Bloomington

Overlooking the greens of Bloomington Country Club’s 18-hole golf course, Bloomington’s neighborhood of Country Club Place-Northcrest is an exclusive family community with a small-town feel and easy access to big-city life. “My father brought me here when I was a child because it’s a great place to raise kids, and he was right,” says Kindi Bliss, Realtor with Coldwell Baker Real Estate Group in Bloomington. “It’s very family-friendly, we have a low crime rate, and it’s easy to get around. You can also hop the train to Chicago or St. Louis and get to a bigger city in an hour or two.” The variety of homes in Country Club Place-Northcrest is broad, and prices reach across an equally wide range. Townhouses are available in the neighborhood and typically sell between $140,000 and $190,000. Ranch-style and Colonial Revival homes sitting a street or two over from the country club tend to sell between $230,000 and $500,000, while larger estates that sit against the golf course can sell for more than $1 million. The median home price in Country Club Place-Northcrest is $242,499, which is unchanged from the previous year. “Our schools are another part of why people live here,” Bliss says. “We have a really great school system.” For kindergarten through 5th grade classes, students can attend Washington Elementary School, which earns a B on Niche. For grades 6 through 8, Bloomington Junior High School offers classes that count for high school credits and earns a B-minus. Earning an A-minus, Bloomington High School houses the Bloomington Area Career Center, which allows students to explore different skill sets to prepare for work after graduation. Ewing Park offers residents a playground with swings and climbing walls, miles of trails to hike and exercise stations throughout the park. Less than a mile west of Country Club Place-Northcrest, residents can hike the 37-mile long, paved and wooded Constitution Trail, which runs through Bloomington and Normal. Members of the Bloomington Country Club can enjoy the club’s 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, pool and restaurant. Except the Bloomington Country Club, the neighborhood of Country Club Place-Northcrest is all homes. But there are plenty of shopping and dining opportunities around the neighborhood. For an essential mall experience, Eastland Mall holds stores like American Eagle and Spencers. “College Hills shopping area is an outdoor shopping mall I prefer,” Bliss says. “But since we’re centrally located between Chicago and St. Louis, it’s fun to head to Chicago and explore some of the shops around the suburbs.” Country Club Place-Northcrest’s closest grocery store is Green Top Grocery on East Washington Street, though options like Fresh Thyme Market and Signature India Groceries sit just east of North Veterans Parkway. Options for dining out include Meatheads Burger and Fries in Eastland Commons and Garden of Paradise on East Empire Street. The Bloomington-Normal public transportation system—Connect Transit—serves bus stops on streets surrounding Country Club Place-Northcrest and connects residents to the rest of the Bloomington-Normal area. Less than half a mile east of the neighborhood, North Veterans Parkway connects resident drivers to Interstates 55 and 74. Drivers can also head four miles west on East Washington Street to reach Interstate 74. The neighborhood’s main streets are lined with sidewalks, but residential streets closer to the country club lack space for walking. The city of Bloomington offers residents plenty of opportunities for celebration. Hill of a Race is an annual fitness challenge held in Ewing Park featuring a 3-mile course of running, lifting and climbing challenges. The city also hosts a handful of Fourth of July celebrations with fireworks at parks like Fairview Park and Miller Park. The city also hosts a full calendar of summertime events like Bloomington Gold—a car show celebrating Corvettes and Camaros—and a downtown concert series that takes place every Saturday. Though the Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington is roughly two miles east of Country Club Place-Northcrest, Bliss says it poses no problems for residents. “We love the airport here,” Bliss says. “It’s fantastic if you don’t want to drive to Chicago. You can go out of Bloomington and connect to Chicago if you want to get somewhere bigger. But we have direct flights to a lot of places too.”

