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BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - THE BEST OF THE MIDWEST
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - THE BEST OF THE MIDWEST
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Bloomington's first Indiana Craft Distillery, Cardinal Spirits (photo cred: Visit Bloomington)
Bloomington is home to several beautiful lakes! Monroe Lake, Griffy Lake, and Lake Lemon.
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Life In Bloomington, Indiana

Bloomington is for everyone! Arriving for the first time, you might think you're in Colorado or the Pacific Northwest, rather than nestled in the Midwest. We have all the opportunities of a big city, with a quieter and more relaxed pace of life, so you never run out of fun activities or great people to meet. Home to Indiana University, Bloomington combines all the best aspects of Midwest hospitality, with the rich diversity of international fusion. From young professionals to... 

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Major Employers

Bloomington has a diverse economy, anchored by life sciences, medical device manufacturing, world-class healthcare, and a major research university.

Cook Group

A global pioneer in medical device manufacturing, Cook Group is Bloomington’s flagship private employer. They are world-renowned for minimally invasive medical devices and "patient-first" innovation. Cook offers a massive corporate structure with a heavy emphasis on internal education and lifelong career paths.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Indiana University

As the city's largest employer, IU is more than just a school; it is a global research enterprise. Careers here range from high-level academic research to complex IT infrastructure and campus operations. IU is known for its incredible "total rewards" benefits, including free tuition for employees and their families.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Smithville

One of the fastest-growing technology companies in Indiana, Smithville is a premier fiber-optic internet and data provider. They are a local "hometown hero" known for being at the forefront of the Midwest's digital transformation.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

City of Bloomington

The municipal government is a central hub for public service, infrastructure, and community development. They are known for "employee-friendly" policies and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. Working for the city provides the stability of public service with a direct impact on local quality of life.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Simtra BioPharma Solutions

Formerly part of Baxter, Simtra is a premier contract manufacturing organization (CMO) specializing in sterile injectables. They are a "must-know" for biopharma professionals, known for high-tech cleanroom operations and global pharmaceutical partnerships.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Solution Tree

A global leader in professional development for educators, Solution Tree is one of Bloomington’s most successful "homegrown" corporate headquarters. They provide resources and training to K-12 educators worldwide.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Cook Group

A global pioneer in medical device manufacturing, Cook Group is Bloomington’s flagship private employer. They are world-renowned for minimally invasive medical devices and "patient-first" innovation. Cook offers a massive corporate structure with a heavy emphasis on internal education and lifelong career paths.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Indiana University

As the city's largest employer, IU is more than just a school; it is a global research enterprise. Careers here range from high-level academic research to complex IT infrastructure and campus operations. IU is known for its incredible "total rewards" benefits, including free tuition for employees and their families.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Smithville

One of the fastest-growing technology companies in Indiana, Smithville is a premier fiber-optic internet and data provider. They are a local "hometown hero" known for being at the forefront of the Midwest's digital transformation.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

City of Bloomington

The municipal government is a central hub for public service, infrastructure, and community development. They are known for "employee-friendly" policies and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. Working for the city provides the stability of public service with a direct impact on local quality of life.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Simtra BioPharma Solutions

Formerly part of Baxter, Simtra is a premier contract manufacturing organization (CMO) specializing in sterile injectables. They are a "must-know" for biopharma professionals, known for high-tech cleanroom operations and global pharmaceutical partnerships.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Solution Tree

A global leader in professional development for educators, Solution Tree is one of Bloomington’s most successful "homegrown" corporate headquarters. They provide resources and training to K-12 educators worldwide.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Cook Group

A global pioneer in medical device manufacturing, Cook Group is Bloomington’s flagship private employer. They are world-renowned for minimally invasive medical devices and "patient-first" innovation. Cook offers a massive corporate structure with a heavy emphasis on internal education and lifelong career paths.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Indiana University

As the city's largest employer, IU is more than just a school; it is a global research enterprise. Careers here range from high-level academic research to complex IT infrastructure and campus operations. IU is known for its incredible "total rewards" benefits, including free tuition for employees and their families.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Smithville

