Info on Bloomfield (Bloomington, Lawrence, Monroe: rental, daycare, home)

[clarityskeen]

We're considering moving to Bloomfield and have a couple of questions about the area. First, does anyone know anything about the 'weapons' area outside of town? Are there periodic munitions noises/'booms'? Nasty environmental things like superfund sites, nerve gas, nukes, etc?

Secondly, I would be working in Bloomington and we are drawn to that area because it is supposed to be more liberal. However, we've found some lovely rural property in the Bloomfield area. As a more liberal, mixed-race family, will we be ostracized by folks in the Bloomfield area? Stared at? Safe? We were pretty uncomfortable living in rural north-central Florida and don't want to find ourselves back in a similar situation.

Thanks for any insights about the area.

[rrah]

The "weapons" are you are referring to is the Crane Base. Munitions for the Navy I believe. I live in Bloomington. I've never heard of any issues with explosions, nukes, superfund sites related to Crane. Everything they do takes place on the base which has been closed to the public since 9/11.

I think you would be fine in Bloomfield. The stares you receive there would probably be more due to the fact that you are new. You are correct in that Bloomington is much more liberal than Bloomfield. Bloomfield area is very rural. You might want to visit the town and see what the reaction was to your family if it's a concern.

Feel free to PM me with other questions.

[Godsdove]

I too live in Bloomington and I agree that you are probably referring to Crane. We used to take our son out to a daycare somewhat near that area and never heard a thing.

My husband grew up in Bloomfield. It isn't as diverse and Bloomington...but it is so near this area that you really shouldn't get any bad reactions. Not any more then you might anywhere. Good luck with your move and let me know if you have any other questions.

[caution]

Do many of the folks from Crane live up near Bloomfield? (I applied for a job there, and I'm curious.)

I want the small town environment but I'm wondering what the home internet services are like. Do most people go satellite?

[Godsdove]

I'll have to ask my in-laws about internet service. Seems to be they have broadband. They have a dish for tv though....cable doesn't go out where they are (but they aren't in "city limits" of Bloomfield).

I know people that work at Crane and live in Bloomington too. I think they have people living in all different areas working there actually. The drive from Bloomington to Crane would vary depending on what side of town you live on, but if you live on the South side I'd say the drive was probably around 30 minutes.

[rrah]

Caution--I live far into the southern part of Monroe County---almost to Lawrence and a short distance to 37. 4 of my neighbors work at Crane--It takes them almost exactly 30 minutes to get there from here. If you lived on the southeast or east side of Bloomington count on at least 45. I know plenty of people that do it though. Depending upon where you are on the west side of town--3040 minutes. I do know the highway to Crane gets quite a few cars in the morning and evening. It's especially tricky when you get stuck behind a slow moving vehicle.

[caution]

Thanks, I was looking at maps and notice that it *seems* like there's only one way into Crane now. I'm sure they had other gates, but guessing they had to close them down in favor of one main gate post 9-11. All the web-based map programs route you around to what looks like the main gate on the west side.

I suppose the problem for anyone moving into that area is finding a rental without going into Bloomington. I'm sure there's not much turnover in the small towns -- at least searching online in those various zip codes comes up dry for right now.

It's still too early to tell if I'll be moving out that way. But, when I get a solid interview in a place I'm starting to like, I go ahead and check out the housing situation online.

Thanks again, all.