Life in Bloomington/Normal, IL (Chicago, Peoria: section 8, apartments, high crime)

[JLB2009]

Hi,
I am moving to Bloomington-Normal, IL for a new job at ISU. I am currently going to be staying in Brookridge Heights apartments and was wondering what that area is like in terms of crime and whether or not it is a good area. Also since I am single and in my mid 20's what are somethings I can do in terms of nightlife? Is this town an idea place for a young professional? I am really nervous that I am going to be bored outta my mind, please share any information as to what is there to do in this area currently?

[Scio42]

I don't know the Brookridge Heights apartments too well, but I haven't heard anything bad about them. They look to be well maintained, newer apts out along the SE edge of Bloomington in an area that's pretty safe and clean. You shouldn't have to worry about crime or your safety there. B-N for the most part is pretty safe, but just like any place there are bad areas of town, but you'll learn where those are pretty quickly.

As far as Bloomington-Normal (B-N) goes, it is a pretty nice place to live and one of the better choices in Central Illionois for a young working professional. B-N is a more conservative town, but that is often balanced out by ISU. There's plenty of 20-somethings there to meet, not just undergrad students but also a fair amount of grad students and other 20-something working professionals. Since you mentioned being single, the dating scene in B-N is pretty decent.

As far as things to do, while not having endless options like Chicago, if you look around there is a fair amount to do in B-N. A few suggestions:

If you're into the outdoors/physical activity theres a bike/walking trail (Constitution Trail) that runs through the middle of town (and some other places I think), there's a rock climbing gym in an old grain elevator, there's also two lakes north of Normal, Evergreen & Bloomington lake. I know that evergreen lake has hiking, fishing and boat/canoe rental.

If you're into the bar/music scene there's a row of bars/clubs starting at the corner of W Market St. & N Main st. where alot of college students & 20 somethings hang out. There's also another row starting at W Washington & N Main & some others scattered across Normal. Some of these (like Daddio's) are a good place to catch a few bands on the weekends.

If you're into arts/cultural things, there's the Normal theater, a refurbished art-deco theater that runs classic & art movies. There used to be one in Bloomington called the Castle Theater, but I'm not sure it's still open.

B-N seems to be the restaurant capital of the world, so there's just a plethora of places to eat.

Overall considering you're situation, if you're living in Central Illinois B-N is not a bad choice.

[MANaret]

I just recently visted a whole bunch of apartments in the B-N area (I'm an incoming grad student at ISU). Brookridge Heights' apartments are very nice and they look really new. As far as their area, I couldn't imagine there being any crime around there. They are on the far SE side of Bloomington. I'd classify their position as right on the brink between the city and farmland. I'd estimate that it will take you about 15 minutes to drive to ISU.

As far as stuff to do in B-N, the last poster did a good job. I'll add a couple more cents to the pot:

1) The Castle theater has been closed (it is now a church)
2) Check out the Miller Park Zoo. It isn't too far from Brookridge Heights and it is a pretty nice small town zoo. It wouldn't take you more than an hour to check it out.
3) Most 20 somethings go bar hopping in downtown Bloomington (ISU operates a "drunk bus" so students can get back to campus after getting hammered.
4) You can always take a weekend trip out of town if you are really bored. It is 2 hours to Chicago and 3 hours to St. Louis. There is also stuff to do in Peoria (I once saw a Tom Petty concert there) and Champaign/Urbana (all the UIUC hang out there).
5) There are always events going on on the ISU campus.

I guess it all boils down to what you are used to. If you are coming from a large city, B-N is going to seem kind of boring. Otherwise, you should be fine.

[mdand3boys]

Since you are getting a position at ISU, why not move to Normal and save the commute? There are a lot of nearly new apartments in NW Normal in very nice areas.

[h2ohzrd]

When we lived there in 1984, B/N was quiet and peaceful. Since then the City of Chicago tore down their public housing projects, gave the tenants section 8 housing vouchers, and a sizable portion came to B/N. With them came the gang and criminal element. If you choose to live in B/N, do your homework on where to live. Orlando Ave should be off limits, if you value your security. Stay out of anything with the word Turnberry in the name.

[217 to 614]

Bloomington, Illinois=the safest place I've ever lived

[Stankonia]

I haven't heard of any problems at Brookridge Heights. But as others have mentioned, Orlando Ave and the Turnberrys are crime infested. Another high crime area to watch out for is West Market.

Sadly, crime is on the rise in many areas of B/N.

[stac1023]

4 shootings within 6 hours Sunday night. The crime is geting bad here. Gangs are trying to take over. We are moving to Florida. If you do move here live in Normal not Bloomington.

[ABiologyTeacher]

The university is gorgeous. It's home for me. I adore it. Generally, people are very pleasant on campus. Since it is a college town there is plenty of night life but I would avoid the bars around campus unless you want to deal with noisy undergrads. I'm a 22 year old female and feel safe enough to walk around town by myself (particularly on the trail). With any town you need to be aware of where you are going and be careful at night. It might be a little boring at first until you meet people. That won't be hard because generally everyone is pretty nice. I left my ID on a city bus and had it returned to me. I was pretty surprised that I got it back. Even more surprising I lost my ID and Debit card on campus (in the middle of the sidewalk) and I had someone return that to me as well. I trust BN. You can never be overly relaxed though. Have fun. There are so many places to eat and several movie theaters. Not bad for a small town. I recommend the local zoo if you are interested in that sort of thing.

Home <--- Local paper...it might have some helpful info.

[cap1717]

Hi Biology Teacher. . . I agree with you, 100 percent! B/N (I am former undergrad student, and lived there for many years after graduation, just because I did not want to give up the association with the school and the town), is a terrific place to live. Love downtown Normal, Constitution Trail, the great old neighborhoods and parks, always lots of cultural stuff going on, and a pretty educated populace, in my experience. . . probably not for those "addicted to excitation", but great for the rest of us!