One of the fastest-growing technology companies in Indiana, Smithville is a premier fiber-optic internet and data provider. They are a local "hometown hero" known for being at the forefront of the Midwest's digital transformation.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

City of Bloomington

The municipal government is a central hub for public service, infrastructure, and community development. They are known for "employee-friendly" policies and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. Working for the city provides the stability of public service with a direct impact on local quality of life.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Simtra BioPharma Solutions

Formerly part of Baxter, Simtra is a premier contract manufacturing organization (CMO) specializing in sterile injectables. They are a "must-know" for biopharma professionals, known for high-tech cleanroom operations and global pharmaceutical partnerships.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Solution Tree

A global leader in professional development for educators, Solution Tree is one of Bloomington’s most successful "homegrown" corporate headquarters. They provide resources and training to K-12 educators worldwide.

See Open Roles ->

#employers

Entertainment & Events

Local Favorites
Dynamic dancers perform on stage at an outdoor festival, captivating an engaged audience amidst vibrant autumn foliage.
Vintage theater facade with colorful neon lights, exuding nostalgia and community spirit under a twilight sky.
Pathway lined with trees under a clear sky, leading to an archway; a person walks, evoking tranquility and hope.
A vibrant market scene with colorful flowers, a woman with a child, and a sense of warmth, joy, and community.
Dynamic dancers perform on stage at an outdoor festival, captivating an engaged audience amidst vibrant autumn foliage.
Vintage theater facade with colorful neon lights, exuding nostalgia and community spirit under a twilight sky.
Pathway lined with trees under a clear sky, leading to an archway; a person walks, evoking tranquility and hope.
A vibrant market scene with colorful flowers, a woman with a child, and a sense of warmth, joy, and community.
A vibrant market scene with colorful flowers, a woman with a child, and a sense of warmth, joy, and community.
Awards & Press

Top 10 Destinations for Remote Workers

Top 10 Destinations for Remote Workers

Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Midwest

Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Midwest

"All Star" City, Perfect Score on Human Rights Index, 9+ Years Running

"All Star" City, Perfect Score on Human Rights Index, 9+ Years Running

Top 10 Most Affordable Outdoorsy Places to Live

Top 10 Most Affordable Outdoorsy Places to Live

Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.

Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.

Tree City USA, 40+ Years

Tree City USA, 40+ Years

First in Indiana to earn Tree City USA recognition


Where People Live
Historic neighborhoods, lake living, college-town energy, and quieter corners – there's no single way to live here.

Flavors and Sips

The Food Scene
Charming outdoor dining area at a vibrant red café, surrounded by green plants, bright skies, and a cozy ambiance.
A cozy bar setting with a salad, drinks, and a tattooed diner, capturing a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere of friendship.
Charming outdoor dining area at a vibrant red café, surrounded by green plants, bright skies, and a cozy ambiance.
A cozy bar setting with a salad, drinks, and a tattooed diner, capturing a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere of friendship.
A cozy bar setting with a salad, drinks, and a tattooed diner, capturing a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere of friendship.

Cost of Living Comparison

See how your current cost of living compares to life in Bloomington, Indiana. Sign up to save your details and auto-load results next time.

MakeMyMove sources all Cost of Living Data from COLI, published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), without any modification or bias.

COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and CNN Money. The data and methodology are described in detail and completely transparent to users, found in the COLI Manual. Both data and methodology are reviewed by an Advisory Board composed of academic researchers and government officials. The Cost of Living Index is referenced in the Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the U.S.

According to the COLI Manual, composite differences of <4% and categorical differences of <5% are not statistically significant and should not be treated as necessarily accurate.

$

Based on your salary of $0 in , .Change
Other Price Comparisons

Check out all the ways your money compares in Bloomington.

Groceries

About the same


Utilities

About the same


Transportation

About the same


Healthcare

About the same


Misc

About the same



Outdoor Adventure
Bloomington’s hills, forests, lakes, and greenways offer year-round ways to explore, recharge, and stay active.

