If you’re looking for a fabulous place to retire, come settle down in Bloomington. Our low cost of living, low taxes, world-class university, abundance of cultural life, and athletics attract people from all over the world. Not to mention the fact that Bloomington has been ranked as the seventh lowest ‘stress city’ in the nation and twice been designated as an all-American city.
Retirees, families, and students make up a big chunk of the population in Bloomington. We find this multi-generational atmosphere both relaxing and refreshing. You’re just as likely to see seniors shopping for organic fruits and vegetables at our year-round farmer’s market, as you are the young people. And seniors are just as likely to be spotted roaming the campus as the young people are.
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. Indiana University Wells 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 stay in the dorms.
With students, young and old, coming and going from around the world, Bloomington is also 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). We often see the monks in their beautiful crimson and gold robes walking around the city. And of course there are many, many other houses of worship centrally located in town.
This international influence has translated into great restaurants and fantastic cultural events too. We were proud to host the second Tibetan restaurant in all of America, and now there is a sister restaurant opening up nearby. We have Turkish food, Thai, French of course, Burmese, and all kinds of vegetarian fare as well, just to name a few.
The cultural events vary from having some of the best opera and theatre in the Midwest, annual festivals, to the Kinsey Institute, which is open for tours (by appointment).
Another welcome influence is our proximity to some of America’s greatest cities. First of all, you can be in any part of Bloomington in just 20 minutes. This far beats the urban sprawl of larger cities. But 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. We have two excellent hospitals, Bloomington Hospital, with its great array of specialists, and Monroe Hospital on the southwest side of town. We also have programs for people without health insurance, where some of the city’s medical professionals volunteer their time to treat people.
As a rule, we’re very health-oriented. The air is fresh and we love to do things outdoors. You’ll find seniors swimming, taking exercise and yoga classes at our very active YMCA, participating in walking clubs, bicycling, golfing, sailing, and fishing. And many of them take time to work with children or other elders.
If all this sounds good to you, contact me. We have small to midsize homes in many areas of Bloomington, and for great prices. For instance, the downtown is the heart of the city, and a popular place to live. It is easy to walk to many other parts of town from there. Homes run about $164,000.
As someone who has lived in the area since childhood, I am obviously sold on Bloomington as one of the greatest cities in America in which to live, raise a family, and retire. Quality of life here is unbeatable!
To find a home visit our Feature Properties, or search all the local listings in our area!
- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
