Bloomington

About Bloomington

Bloomington is an unincorporated, census-designated area in San Bernardino County just a short drive from San Bernardino International Airport. Although the area is home to a small, thriving community, Bloomington itself is still working to attain cityhood in order to be designated as its own entity. Unlike many nearby neighborhoods, Bloomington still boasts rural areas that allow residents to work land and raise animals.

The History of Bloomington

The San Bernardino Valley, which Bloomington calls home, has a rich and colorful history that began with the settlement of Spanish missionaries in the 19th century. The valley, with its fertile soil and mountain range, was chosen as an outpost for other travelers coming to California. Father Francisco Dumetz dubbed the area "San Bernardino" after Saint Bernardino of Siena. When gold was discovered nearby in 1860, the population around San Bernardino took off. Railway companies began to change the sleepy town into an enterprising city.

Bloomington, a small portion of this flourishing area, was originally planned and developed in the 1880s by the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company.

Living in Bloomington

Bloomington has experienced steady growth and sprawl, thanks to a lovely year-round climate, plenty of recreational opportunities and a diverse economy with abundant jobs. Although the unemployment rate is slightly higher than the national average, job growth has been very positive in recent years.

The moderate weather means you'll be able to enjoy the city's parks and green spaces year-round. Kessler Park provides a number of recreational opportunities, including a skate park, sports fields and generous grassy areas.

Bloomington Schools

The Colton Joint Unified School District serves Bloomington students, with a handful of schools. However, California has an open enrollment policy, meaning that a child may attend any school in the district, including charter schools, as long as space is available. There are also a few private schools, mainly faith-based, to choose from.

Resources for Moving to Bloomington

Here's a handy collection of resources to help you plan your move to Bloomington:

• Utilities: Southern California Edison is Bloomington's main power provider. The West Valley Water District manages water services for most of the area.
• Garbage and Recycling: Curbside collection and special waste disposal services like bulky-item pick-up are available in most of Bloomington.
  
• Transportation: OmniTrans provides public bus transportation in and around Bloomington.

Bloomington Housing

One downside to living in the vicinity of San Bernardino is the high cost of living. Bloomington's cost of living is significantly higher than the U.S. average, and housing in particular tends to be expensive. The median home price has risen over the past several years and is expected to continue in this upward trend.