help relocating to bloomington normal (Peoria, Peoria Heights: condo, townhome, established neighborhood)

[poker1O1]

I've lived in Peoria the last 5 years, and will soon be moving to bloomington normal. I have some questions and hope you can help.
1) Peoria has nice surrounding neighborhoods like Dunlap and Peoria Heights. Does Bloomington Normal have an equivalent neighborhood? I'll be looking to buy a house in a nice neighborhood that offers excellent schools.
2) What are the key differences between Bloomington and Normal (safety, development, schools - Normal High School appears best)?
3) I read in another thread that an open air mall is being built, when will it be completed?
4) The northwest side of Peoria is BOOMING with new businesses. Every week there's something new. Is there a similar area of bloomington normal?

Thanks for your help!!

[cap1717]

The east side of Normal is "booming", with both suburban style housing developments, and massive retail centers. I personally prefer a more "close in" location, perhaps not too close to ISU, but in one of the older, established neighborhoods, or one of the historic neighborhoods in either south Normal or North Bloomington. So far as schools go, the ISU schools ( elementary and high schools )are terrific, and my very best recommendation for that area.

[ILMomof4]

I just moved from Normal and the schools are great. There are a lot of great neighborhoods it all depends on you price range. They have finished the open air mall. As for all the businesses most of what you may need you will find on Veteran's Parkway.

[driven4agoodlife]

I noticed your name, and just thought I'd point out that every single day of the week in the Bloomington/Normal area you can find a poker game at a local bar or organization. I won't mention them by name, but they are generally easy to find, have a nice turnout and payouts are decent.

[poker1O1]

Thanks for the replies so far. I'm interested in hearing more about the ISU high school, but can't seem to find the info that I can on public schools, such as class size and ACT scores. In general, is there a way to research private schools?

[linicx]

I had a friend whose daughter went to ISU high school. As far as I know it is an excellent school. It is certainly a good state college.

[cap1717]

Maybe contact ISU education department, about their schools. . . to the best of my knowledge, their "teacher training schools, both elementary and high schools, are amoung the best in the state.

[poker1O1]

Originally Posted by cap1717

Maybe contact ISU education department, about their schools. . . to the best of my knowledge, their "teacher training schools, both elementary and high schools, are amoung the best in the state.

I contacted them and am waiting to hear back. As far as housing goes, does anyone have any thoughts on the new Condo/Townhome/Coop's northeast of Normal where Raab Rd and Airport Rd intersect?