Moving to Bloomington-Normal, any advice (Franklin Park, Washington: apartments, rental, house)

[mm1315]

I am 27 years old and moving to the Twin Cities for a job. I have never lived in Ill and wanted to know if any has any suggestions for a suitable apt. One that is not all college students but also not all families. Preferably one where young working adults live.

Another thing I was wondering about is meeting people, places to go, ect. I will know no one in the area when i move and it would be nice to know where the best places about town are.

Any other suggestions you may think of are appreciated!! Thanks so much in advance!

[Scio42]

Hi, while not comprehensive, here's a few suggestions.

B-N Apt. living - Here's a few places some friends have lived that were close to what you're looking for. 1) Franklin Park neighborhood - old historic neighborhood around Franklin Park & near Illinois Weslyan U. Nice older homes & rental units. Some college students there but younger working professionals too. 2) I had a friend who had good experiences with Goose Creek apts a few years ago, which is just off S Main Str. (US-51) in bloomington (just N of I-55). There are some other apts in that area too. 3) There's a number of apts. just off Main St in Normal (just S of I-55) that are fairly decent.

There's many others too, these are just the ones that I've heard decent things from people who've lived there. Generally, the closer you get to ISU the more college students you'll have as neighbors.

[Scio42]

As far as meeting people/things to do a few thoughts -

Because of ISU, you'll always run into loads of college students. However, there are a fair number of 20 - 30 something working professionals (& grad students) in B-N as well, they're always there, you just notice them more during ISU's breaks . Just a few thoughts off the top of my head -

1) If you're into more physical/outdoor activities, there's a bike/walking trail (Constitution Trail) that runs through the center of B/N. There's also a rock climbing gym that's located in an old grain elevator. Additionally, there's two nice lakes, Evergreen Lake & Bloomington Lake with some hiking, boating, biking, fishing opportunities. Both lakes are just north of B-N on the east & west side of I-39 (respectively). I think you can even rent boats/canoes at Evergreen Lake.

2) If you're into the bar/band scene, there's a row of bars (some with live music on the weekends) starting at the corner of market & n Main street in Bloomington. There's another row just south of the county courthouse along W Washington Street (between Madison & East st). There's, of course, alot of college kids that hang out here, but also a good number of 20 - 30 somethings.

3) For some art/indie/classic movies, theres the Normal theater (a old rennovated movie house in downtown Normal) Normal Theater. There also used be to a theater like this in Bloomington call the Castle Theater, but I'm not sure if it's still open.

B-N, for some reason, seems to be the restaurant capital of Central Illinois, so there's PLENTY of places to eat.

[cap1717]

Originally Posted by Scio42

Hi, while not comprehensive, here's a few suggestions.

B-N Apt. living - Here's a few places some friends have lived that were close to what you're looking for. 1) Franklin Park neighborhood - old historic neighborhood around Franklin Park & near Illinois Weslyan U. Nice older homes & rental units. Some college students there but younger working professionals too. 2) I had a friend who had good experiences with Goose Creek apts a few years ago, which is just off S Main Str. (US-51) in bloomington (just N of I-55). There are some other apts in that area too. 3) There's a number of apts. just off Main St in Normal (just S of I-55) that are fairly decent.

There's many others too, these are just the ones that I've heard decent things from people who've lived there. Generally, the closer you get to ISU the more college students you'll have as neighbors.

I'll second that! the apartments in the older homes around franklin park are amazing! Beautiful area. . . I have always been fond of B/N. . . went to school there, lived there as a "townie" after graduation. . . it's not the "hippest" community in the world, nor the most conservative. . . a real mix.