A growing electric car manufacturer, two universities and two major hospital systems keep Bloomington a busy, vibrant city. Plus, this district has a bustling bar and restaurant scene. “It’s got a little bit of everything,” says Sean Caldwell, Realtor with RE/MAX Rising Brokerage. “They have a pretty active live music scene, a center for performing arts that draws some nice acts and the Grossinger Motors Arena, where the hockey team plays.” The neighborhood holds dozens of locally loved bars, cafes, shops and restaurants. “A normal Saturday night in Downtown Bloomington would consist of browsing Red Raccoon Games before a dinner reservation at Rosie’s Pub or The Lucca Grill,” says Elizabeth Aspbury, owner of Bobzbay Books. “Then catching a live show at The Castle Theatre or heading to Uptown Normal and seeing a movie at Normal Theater.” Opening in 2009, Bobzbay Books holds about 1,900 square feet of space and supports local artists with a full calendar of events, including Open Mic Poetry nights and an LGBTQ+ Teen Book Club, celebrating the community’s diversity. Corner stores such as W. Market Groceries provide drinks, snacks and other small items, but the closest full-service grocery store is Green Top Grocery on East Washington Street — almost a mile east. “Good houses tend to sell fast with multiple offers,” Caldwell says. “But that dies down a little bit as the price point gets higher.” Condos are becoming increasingly popular throughout Downtown Bloomington, but the occasional Colonial-style single-family home adds variety to the neighborhood’s market. While condos usually sell between $138,000 and $250,000, single-family homes typically range from $100,000 to $160,000. Overall, the median home price in Downtown Bloomington is $165,000. Picnickers can enjoy the greenspace and shaded tables at Withers Park. Plenty more outdoor adventures await at nearby Miller Park — Bloomington’s oldest public park that covers over 67 acres. It also has the Miller Park Zoo and one of the country’s two memorials honoring the Black American soldiers killed in the Wereth 11 Massacre during World War II. For a taste of the city’s microbrewing scene, the Bruegala beer festival brings local food trucks to the neighborhood, as well as live music, games, and beer. In the winter, the Bloomington-Normal Jaycee Holiday Parade draws big crowds with live music and performances on the move. Besides the Holiday Parade and Bruegala, Downtown Bloomington has many great events to celebrate — Saturdays on the Square, Tour de Chocolat and the Tomes of Terror Horror Festival to name some fan favorites. Sheridan Elementary School, which earns a C on Niche, serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade. B-minus-rated Bloomington Junior High School is for sixth through eighth grade. Bloomington High School earns an A-minus and serves the entire city’s secondary students and has an annual average enrollment of 1,500 students. The school also holds the Bloomington Area Career Center, where students can gain firsthand experience for the job market. For post-secondary education, Illinois Wesleyan University is less than a mile north, and Illinois State University is less than two miles north. Connect Transit serves bus stops throughout Downtown Bloomington and connects residents to Green Top Grocery and the rest of the Bloomington-Normal metro area. There are sidewalks lining the streets in Downtown Bloomington, so residents may not need a personal vehicle if they don’t travel far. For drivers, Interstates 55 and 74 overlap less than 2 miles west of the neighborhood, connecting them to Chicago, St. Louis and the rest of the nation’s major highways. State Farm, Rivian and the Ferrero Roche chocolate company are a few of the area’s largest employers. The area also has two major hospital systems: Carle BroMenn Medical Center and the OSF St. Joseph Medical Center. The city took a while to enjoy some of the growth other areas of the country are enjoying, says Caldwell, who also owns the Vision Homes Group and Vision Ventures Construction and Remodeling. “But the job market changed the dynamic. Now, there’s a lot of new construction going on.”

