There’s no denying that the Mall of America is Bloomington, Minnesota’s most iconic attraction, but the city has so much more to offer beyond great retail shops. Located on the banks of the Minnesota River, Bloomington has an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. These marked trails are convenient since the city sees all four seasons, making them great for those who love the great outdoors. Although the city itself only has a population of roughly 85,000, it’s a short drive to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul where you can enjoy major sporting events. That said, many great restaurants and attractions are found locally, so there’s no need to venture far.
One of the best ways to get to know the community is through one of the historical sites. The Pond-Dakota Mission Park, Mill City Museum, and Historic Fort Snelling are just a few nearby sites that have left a mark on U.S. history. Once you’re ready to return to modern times, you can enjoy thrilling activities inside the Mall of America including FlyOver America, Nickelodeon Universe, Mirror Maze and more. When it comes to dining, Minnesota is proud of their local farmers and producers. Many restaurants use fresh foods that are grown within the state. You can even purchase raw ingredients yourself from one of the many farmers markets. Alternatively, you can book a seat at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres where you can enjoy dinner and a show.
The local real estate market can be favorable depending on your point of view. The median home cost is $310,635, which is above average compared to surrounding areas. This is great for homeowners who have seen the value of their homes increase over the year, but new buyers will spend more compared to other cities. However, 23% of the housing inventory costs between $118,001 - $236,000, and 82% of homes have 2 or more bedrooms, so there’s a lot of choice available. Single family homes account for 56.7% of what’s available, while apartments make up 34%.
