Live & Work
At Home in the BN Area
Create the type of life you want in the Bloomington-Normal area! Boasting a variety of housing and employment opportunities, our mix of charming, historic spaces and modern, urban amenities — including some of the best public and private schools in the state and two exemplary healthcare providers — makes the BN area a fantastic place to live, work, and put down roots.
Live in the BN
Create the type of life you want in the Bloomington-Normal area! Boasting a variety of housing and employment opportunities, our mix of charming, historic spaces and modern, urban amenities — including some of the best public and private schools in the state and two exemplary healthcare providers — makes the BN area a fantastic place to live, work, and put down roots.
Education
Families can depend on a quality education from McLean County public schools, which boast a higher graduation rate (92.62%) compared to the state average (88%), according to the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, students in McLean County public schools boast higher ELA proficiency, math proficiency, and career and technical education participation than the state average, plus a lower rate of absenteeism. The BN area is also home to numerous parochial and private schools offering faith-based or alternative education models from kindergarten through high school.
Educational opportunities don’t end after high school graduation. Home to three outstanding institutions of higher education— Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Heartland Community College — the BN area provides fantastic opportunities for students to prepare to enter the workforce as well as continued education courses.
Healthcare
Healthcare providers in McLean County are committed to ensuring the highest possible quality of life for all residents with comprehensive, patient-focused care and state-of-the-art procedures, equipment, and facilities. Home to two large healthcare centers — the 200-bed Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal and the 177-bed OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington — as well as numerous outpatient and specialty clinics around Bloomington-Normal, McLean County provides outstanding medical services just a short drive from home.
Housing
What type of home are you looking for? Want a brand-new development in an up-and-coming subdivision? Or would you rather seek peaceful solitude in a rural farmstead? McLean County delivers with a variety of housing options no matter what stage of life you’re in. Best of all, homebuyers can expect more for their dollar with an average property value of $128 per square foot compared to $262 per square foot in Chicago, according to Realtor.com.*
* Numbers accurate as of April 2026.
Parks & Outdoors
Welcoming all ages and abilities, the parks, trails, and outdoors spaces around the BN area offer innumerable opportunities for residents to get out, move around, and reconnect with nature. From leisurely relaxation to fun-filled play dates and vigorous workout sessions, these areas greatly contribute to the quality of life in McLean County.
Entertainment
Looking to have some fun? The BN area is never short for things to do. Historic performing arts centers and modern arenas alike draw nationally touring music and comedy acts and theater productions to McLean County while pubs, taverns, and eateries across the county host local acts all year long. Local entertainment complexes provide fun ways to spend an evening too, and you’ll also find plenty of ways to bring the kids along for the fun!
Do Business in BN
Open a new chapter in your career or start a brand-new business in the BN area! Our communities are home to numerous companies and organizations across a wide range of industries — including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and insurance, to name a few — offering a wealth of opportunities to start a new career or continue growing in your current role. Convenient access to I-55, I-74, and I-39 — as well as Amtrak service — provides easy access to cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Rockford, and Indianapolis, while our airport connects BN to the wider world with nonstop service to Phoenix, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Orlando, and Tampa/St. Petersburg.
Let's Get Something Started.
Realize your economic vision in McLean County — the BN Economic Development Council can help. Dedicated to helping small businesses in the BN area prosper, the BNEDC offers numerous economic incentives and resources to help organizations succeed. Some resources include:
• Community Development Corporation (CDC) — Distributes low-interest loans, arranges venture and capital investment, and creates financial mechanisms for businesses in the public and private sectors.
• Enterprise Zone — Offers economic incentives to businesses investing in their properties, including expanding or renovating their facilities or undertaking other qualified improvements.
• Small Business Development Center — Helps small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs write business plans, locate and prepare financial opportunities, and implement marketing tactics such as strategies and research.
• SizeUp McLean County — Helps private sector organizations and nonprofits better serve customers through market research and business intelligence, ultimately helping businesses make more informed, data-driven decisions.
Get the inside scoop!
View, download or order a printed copy of our visitor guide!
Email form