Moving to or from Bloomington?
Minneapolis-Saint Paul's largest suburb — home to the Mall of America (the largest mall in the US) and adjacent to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, making it one of the most visited and commercial suburbs in the Twin Cities metro.
- 90,000 City population
- 3,700,000 Metro area
- 1858 Founded
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul Metro / Hennepin County Region
Why people move to Bloomington.
- Mall of America — the largest shopping mall in the US
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) — adjacent to the city
- Being the Twin Cities metro's largest suburb
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve and 97 parks within the city
- Normandale Community College's campus
- Proximity to downtown Minneapolis (10-15 minutes via I-35W or I-494)
The Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the United States — 5.6 million square feet of retail, a 7-acre indoor amusement park (Nickelodeon Universe), an aquarium, and more than 520 stores. It opened in 1992 on the former site of Metropolitan Stadium (where the Twin-Cities Twins and Vikings played). Home plate from the old Met Stadium is preserved on the floor of Nickelodeon Universe to mark the spot where Harmon Killebrew homered over the center-field wall.
Where people live in Bloomington.
A quick guide to Bloomington's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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East Bloomington
Older residential neighborhoods near Normandale Lake
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West Bloomington
Mix of residential and commercial with newer housing
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South Bloomington
Near MSP Airport and Mall of America with office-heavy commercial
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Normandale / Penn Lake area
Established upscale neighborhood with mature trees and lake access
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Old Shakopee Road corridor
Mixed residential and commercial
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Edina (adjacent)
More affluent neighboring suburb with higher home prices and top-rated schools
Where people spend their time in Bloomington.
- Mall of America East Bloomington
- SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium (at MOA) Mall of America
- Nickelodeon Universe (at MOA) Mall of America
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve West Bloomington
- Normandale Japanese Garden Central Bloomington
- Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge South Bloomington
Planning a Bloomington move.
- Bloomington winters are severe; sub-zero windchills and blizzards from November-March require weather buffer
- MSP Airport proximity creates some flight-path noise in certain neighborhoods; research specific addresses
- Minnesota has state income tax (5.35-9.85% progressive); total tax burden is a factor vs. lower-tax states
- Mall of America traffic affects surrounding roads; plan moves to avoid weekend and holiday retail peaks
Moving in Bloomington: FAQ.
Is Bloomington really that dominated by the Mall of America?
The Mall is a defining feature and major employer, but Bloomington has plenty of non-mall character — 97 parks, major employers in healthcare (Health Partners) and aviation (HealthPartners, Securian Financial), Normandale Community College, and diverse neighborhoods. Most Bloomington residents live far enough from the Mall that it's just one feature of city life, not daily background.
How close is Bloomington to MSP Airport?
Adjacent. The airport is literally within Bloomington city limits, and most Bloomington neighborhoods are 5-15 minutes from airport terminals. This is a genuine lifestyle advantage for frequent travelers. The trade-off is flight-path noise in certain neighborhoods — research before buying near the flight paths.
Which Minneapolis suburb is best for families?
Depends on priorities. Edina has the highest-rated schools and highest median home prices. Eden Prairie is family-focused with top-rated schools and newer construction. Bloomington is larger, more diverse, and somewhat more affordable. Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Maple Grove are other top-tier family choices. Each has distinct character; many families choose based on specific school feeders.
How hard are Minnesota winters?
Severe. Average January temperatures hover around 10°F with frequent sub-zero windchills and 40-60 inches of annual snowfall. Roads are well-plowed, and Minnesotans take winter as normal. Moving companies are experienced with winter logistics. Expect weather-buffer days November-March and dress for real cold.
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