Hey Doc,
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. By the way, nice write-up in Trails.
I moved to Bloomington in 2004 so I have had several years of experience in these parts.
Bloomington is, by far, one of the coolest places (in all respects) I have ever lived. In fact, it is one of the coolest small college-town-like places I have ever been.
Bloomington is NOT flat. From Bloomington south to Kentucky there are all kinds of beautiful hills; especially in Monroe and Brown Counties. This part of IN has the Best hiking, some of the best fishing, and excellent hunting lands. Lake Monroe, for instance, is the largest reservoir in the sate (John Mellencamp lives on the lake). There is plenty of state and national parks. There is also the Charles C. Deam Wilderness area located in the Hoosier National Forest. The Hoosier Forest system links up with yellowwood sate forest (yellowwood lake is an awesome fishing spot) and extends south to Kentucky. One can easily do multiple day backpacking trips in this area. I do not need to stress anymore how awesome this part of IN is. In fact, everyone I talk to from IL comes to this area to camp. The cool thing too, is that I can have my boat on Lake Monroe or be hiking in the Hoosier National Forest within a 5-10 min drive from downtown Bloomington. You can’t say that about many places. I also don’t want to forget about Lake Griffey. This is a city-owned park 1 mile north of the town. There is plenty of great hiking, a dog park, and great fishing. I caught 9 bass over 12” in 2hrs one afternoon.
Aside from outdoor activities, there are many community/family activities in Bloomington; most of which are free. For example, there is the infamous farmer’s market twice a week in the spring/summer. There is music, movies, and other free activities that occur in the many city parks. We have two kids (3yo and 1.5 yo) and there is never a lack of activities that are hosted by the city or other organizations. By the way, my graduate student colleague has a 2 yo boy named Leif. Bloomington has a lot of arts and music entertainment. IU draws many famous people to give public lectures. The Dali Lama has been several times (his brother owns a Tibetan eatery in town). If your into old-time country music and bluegrass etc., we have the Bill Monroe music festival and many other local acts that play regularly. There is a smorgasbord of ethnic food restaurants and grocery store. Bloomington, by far, is the most liberal town in IN. I have yet to see any problems with that.
Go here:
Miller Interests
Click on ‘family’ and ‘mushrooms’. Most of the scenery in the pics are from the Bloomington area. I have consumed over 7 different wild mushrooms found in the surrounding area.
What kind of job were you applying for?
Overall, I think Bloomington IN is a GREAT place to raise a family. Unfortunately, I will have to move in a few years.
Good luck.
Give me a PM or email if you need any more info.
Miller.benjamin@gmail.com
Cheers,
ben
