Finding housing in Bloomington (Grandview: rental market, houses, neighborhood)

[zalo]

My husband will be moving to Bloomington in August and he will need a place to stay for a one year appointment---if it is extended, the rest of our family may move later. Anyhow---what are some of the best places to live for visiting professors--are there helpful websites to find housing in Bloomington? He would like to live somewhere that is relatively convenient to campus but a bit quieter than many of the student living areas.

What are some other places besides campus he should consider.....

What are some nice areas in Bloomington (or around) for families to move to?

I certainly appreciate all the advice that you are able to pass on to us!

THANKS!!!

[rrah]

I sent you a PM with a number of suggestions.

[dodeca]

For one year, you might try on-campus housing; the university also has a number of (sometimes ratty) houses around campus if that is what you are interested in; if you prefer a more suburban locations, East and Southeast of town are best. Lots of nice rural areas too. Sorry I can't provide more details...

[zalo]

Thanks for the info! Does anyone else have ideas about places to move around Bloomington--now we are thinking we'll just move with him NOW instead of waiting. AHHHH relocating is such fun!!

[rrah]

How many people are in your family? Are schools important? I've known professors leaving on sabbatical for a year that let some department at IU know their house might be rented for the year. In addition to the suggestions I sent you, you might go to the local newspaper website: www.heraldtimesonline.com Most of is subscription only, but I believe you can access the classified section without the subscription. If you have questions about a particular location, I can answer them.

[dodeca]

Originally Posted by zalo

Thanks for the info! Does anyone else have ideas about places to move around Bloomington--now we are thinking we'll just move with him NOW instead of waiting. AHHHH relocating is such fun!!

You might check this out too:

http://www.realestate.indiana.edu/www/index.html

[zalo]

We have two children in elementary school--it's difficult to determine which schools would be best--I'm sure we just need to visit. I'd love to hear about other's experience at the following elementary schools: Arlington, Templeton, Marlin, Grandview, University, Childs......

Although University School and Child's Elementary schools seem to get the highest rating on greatschools.net--I know you need to be careful about making too many judgements on those ratings. We currently attend a terrific school that is rated 4/10--I digress....schools are important, a neighborhood with younger children would be nice, close to green space, neighborhood with college students is fine as long as it's not primarily students (no offense students)....walk to shopping would be nice (but not essential).

I was able to check out many of those websites--they were helpful. www.rentbloomington.com and www.bloomingtonrent.com (also discovered this one)

THANKS AGAIN!!!

[wilky]

I'm selling my house as I'm leaving bloomington for washington, dc. job change, not glad to leave bton. but anyway, prices are way down this year for no good reason (national trend) and if you're ready to take the plunge, consider buying. (my own place is in the childs district, currenlty holds a family of four, near mall and IU, has its own woods and creek)...but there are lots of nice places. mine's visible on craigslist or on homefinder (2220 WImbleton Lane). my guess is that barring national economic collapse, bloomington prices will go up next year.

good luck & welcome to town.

[jmfnme]

I did not like Arlington, neither did my kids. Indiana/Bloomington are places where you need to own a house for several years because appreciation is slow here. If you sell too fast you might not even cover closing costs. We were here two years and rented. Moving to Charlotte and buying there.

[algae33]

rental market is tough here b/c it's all geared to college-aged kids. we tried, and wound up feeling forced to buy a house to avoid a house with 30 year old carpet with keg stains. try to stay southeast, nothing west. Child's seems to be the favorite for elementaries.