Old Northeast begins at the Monroe County Courthouse in downtown Bloomington and extends eastward across a vast grid of streets packed with classic cottages and rental properties. Throughout the year, many here enjoy walking the red brick sidewalks and browsing the diverse array of restaurants, bars and boutiques that surround the courthouse square and the historic Beaux Arts building. “If you just walk down the street, you’re right on Kirkwood [Avenue]. Or you can take a bike down there. Within a minute or two, you’re already down to the restaurants, and it’s local restaurants, too, not just chain ones. Then, you’re also a couple of minutes to IU [Indiana University],” says Michael Larson, the manager at Old Northeast’s Revolution Bike & Bean. “We’re also just out far enough to where we don’t get too much of that congestion that you kind of get when you’re in the middle of it.”
Old Northeast is home to the shops and boutiques of historic Courthouse Square.
Revolution Bike and Bean is Bloomington's favorite cycling store, located in Old Northeast.
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Classic homes and rental properties
The neighborhood’s median build year is 1925, but this densely packed community has many homes constructed before that time. Prospective buyers will find small Craftsman, American Foursquares, a few Dutch Colonials and several Victorian builds around Washington Street. Old Northeast’s housing also consists of some townhouses, apartments and homes converted into rentals. In fact, rentals make up most of this neighborhood's housing options, which also means homes don't go on the market frequently and in the past 12 months, only two homes were sold in this community. Depending on their size and condition, most properties run between $300,000 and $700,000, although some of the largest properties, often used as multi-family rentals, can run between $900,000 and $1.1 million. Narrow roads and alleyways keep a check on traffic and make it easier for residents to walk throughout Old Northeast. The community's proximity to IU also means there is a fair amount of student activity here and many student renters.
A large American Foursquare home in Old Northeast that has been converted to student housing.
A cozy Craftsman in the Old Northeast neighborhood undergoes updating near IU's campus.
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Eats and boutiques in downtown Bloomington
Many come to the courthouse square to walk beneath the hanging lights strung between this historic landmark and the surrounding buildings. “It’s a very thriving downtown area. Besides the restaurants, you got retail places and things like this,” says David Nichoalds, whose spouse owns Tivoli Fashions, one of several trendy shops in downtown’s Fountain Square building. “Other than Indianapolis, it’s probably one of the most full-up downtown areas.” The Briar & The Burley draws travelers looking for luggage, cigars and old-school shaving kits complete with single-blade razors and shaving soap brushes. Next door is Rewind Records, where collectors can find previously owned vinyl albums, CDs and cassette tapes. Downtown’s diverse dining options include Greek fare at the Trojan Horse, The Amrit India’s buffet and Afghan cuisine at Samira Restaurant. At night, many head to Tap Bloomington to kick back with cold drinks and catch up on sports. A few blocks south of the neighborhood, Kroger is one of the nearest chain grocers.
The Trojan Horse, just off Courthouse Square on Kirkwood Ave, serves up gyros in Old Northeast.
Samira is a popular restaurant in Courthouse Square serving Afghan cuisine in Old Northeast.
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The Fourth Street Festival of the Arts
“What I love about downtown is that there’s so much going on. They try to make it friendly to visit, like closing off Kirkwood when it’s nice so people can eat in the streets. I like when they have arts on the square, and they kind of shut things down and vendors set up,” says Ashley Chandler, the owner of Rewind Records. “My kids, they also have a lemonade stand. So when it’s nice out, they’ll go set up anywhere off the square and sell lemonade.” The Fourth Street Festival of the Arts occurs around Labor Day weekend, and each year, hundreds flock downtown to enjoy live entertainment and to browse the works of well over 100 artists. Downtown visitors can also catch live performances at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, or otherwise known as the Indiana Theatre.
Within a short walk of the ‘Woodland Campus’
Many residents are within a few minutes' walk of the IU campus' outdoor attractions. Known as the “Woodland Campus,” the university is home to Dunn’s Woods, a small forest covering 20 acres. Red brick paths allow for peaceful walks under a scenic canopy that includes sycamore, basswood, hickory and sugar maples. Visitors can stop at Dunn Meadow, where they’ll find a peaceful creek and students relaxing and studying. Other campus attractions include the Kirkwood Observatory, which is open to the public between spring and fall. Nearby, the B-Line Trail, is a nearly 3-mile-long path that connects residents to sites like Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park and the new Switchyard Park.
Old Northeast is located directly next to Indiana University's Bloomington campus.
Dunn Meadow is a large green space with playing fields on IU's campus, near Old Northeast.
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Zoned for several highly-rated Monroe County schools
Students here may start at University Elementary School, which gets an A from ratings site Niche. They may then go on to attend Tri-North Middle School and Bloomington High School North, which both receive A grades from Niche. Bloomington North also stands out as one of the 20 best high schools for STEM in the state, according to Niche. Its extracurriculars include drone clubs and a GEMS — Girls Interested in STEM — club, too. The high school also boasts strong athletic programs, including a boys cross-country team that captured a state title in 2024. The neighborhood also borders IU, a major research institution with a strong athletics program and a student body of nearly 50,000.
Bloomington High School North is a highly respected Indiana public school with an A rating.
The University Elementary School is the second-highest rated elementary school in Monroe County.
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Quick access to I-69
Bloomington Transit buses serve the neighborhood, providing an alternative transportation option for those commuting to other parts of the city. Those who opt to commute by car are only a few miles from Interstate 69, which goes to Indianapolis about 55 miles north. The Indianapolis International Airport is the region’s hub for commercial flights. Old Northeast residents needing medical care are about 4 miles from the IU Health Bloomington Hospital.
Important to know
Old Northeast has an overall CAP Index crime score of 8 out of 10, which is double the national average. Property crimes like burglary and larceny are significant drivers behind that score.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Rev Ernest D Butler Park
Peoples Park
B-Line Trail
Hopewell Commons
Dunn Meadow
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Northeast
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
10
4
Crime Score
8
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Northeast, Bloomington sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Old Northeast, Bloomington over the last 12 months is $167,000.
Iconic Bloomington Downtown Building. The property is situated in the heart of Kirkwood Ave with high visibility. At the end of Kirkwood leads directly to Indiana University's Sample Gates. The Property currently has three retail spaces, 2 of the spaces are leased, and 2 residential apartment units above the retail. The retail space that is vacant at the moment is set up for a pizzeria.
Located just blocks from Indiana University, 610-612 N Dunn offers an unbeatable investment opportunity in a highly desirable location. This property features two units: a spacious 5-bedroom house and a separate 1-bedroom home on a shared lot. Together, they generate a combined monthly rent of $6,500, set to increase to $6,800 in August 2025. With its proximity to campus and consistent rental
Located in a prime spot close to Indiana University and the vibrant Kirkwood nightlife, 418 N Grant offers an attractive opportunity for investors. This 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom property generates steady rental income, with current monthly rent of $5,100 through July 2025, increasing to $5,650 from August 2025 to July 2026. Tenants enjoy convenient off-street parking and a location that’s perfect
Welcome to The League Bloomington (10 North and The Crest), premier IU off campus housing communities for students searching for luxurious apartments. Perfect for new students and upperclassmen alike, our communities come outfitted with high-end apartment features and resort-style amenities for ultimate convenience. Schedule a tour of our communities today!
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Cody Coffey,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,959
Median Age
25
Population under 18
16.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
2.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$12,746
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$24,359
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.1%
College Graduates
71.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
34.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
54.4%
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
62/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
79/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
37/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
