Bloomfield provides small-town living in southeast Iowa
Bloomfield's rich soil attracted many settlers to this area in the mid-1800s. Small independent businesses helped drive much of the community's early development, including building a downtown square. Today, the Davis County seat is still defined by its secluded atmosphere and history. “It’s very rural and community oriented,” says Angie Scott, a Bloomfield native and agent with Davis County Realtors, who has over 15 years of experience. “People here are okay with the smaller town sort of thing.”
Residents shop local downtown but head to Ottumwa for big-box stores
The Bloomfield Square Historic District frames Davis County Courthouse, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Independently owned businesses, from thrift shops to book stores and restaurants, fill the district's brick-clad storefronts. CJ’s Family Restaurant is a local favorite for breakfast and is known for its comfort food. Elena’s Ice Cream Shop on North Washington Street serves a rotating list of unique flavors like Michigan Pothole and Cow Tippin. Groceries are available at Brothers Market, and Dollar General covers daily essentials. Scott says most residents will make the 19-mile trip north into Ottumwa to shop big-box stores like Walmart Supercenter, Kohl’s and more.
From vintage cottages to 21st-century home styles
Open meadows and expansive crop fields frame Bloomfield's quiet, grid-like streets. Its oldest homes include late 19th to early 20th-century cottages, National Folk and Traditional styles. The community’s outer edges mainly comprise ranch-style homes and 21st-century builds. “We have a local Amish community that does a lot of construction, including cabinetry and hardwood flooring," Scott says. The median sales price for a single-family home here is $275,000, slightly higher than in Ottumwa. Bloomfield also has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Parks, hunting and trips to Rathbun Lake offer options for outdoor fun
The community offers plenty of recreation, including Bloomfield City Park. The green space includes a playground, baseball diamonds and Bloomfield swimming pool. Davis McGowen Wildlife and Recreation Area offers wooded trails and is one of many Wildlife Management Areas in Davis County where public hunting is allowed. “A lot of people from out of state will come into the area to hunt white-tailed deer,” Scott says. Lake Fisher Park has a lake for casting a line, several campsites and a disc golf course. Summer day trips to Rathbun Lake are also popular among locals. "It's about 30 minutes away, and people will go up there for watersports and fishing," she says. Bloomfield Country Club features a nine-hole course, which is open to the public.
Davis County Schools' app keeps parents informed
Children begin at Davis County Elementary School, which earns a C rating from Niche. Davis County Middle School also has a C, and Davis County High School scores a C-plus. Davis County Schools recently released its app, Davis County CSD. The app allows parents and guardians to keep up with district and classroom announcements and message teachers directly.
Main Street is the hub for seasonal events
Bloomfields Main Street, a local nonprofit organization, hosts several events downtown throughout the year. “The square is the hub of the area,” Scott says. The Bloomfield Farmers’ Market occurs on the square’s south side every Saturday morning, and Hometown Christmas Celebration rings in the holiday season in early December. “It’s kind of like a Hallmark movie,” Scott says. “They do an ugly sweater 5K, Christmas music at the local theater, and meetings with Santa and the Grinch.” Davis County Fair is another community staple. The five day event occurs in mid-July, and includes a carnival, live music and more.
Highways connect residents to nearby cities and airports
State Route 2 and U.S. Route 63 are accessible within the community, supporting local and regional travel. Kirksville, roughly 45 miles south, and Burlington, 83 miles east, are home to the nearest airports for commercial flights. Davis County Hospital & Clinics is in Bloomfield on North Madison Street.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
