Bloomington, IN questions...? (Lafayette, West Lafayette: zoned, rental, housing)

[TheChooch]

Hi there,
We were considering a move to Athens, GA, but the drought situation has us concerned. We need other backups, and Bloomington is a place we would like to hear more about. We are a family with a child, and one thing that is certain is that we want a university town. What we are looking for is a beautiful, vibrant, clean and safe area to live with good schools. We love a centralized downtown, where you can actually walk around, go into coffee shops, outdoor cafes and independant book stores. We want a place that has natural beauty and lots of stuff for children in terms of sports, dancing, etc. We like established neighborhoods and we are not partial to brand new developments. We hope to move somewhere that is friendly and welcoming and neighbourly. Does Bloomington sound like a place we should explore further. We currently live in NYC and are looking for something very different, although we love our city. If you can tell me the better schools it might give me a better idea where to start looking. It sounds like Bloomington South is the best HS. From greatschools.com, the middle schools seem to be the weaker links. Any feedback? Thanks a bunch

[Cel4]

Bloomington would probably be a good choice for you all. I no the area has excellent schools and a lot to do downtown. Another town you might like is West Lafayette which is where we currently reside, we moved here from Teaneck, NJ about 7 years ago and love it here. WL has about the best school district in the state and is very similar to Bloomington things to do wise.

[rrah]

Bloomington definitely has the things you've mentioned in terms of the downtown and children's activities. You've also seem to hit the nail on the head in terms of the middle schools. It's not that children aren't getting a good education at those schools, but for some reason parental satisfaction is just not as high at those schools. I have one child currently at Jackson Creek and one that attended that school. She is now at South.

I will add though that the housing nearest downtown tends to be student rentals. South of campus, really walking distance from downtown, has some lovely older homes. I would say it's one of the pricier areas of town, but coming from NYC, costs here will seem very reasonable.

I'm an IU grad that moved back to Bloomington with my husband and children about 6 years ago. I have heard people say that Bloomington is similar to Athens in many ways. (one of my college roommates went to school in Athens for a year and transferred to IU. She thought it was similar.)

I'm getting ready for an out of town trip, or I would write more. I strongly suggest you search the Indiana forum for Bloomington. I know I've written a lot about the schools, children's activities, etc. as have others.

Feel free to ask other questions, but understand it may take me a few days to answer.

[rrah]

cel4---Not to do the West Lafayette-Bloomington thing, but Bloomington has West Lafayette beat in terms of natural beauty.

[Cel4]

Yes that is very true Rrah but yes try Bloomington.

Here's some more info. on Bloomington schools off the states website.

Search for Schools

[TheChooch]

Thanks everyone Can you now tell me the names of some nice established, tree-lined, family friendly neighborhoods that are zoned for the better schools? We like houses that are not too old and not too new. Maybe from the 60s, 70s or 80s. We do not need to be in walking distance to downtown, but fairly close would be ideal. Ideally we would not want to spend more than $275,000. A less expensive house would be even better. Thanks so much.

[ankemp]

So can a Mississippi small town girl (18) go to school in Bloomington and be safe? My daughter will be going to college soon and we are looking into IU Bloomington for the Jacobs school of music. But she's never really been away from us for very long and really never been to a big city on her own. I'm just a little concerned. Granted, we haven't visited yet - but I need to know how safe things are before we seriously consider it. Thanks!

[domergurl]

Here's another thought ... come have a visit during your daughter's spring break.

[Uplander]

Bloomington is a small city in Indiana. It should meet your desire for a big change from NYC. The schools at the elementary level are pretty economically segregated, those in the lower economic areas have lower test scores. For older students in the public schools I really don't think it makes all that much difference where they go. The peer group they select will probably be much more important. Top students from either high school are competitive nationally. I know local HS grads who have gone on to Princeton, Harvard, Swarthmore, Carlton, Emory, Washington U. Many attend IU and other state schools as well.

I don't know the neighboorhood names all that well, but you might take a look at those west of High Street and south of Hillside. The Park Ridge area, north of Third and east of Pete Ellis Drive might be worth a look as well.

Ankemp, Bloomington is not a dangerous place. I think the biggest danger for most students is the pedistrian/vehicle interaction. If your daughter is invited to audition for the music school you might take an extra day or two to look around. Air travel from IU is pretty easy, there is a shuttle bus from campus to the Indianapolis airport that runs a number of times a day.