AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Bloomington, IN — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Bloomington neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$950/mo
Median Rent
79,168
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Indiana University
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Bloomington? What Renters Need to Know

Bloomington averages about $950 per month for a one-bedroom, elevated by strong university demand. The IU campus area runs $1,100, while South Side and Prospect Hill neighborhoods offer options closer to $800–$900.

Quick Facts

Population 79,168
Median Rent $950/mo
Top Employer Indiana University
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$950 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Bloomington median rent is $550 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Bloomington is Indiana University, making the Near Eastside area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Bloomington

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Near Eastside

Score: 84/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 86
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 7/10
#2

Elm Heights

Score: 86/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 80
Avg Rent $1,050
Schools 8/10
#3

Bryan Park

Score: 82/100
Safety B
Walk Score 74
Avg Rent $950
Schools 7/10

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#4

Prospect Hill

Score: 79/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $900
Schools 6/10
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#5

South Side

Score: 76/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $800
Schools 6/10
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#6

North Bloomington

Score: 80/100
Safety B
Walk Score 50
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 8/10
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#7

IU Campus Area

Score: 85/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 92
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 8/10
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#8

Sherwood Oaks

Score: 78/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 36
Avg Rent $950
Schools 7/10
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See All 8 Bloomington Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Bloomington Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Bloomington renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Bloomington.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Bloomington properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Bloomington

What is the average rent in Bloomington?

Bloomington averages about $950 per month for a one-bedroom, elevated by strong university demand. The IU campus area runs $1,100, while South Side and Prospect Hill neighborhoods offer options closer to $800–$900.

What is it like living in Bloomington outside of the university?

Bloomington is a classic college town with a surprisingly vibrant permanent community. The city has a strong arts scene, excellent restaurants, craft breweries, and outdoor recreation with Hoosier National Forest and Lake Monroe nearby. Many residents stay well after graduation.

How walkable is Bloomington near campus?

The IU campus area and Near Eastside score 86–92 on Walk Score, among Indiana's highest. The city has an extensive bikeway system and most campus-adjacent areas are truly car-optional. Outer neighborhoods are more car-dependent.

What are the schools like in Bloomington?

Monroe County Community School Corporation has good ratings, particularly for a smaller district. The presence of IU creates an academically enriched community, and many faculty families contribute to strong school cultures in the Elm Heights and Bryan Park areas.

Is Bloomington affordable to live in?

Bloomington is affordable compared to peer college towns but slightly elevated for Indiana. Housing costs are reasonable, and the active arts and food scene provides big-city amenities at small-city prices. Utility costs and groceries run below national averages.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.