Jersey to Bloomington, IN or better city?

[frankie_russ]

Thank you all for your help! I have few more questions. I'm assuming that there are daycare's pre-schools are there "real good ones" that have an great rep. Now is there a part of Monroe, that got hit with flooding? Youtube has some stuff and i know you guys suffered some bad weather.

Avarage income correct 25k-35K?
Regular citizens carry guns with permits?
Bread, Pizza good... or buy a pizza oven and self cook - i was told to eat saw dust?

Ill be checking out the area end of sept. have to live out there (upon accepting new job) in february 09

[gimme it]

Believe it or not, I had some great pizza in Bloomington. I think NYC pizza is overated except for John's Pizzaria in the Village. Also had some great Sushi and Thai food. The food choices are great. The only dissapointment was the shopping. We went to the Mall looking for back to school clothes for our child and the selection was weak, especially at Macy's. Otherwise, B-town is wonderful. We were there in June and again last week. The only concern we have is whether we will be able to find employment. I figure we can always shop online or go to Indianapolis for children's clothing.

[rrah]

We moved here post preschool years so I'm not fully knowledgable on those options, but have heard good things about Bloomington Learning Center and the preschool at Sherwood Oaks Church from a couple of neighbors and friends.

Flooding was primarily near Lake Lemon and some other low lying areas. Other parts of the city and county experienced flash flooding which was very unusual. Having watched the rain come down that afternoon/evening I can tell you it was a LOT of rain in a very short amount of time. I know several people that had flooded basements. It had never happened to them before. As I said, it was very unusual. The surrounding counties were hit much harder because parts of the White River go through those areas.

Income--don't forget that many times the statistics include graduate students and their families. Their incomes are lower while they study.

Guns--not a gun person so I don't really know about laws concerning guns. I do know one must have a permit to hunt. I also know there is a website one can go to and find out who has a gun permit.

Pizza--very best veggie pizza ever---Mother Bear's. Other good places--Cafe Pizzaria or Pizza Express for delivery/pick up. It's not NY or Chicago, but it usually works. When I get a pizza craving I make it at home. (sauce is picked up on trips to Chicago area)

Bread--Sahara Mart brings in breads from a Chicago bakery that is pretty good. The Bakehouse also has good breads.

I agree with gimme regarding the shopping. Online or Indianapolis is generally the best option. Online saves gas too!

BTW--If you buy that pizza oven, let me know!

[Griffeycom]

Guns, Indiana DOES have a conceiled carry permit that can be obtained to carry handguns in permitted places (obviously you are NOT permitted to carry in schools, gov't buildings, where signs are posted etc..)

Cafe Pizzeria is my favorite in Bloomington. Pizza express has good bread sticks but the pizza is OK. Avers is pretty good as well.

Bloomington had a random flash flood during the spring that I've never seen before (as bad as it was) but it drained quickly and we didn't get near as bad as surrounding areas did.

[frankie_russ]

Sounds, good! Thanks. If i come up with some more questions i'll be sure to post. This month i'll be out there w/out family. Then i decide if the career move is the right one, I have to also decide if i'll be permit there or if i can fullfill my requirement from Jersey (travel back and forth). I have to admit, your homes are beautiful! The prices are amazing! I cant even look at the housing market in jersey because there's no competition. I like the idea about the carry permits!