Though Eagle Crest is all residential, it is conveniently located near shopping, dining and some of the largest employers in Bloomington, Illinois. “On the west side of town, people like to be close to Rivian,” says Greg Zavitz, Coldwell Banker Realtor who’s sold homes in the area for over 38 years. “On the east side, people like to be close to State Farm headquarters.” Eagle Crest is less than five miles northeast of State Farm Corporate Headquarters and less than three miles from two highly rated Bloomington restaurants and chain stores like Walmart and Target. Just north of Eagle Crest, drivers can reach Interstate 55, which puts Chicago 134 miles from Bloomington-Normal. Just south of the neighborhood lies the Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal. While the airport does cause some noise, Zavitz says most see the airport as a convenience and not a concern. “People are so used to it. You can live anywhere in Bloomington-Normal and hear the airport,” he says. “But you get used to it.” There is no public transportation in Eagle Crest—the closest Connect Transit bus stop is just over a mile away, on Airport Road—but the neighborhood streets are all lined with sidewalks. Two miles south of Eagle Crest, diners can enjoy upscale Mexican cuisine at Ancho & Agave or fine Italian dining at Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano. Both average more than four stars over thousands of reviews on Google Maps. Roughly three miles west of the neighborhood, East College Avenue and Veterans Parkway intersection holds the closest grocery store—Meijer—and national chains like Target and Walmart. “A lot of the subdivisions in Bloomington have small parks,” Zavitz says. “There are a couple of dog parks too. There’s a dog park off Shepard Road, near Eagle Crest, and they separate the small dogs from the large dogs.” Eagle Crest Park is the neighborhood’s small park, which holds a playground and a basketball court. Nearby, Tipton Park has a splash pad, a playground and a trail that connects to other Bloomington trail systems, giving walkers miles of paved space to enjoy. “Eagle Crest homes are upper-end, larger houses,” Zavitz says. “They typically sell for $325,000 and up. There are a lot of two-story homes and three-car garages, and just about half the homes have finished basements.” Home styles in Eagle Crest are pretty uniform, trending toward ranch-style and large, traditional two-story homes. Prices range from $325,000 for modern ranch-style homes to $450,000 for larger two-story homes, many of which come with three-car garages and finished basements. The median selling price in the neighborhood is $350,000. Grove Elementary School serves Eagle Crest kids attending kindergarten through 5th grade and earns an A-minus on Niche. Students in grades 6 through 8 can attend Chiddix Junior High School, which earns a B-plus. Normal Community High School earns an A and maintains an active theater program with widespread community support. Eagle Crest students hoping to attend college without living too far from home can attend Heartland Community College, Illinois State University or Illinois Wesleyan University, all within the Bloomington-Normal metro area. Bruegala, Bloomington’s biggest beer festival, is celebrated at the Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market, 6 miles west of Eagle Crest. The festival brings local food trucks, musicians and brewers to the market for a day of beer-fueled fun. The Bloomington-Normal area also has a Doggie Easter Egg Hunt, where pets find the eggs, and a massive Holiday Parade.

A canopy of mature trees shades the driveways of Fairway Knolls, where Ranch homes and duplexes from the 1960s to the 1990s line the streets. This suburban neighborhood, with its modest homes and small yards, exudes a sense of practicality and community where children are often playing together in their yards or at local parks. Families choose Fairway Knolls for its affordability and family-friendly environment. The neighborhood’s serene streets and welcoming atmosphere. Housing in Fairway Knolls primarily consists of Ranch homes, characterized by their driveways shaded by mature trees. "Fourteen houses have sold here in the last 12 months, $155,000 was the lowest price and the most expensive was $290,000"Suburban Ranches are priced starting at $155,000 to $290,000, while split-level homes range from $185,000 to $230,000. The mix of affordability and charm makes Fairway Knolls an attractive option for families looking to settle in a friendly, suburban environment. says Realtor Brady Lockenour of HomeSmart. The median home price is $217,000. Families in Fairway Knolls have access to several well-rated schools. Bent Elementary School has a C-plus rating from Niche, providing a solid foundation for younger students. Bloomington Junior High holds a B-minus rating. Bloomington High School, with its A-minus rating, offers a comprehensive education with a strong art department, including classes in art, photography, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, and a dual credit art history course. Fairway Knolls is conveniently located near Illinois State Route 9, making commuting easy. The neighborhood is serviced by the Connect bus system, providing public transportation options for residents. For those who travel frequently, the Central Illinois Regional Airport is just over three miles away. With moderate walkability and some bike lanes, residents mostly drive to get around. Ewing Park is a local favorite, offering a range of recreational amenities for families. It features a playground for children, a walking path that leads to the Hedge Apple Woods Natural Area, and a picnic area for gatherings. There are a lot of State Farm employees who have exclusive access to State Farm Park for swimming," Lockenour says. Fairway Knolls offers a variety of shopping and dining options. Empire Plaza Shopping Center includes stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, HomeGoods, Five Below, DSW, Carter’s/Oshkosh, and Ashley Furniture, catering to a range of shopping needs. Locals can shop for groceries at Kroger, ensuring they have convenient access to all their daily necessities. For dining, residents can visit Bloom’s Coffee Bar for coffees, smoothies, and pastries, or enjoy a hearty meal at Garden Paradise, which serves breakfast platters and dinner options like fried chicken and St. Louis-style ribs. Bandana’s Bar-B-Q offers smoked barbecue platters, while Pizza Ranch provides a buffet-style dining experience. Fairway Knolls residents can enjoy the Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market, located about three miles outside the neighborhood. Held every Saturday from May to October, the market offers a wide array of locally grown and produced farm products. Additionally, monthly indoor markets run from November to April, ensuring year-round access to fresh produce and local goods. The Mclean County Arts Center, a historic institution since 1888, provides art exhibitions and educational classes, enriching the community’s cultural life.