Thinking about making Bloomington your new home?

Real Mover Stories
A smiling man in a red varsity jacket and woman in a red vest enjoy a festive outdoor gathering with green trees and blue sky.
A vibrant market scene with colorful tents, people engaging in activities, creating a lively, joyful atmosphere.
A joyful group in a cafe celebrates with pom-poms, signs, and a pride flag, embodying community and inclusivity.
A smiling man in a red varsity jacket and woman in a red vest enjoy a festive outdoor gathering with green trees and blue sky.
A vibrant market scene with colorful tents, people engaging in activities, creating a lively, joyful atmosphere.
A joyful group in a cafe celebrates with pom-poms, signs, and a pride flag, embodying community and inclusivity.

Bloomington Community Feed

Arts & Culture
Community

AMP Bloomington 2026 had some real highlights this year, including a video that premiered at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Wednesday night. Bloomington overflows with creative people: musicians, artists, designers, filmmakers, and performers, and the city is layering in spaces and support that help turn projects into lasting careers. That idea sits at the center of the Uplands Regional Creative Economy Commons, a $7 million effort built from a $3 million READI 2.0 Arts & Culture grant through the state and more than $4 million in local and regional support. The plan connects places along the B-Line Trail so creative work can move from spark to show through a coordinated set of spaces.

At Switchyard Park, upgrades add lighting, sound, fencing, and welcome shade, with Indiana University committing funding for annual arts and cultural programming. Crowds already gather here for concerts, performances, and big events, and the new infrastructure expands what can happen. Up the B-Line, the Secretly Group warehouse on Hillside Drive is transforming into a 10,000-square-foot production hub managed by Constellation Stage & Screen, with space for set rehearsal, fabrication, equipment, costumes, music, theater, performance, and creative production. In the Trades District, the Showers Administration Building becomes a creative incubator offering affordable studios and workspaces, places to meet collaborators, develop ideas, find mentors, and learn practical business skills.

Indiana University Bloomington leads the partnership with Regional Opportunity Initiatives, the City of Bloomington, Constellation Stage & Screen, Girls Rock Bloomington, Secretly, the Eurton Opportunity Fund, IU Innovates, and Amplify Bloomington. The guiding belief feels familiar here: a musician is an entrepreneur, a filmmaker is an entrepreneur, and so are designers and performers, so spaces, peers, and practical support line up like they do for any startup founder. Daily life often looks like a morning writing session in a small studio, an afternoon bike on the B-Line to a rehearsal at the Hillside hub, then an evening set under lights at Switchyard Park. Coffee shops double as meeting rooms, the Buskirk-Chumley fills on weeknights, and the Showers building hums with people shipping projects, trading feedback, and setting real goals. A walkable string of venues and workspaces links the making, sharing, and growing of creative work.

Tori S

Program Sponsor,

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Program Sponsor,

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2d ago
Careers
Community
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Monroe County Government

Monroe County Government serves Bloomington and surrounding communities throughout Monroe County, Indiana, providing essential public services that support residents, businesses, and local development. With departments spanning public health, public safety, parks and recreation, infrastructure, finance, and administration, the county offers diverse career opportunities for professionals interested in public service. Through its commitment to community well-being, responsible governance, and local development, Monroe County Government plays an important role in maintaining and improving the quality of life for residents.

See Open Roles →

Why Work at Monroe County Government?

  • Diverse Career Opportunities: Explore positions in administration, public health, finance, engineering, technology, and public safety.
  • Competitive Benefits: Eligible employees receive health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement benefits, and paid holidays.
  • Retirement & Financial Security: Benefit from a county-funded pension program and additional retirement savings options.
  • Professional Development: Access training and opportunities to develop skills across government departments.
  • Community Impact: Help deliver essential services and improve the quality of life for Bloomington and Monroe County residents.



Click here to learn more about Monroe County Government →

Image credit: Monroe County Government website

#employers


Isabella H

@MakeMyMove

@MakeMyMove

18d ago