Since the first settlers, Indiana has been a haven for academically-minded people. In 1817, Indiana’s state constitution began to call for “a general system of education, ascending in a regular graduation, from township schools to a state university.” Our forbearers believed in education for everyone, not just the rich. At that time, forward-thinking citizens set aside land for a public university. It was on that land, in 1820, that Indiana University was born.
Located in the very heart of Bloomington, the University of Indiana is one of America’s Big Ten schools, distinguished in the fields of education, research, and sports. The campus itself is stunningly beautiful, often called a work of art, with mature trees and limestone buildings that seem to whisper the secrets of generations past.
Indiana was the first state in the Union to have state-funded (as opposed to private) schools, and later, IU was the first state university to admit women as students. Our School of Law Library is ranked first in the nation, and the Jacobs School of Music is reputed to be one of the best music schools in the country.
And of course we are ranked highly in just about all collegiate sports. IU fans come from far and wide to cheer on the Hoosiers in basketball, football, soccer, and rugby – more than 24 varsity sports in all.
One of the most wonderful things about IU is that senior citizens are just as likely to roam the campus as the young people. Many of our seniors enroll in the University’s continuing education programs to keep up with various topics, learn new languages, or just for enjoyment. University of Indiana Library is open to all Indiana residents, which is a huge attraction. There is even an “Elder Hostel” at the University, where seniors can enroll in one- or two-week classes with top professors, and live in the dorms.
All the students, young and old, coming and going from around the world make Bloomington wonderfully multi-cultural. Our Tibetan Cultural Center hosts the Dalai Lama regularly (and in fact, the Dalai Lama’s brother taught languages at the University for many years). This international influence has also translated into great restaurants and fantastic cultural events. We have some of the best opera and theatre in the Midwest, annual festivals year round, and the Kinsey Institute, which is open for tours (by appointment).
Another terrific cultural influence is our proximity to some of America’s greatest cities and centers of learning. We are only 1 hour away from Indianapolis; 2 hours to either Louisville, KY or Cincinnati, OH; 4 hours to St. Louis; and 4-1/2 to either Nashville, TN or Chicago.
Of course, healthcare here is wonderful. IU’s Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, and Health & Rehabilitation Services are some of the finest research centers in the world, particularly in the area of transplants.
If all this sounds good to you, contact me. We have small to midsize homes in many areas of Bloomington, and for great prices. Homes average about $164,000.
- NUMBER1EXPERT 