In Founders Grove, history breathes life into every corner, creating a neighborhood that feels both timeless and vibrant. On Saturday afternoons residents gather for a neighborhood ice cream social under the shade of century-old trees, with children darting between homes and front yards. This sense of togetherness is the cornerstone of Founders Grove, where the Founders' Grove Neighborhood Association organizes events that bring people closer, fostering a true sense of belonging. The diverse architecture of the homes mirrors the diversity of its residents, making this neighborhood not just a place to live, but a community to be part of. Founders Grove boasts an array of architectural styles that cater to various tastes and budgets. Bungalows, starting at $70,000 and reaching up to $315,000, offer a blend of affordability and character, with a median price around $215,000. These homes, with their inviting porches and cozy interiors, are perfect for those who appreciate historical charm. Colonial-style homes, ranging from $140,000 to $250,000, provide a sense of elegance and tradition. For those who admire detailed woodwork and sturdy construction, Craftsman homes, priced between $160,000 and $320,000, are ideal. Homes in Founders Grove are highly sought after, often selling within just 15 days, reflecting the neighborhood’s desirability. "The market is absolutely insane in all of Bloomington," says Realtor Brady Lockenour of HomeSmart. "The homes that are listed for less than $300k get sold within a matter of days, many with multiple offers and for over the list price. The competition gets even worse the less expensive the home is." Washington Elementary School, with its B rating, provides a solid foundation for young students. Bloomington Junior High School, holding a B-minus rating, offers a comprehensive curriculum that supports the developmental needs of adolescents. Bloomington High School, rated A-minus, excels in preparing students for college and careers, featuring specialized programs in Business Accounting and Taxation. Additionally, parents can choose High Road School of Bloomington for personalized education from first grade through 12th grade. These schools collectively ensure that children in Founders Grove receive a high-quality education. Miller Park is the green heart of Founders Grove, offering residents a wide range of activities and amenities. The park features a picturesque pavilion and an artificial lake, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. The zoo within the park is a family favorite, home to various animals that delight children and adults alike. For sports enthusiasts, the park provides softball fields and sand volleyball courts. Historical elements, such as war memorials and a preserved steam locomotive, add a touch of nostalgia and educational value. The mini-golf course and playground ensure fun for all ages. During the summer, Miller Park hosts outdoor theater productions and a spectacular July 4th fireworks display over the lake, bringing the community together for entertainment and celebration. "Sugar Creek Art Festival, Sweet Corn Circus are big draws each year, people really get amped about it each August, especially for the sweet corn." The festival outside of the neighborhood takes place over two days at Uptown Normal. Founders Grove offers a convenient and diverse shopping and dining experience, centered around Eastland Mall. The mall features popular stores like Old Navy, Finish Line, and Bath and Body Works, catering to various shopping needs. Dining options are equally varied, from well-known chains like Outback Steakhouse and Applebee's to unique local eateries such as Kobe Japanese Steak and Seafood and La Patrona Authentic Mexican Cuisine. Sao, open late on weekends, serves soul food dishes like rasta pasta and fried fish. Schooners, with its indoor dining area and outdoor beer garden, is known for its delicious wings and seasonal soups. Barrel House pub provides a cozy spot for drinks and casual bites, making it a favorite watering hole for residents. Jewel Osco is a convenient grocery store option near the neighborhood. Founders Grove is well-connected, with Route Illinois 9 providing easy access to Central Illinois Regional Airport, just four miles away. While many residents rely on cars for daily commutes, the neighborhood is also served by the Connect bus system, ensuring mobility for all. The presence of sidewalks encourages walking, adding to the community’s charm and accessibility. The social calendar in Founders Grove is always bustling, thanks to the efforts of the FGNA. Monthly happy hours and scavenger hunts encourage camaraderie and fun, while ice cream socials and parades bring families together in joyous celebration. Live music events and book clubs cater to diverse interests, enriching the cultural fabric of the neighborhood. Houses of worship, including Centennial Christ Church and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, frequently host community events and gatherings, enhancing the neighborhood’s social life. These events create a vibrant, connected community where residents feel a strong sense of belonging and pride.