Why Live in Near East
Near East in Bloomington, Illinois, is a neighborhood known for its historic homes, many of which are 80 to 100 years old. The area features American Foursquare and Folk Victorian houses, offering a range of affordable options with charming architectural details. Tree-lined streets and sidewalks create a picturesque setting, with homes built close together on small plots, often including driveways. Residents appreciate the proximity to downtown Bloomington, just about a mile away, and the mix of residential, light industrial, and commercial spaces that cater to various lifestyles. Dining options include Lucca’s Grill, known for its Italian-style pizza and sandwiches, and Annie’s Eats, which serves barbecue favorites. For sweet treats, Grove Street Bakery offers a nostalgic atmosphere with a variety of baked goods. Shopping options include Godbey’s Goodys antique store, One More Time pawn shop, and Lakewood Plaza, which features a Hyvee supermarket and several fast-food outlets. The Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market, held every Saturday from May through October, and the McClean County Arts Center, which hosts art exhibitions and the Sugar Creek Arts Festival, provide cultural and recreational activities. Atwood Wayside Park, connected to the Constitution Trail, offers scenic hiking and biking paths. The neighborhood is served by Bloomington High School, which has a high rating and offers Advanced Placement classes. Although public transportation is limited, the Connect Transit bus and major highways like Illinois State Route 9, along with the Central Illinois Regional Airport 4.5 miles away, ensure good connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Near East a good place to live?
Near East is a good place to live. Near East is considered fairly walkable and very bikeable with some transit options. Near East has 2 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 15.6 people per acre and a median age of 36. The average household income is $50,444 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 26.6% of residents. A majority of residents in Near East are renters, with 75% of residents renting and 25% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Near East can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Near East neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Near East?
The median home price in Near East is $139,750. If you put a 20% down payment of $28,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $710 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $30K a year to afford the median home price in Near East. The average household income in Near East is $50K.
What are the best public schools in Near East?
The best public schools that serve Near East are:
What are the best private schools in Near East?
The best private schools that serve Near East are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Near East, Bloomington, IL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Near East, Bloomington, IL?
Are home prices dropping in Near East?
Yes, home prices in Near East are down 2% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Near East, IL
On average, homes in Near East, Bloomington sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Near East, Bloomington over the last 12 months is $135,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$135,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$125,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$135,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$92
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
11
Median List Price
$139,750
Median Change From 1st List Price
9%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%