A J.C. Hart Apartment Community in Bloomington, IN

How To Research A Neighborhood In Bloomington Before You Rent An Apartment

April 14, 2025
Exterior view of East Bank Apartments in Noblesville with seating and a fire pit

Learning about a locale before moving is smart to ensure you’re satisfied in your new Bloomington apartment. Exploring in person is essential, but there are some other things you can do to get to know your new community. Use our beneficial tips on how to research a neighborhood before you rent an apartment.

Explore The Locale

xterior of Penrose on Mass Apartments in Downtown Indianapolis

There’s no better way to familiarize yourself a neighborhood than visiting it in person. As soon as you have a few properties in mind, plug the zip code or address into Walk Score to get a walkability rating. You’ll see how convenient it is to walk or bike around the area. The greater the number, the more navigable it is on foot. Visit the local diners, coffee bars, and stores to get a feel for the neighborhood. It’s also advisable to go at different times to assess elements like traffic and noise levels.

Plan To Walk Through Each Bloomington Property You Prefer

Kitchen with bar seating in a unit at Wheelhouse Apartments on the Monon

It’s essential to tour each property you’re evaluating. You can begin the process by looking at photos and info online and even take a virtual 3D tour. But nothing compares to visiting in person. Stroll the outdoor areas, check out the amenities, and tour available units. Is the swimming pool as lovely in person as it appears on your computer? What impression do you glean about the community as a whole? 

Connect With Community Residents

Patio with cushioned seating at The State at Fishers Apartments

One of the greatest ways to research a neighborhood is by connecting with the Residents themselves. You can inspect ratings and reviews on numerous websites, but it will benefit you to delve a bit deeper. Visit social media sites affiliated with the community. Residents are usually willing to share their thoughts. This is also a great way to see if there are social events you may be interested in.

Take A Practice Run Of Your Bloomington Commute

Unless you’re relocating right next to your job, you’ll likely have a commute to think about. You can use an app to figure out the distance and expected commute times. You’ll also want to check it for rush-hour times. But researching online isn’t the same as testing it in on your own. Do the drive yourself and consider times to locations like grocery stores, restaurants, and other spots you will likely go to.

Additional Tips For How To Research Neighborhoods In Bloomington

There’s much more you might do, based on your availability. Here are some more ideas on how to research neighborhoods in Bloomington:

  • Connect with a neighborhood real estate agent. This method can be especially useful for out-of-town moves. Numerous agents work with rentals and will likely know the neighborhood more completely than others.
  • Research schools and daycares. If you have little ones, this is a must. You can start by accessing online resources like GreatSchools.
  • Investigate nearby events and establishments. Participate in a community event, explore farmer’s markets, or dine at local restaurants to get a sense of the neighborhood.

Most cities will have websites you can explore to find more information. 

Schedule A Tour Of City Flats at Renwick Today

Do you want to find one of the best neighborhoods in Bloomington? Arrange a tour of City Flats at Renwick today. You’ll love our amenities, spacious units, and the sense of community that our Residents and staff share. Come see us in person or dial 812-578-7432 for additional information.