stores and a few department stores. There are also many strip malls in this area featuring chain stores.
2894 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47401
812.339.3054Westside
Two major strip malls featuring a variety of chain stores.
3rd Ave., west of S.R. 37, Bloomington, IN
Dining:
Are you in Bloomington? Have you been to one of these areas? Where do you like to eat? Send your comments to newcolonist@newcolonist.com and we'll post them here.
There are too many restaurants in Bloomington to list, so here's the areas to find them!
Downtown ("The Square")
Features many independent restaurants and pubs, including some very upscale restaurants.
Intersection of Kirkwood and WalnutEast Kirkwood Avenue
Features many pubs and cafes catering to college students.
Kirkwood east of WalnutEast 4th St. ("Ethnic Row")
Features many independent ethnic restaurants.
Intersection of 4th and GrantCollege Mall area
There is a variety of chain restaurants in this area.
2894 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47401Westside
There is a variety of chain and some independent restaurants in these strip malls.
3rd Ave., west of S.R. 37, Bloomington, IN
Night life:
What are the best clubs and nighttime entertainment spots in Bloomington? Tell us now by e-mailing us at newcolonist@newcolonist.com. We'll post them here.
Bluebird
Downtown club featuring live rock bands. 216 N. Walnut St., Bloomington, IN
812.336.3984Suburban Lanes
Highly rated bowling alley north of downtown.
2634 N Walnut St, Bloomington, IN
812.332.9345Western Skateland
All ages roller rink. Rental skates available.
930 W. 17th St., Bloomington, Indiana
812.332.7288Rhino's
All ages downtown club featuring live bands. The mission of Rhino's Youth Media Center and All-Ages Club is to provide entertainment and engagement for the youth of our community in a safe environment, free from alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and violence.
331 S. Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN
812.333.3430Uncle Fester's
Downtown club featuring live bands.
430 E. Kirkwood Unit #7, Bloomington, IN 47401
812.323.1023
Community Groups:
There are many, many community groups in Bloomington. Here are just a few. Tell us about others by e-mailing us at newcolonist@newcolonist.com. We'll post them here.
Backstreet Missions
Services include: Men's Shelter (crisis and 12-month program); Community Assistance including Food Pantry, Clothing and Furniture, Cooked Meals and Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets; Thrift Store; Ministry to Spiritual Needs; Job and Life Skill Training and GED Classes; and Employment and Volunteer Opportunities.
812.333.1905Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with measurable impact.
418 S. Walnut St., Bloomington, IN
812.334.2828Girls Inc.
Girls Incorporated is a national youth organization dedicated to helping girls become strong, smart, and bold. We provide programs to girls after school, on weekends, and during the summer through our network of affiliates. In addition, we conduct research on girls? issues and advocate for girls.
1108 West Eighth St, Bloomington, IN
812.336.7313Hoosier Hills Food Bank
HHFB picks up donated food, groceries, and prepared food on a daily basis and brings it back it to our warehouse. Donations come from retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, individuals and group food drives. Each week, a small staff and many generous volunteers are able to make over 30,000 pounds of food available to over 80 non-profit feeding organizations. These agencies collectively feed more than 25,000 individuals each year.
812.334.8374Monroe County Humane Society
The mission of the Monroe County Humane Association is responsibly and compassionately to lead, advocate, and educate for animal welfare in our communities.
P.O. Box 1334, Bloomington, IN
812. 333.MCHA
Employment:
Herald-Times Classified Job Listings
City Hall: City of Bloomington Homepage
Travel Information: Bloomington/Monroe County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Going There? Find a Hotel in Bloomington
Newspapers
Herald-Times
Daily Bloomington newspaper.Indiana Daily Student
Daily student newspaper at Indiana University.Bloomington Alternative
Biweekly alternative newspaper.
Best Neighborhoods:
What are the best neighborhoods to live in? Send your comments and suggestions to newcolonist@newcolonist.com and we'll post them here.
Downtown
Features some upscale loft-style apartments above shops, in a beautiful, historic downtown setting.
Near Westside
Quiet historic neighborhood located just west of downtown, featuring mature street trees, pleasant sidewalks and bungalows, within easy walking distance of downtown, farmers market, and local co-op grocery.
Bryan Park
Early suburb with large wooded park with pool and community amenities. Located south of downtown.
Elm Heights
Historic neighborhood with well-kept Indiana limestone houses, within easy walking distance of campus. Located just south of campus.
Prospect Hill
Historic neighborhood with many impressive homes. Walking distance to downtown; two large grocery stores. Located southwest of downtown.
Rate Your City!
Click here to fill out The New Colonist's Livability Survey.
