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Student Housing in Bloomington, IL
$750+/unit
Fees may applyApartment Mart
$831+/unit
Fees may applyTraditions Bloomington
$975+/unit
Fees may apply703-705 N Prairie St
$2,275/unit
Fees may apply916 N East St
$900+/unit
Fees may applyBenoni Green Building
$1,075+/unit
Fees may applyBrookridge Heights Apartments
$1,605+/unit
Fees may applyThe Flats on East
About Student Housing in Bloomington
Bloomington, Illinois is a mid-sized city of roughly 78,000 residents in McLean County, located in the heart of the state about 130 miles southwest of Chicago. Together with neighboring Normal, it forms the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area, which hosts two universities: Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington and Illinois State University in Normal. This dual-university environment gives the metro a lively college-town character with a steady supply of restaurants, coffee shops, music venues, and cultural events. The downtown Bloomington area anchors the city's social scene, with a renovated historic district along Main Street and easy access to Miller Park and surrounding green spaces. Renters benefit from a healthy housing stock built around both student and young-professional demand, keeping options plentiful and rents competitive compared to Champaign or Chicago. Interstate 55 and Interstate 74 intersect near Bloomington, making the city a natural hub for regional travel.
Best Neighborhoods for Students in Bloomington
Tipton Park
This established residential neighborhood sits immediately east of the IWU campus and is the most popular choice for off-campus students. Tree-lined streets, walkable access to campus, and a mix of rental houses and duplexes make it a top pick for upperclassmen.
Franklin Park
Located just north of campus, Franklin Park offers affordable rental housing with a short walk to IWU classrooms and the campus recreation center. The area has a quiet, residential feel with proximity to North Main Street dining options.
Downtown Bloomington
The historic downtown core along Main Street draws students and young professionals who want walkable access to restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and live music venues. Apartment options above commercial spaces provide an urban feel uncommon in smaller Illinois cities.