Torn between Bloomington and Ellettsville for your next move? You are not alone. Many buyers weigh city energy and campus access against small‑town pace and more space. In this guide, you will see clear, side‑by‑side differences in housing, commute, schools, and lifestyle so you can match your budget and daily rhythm to the right place. Let’s dive in.
Bloomington vs. Ellettsville at a glance
Bloomington is the larger hub in Monroe County, home to Indiana University–Bloomington and a city population near 80,000. Ellettsville is a smaller town of roughly 6,800 residents a short drive to the northwest. These sizes shape everything from housing inventory to daily amenities. For quick population and commute context, review Census QuickFacts for Bloomington.
Indiana University’s footprint is a major factor. With fall enrollment topping 48,000 students, the campus fuels local jobs, culture, and seasonal housing demand. If you value performances, lectures, and a steady stream of events, that university presence is a plus. Learn more about the campus environment through Indiana University–Bloomington’s overview.
Ellettsville offers a more suburban and small‑town feel with higher owner‑occupancy and household stability in American Community Survey estimates compared with Bloomington. Many residents commute into Bloomington for work while enjoying residential neighborhoods, larger yards, and a slower pace at home.
Housing and affordability
When you compare prices, look at ranges rather than a single number. Industry index data, like the Zillow Home Value Index, placed Bloomington’s typical home values near the low $300s as of early 2026, while some MLS‑based snapshots in late 2025 showed median list or sale prices closer to the mid $300s. Ellettsville’s index values hovered around the mid‑$200s, with some months of reported median sales landing in the low to mid $300s. Small markets can swing month to month because only a handful of homes may sell in a given period.
To set expectations, think of broad, practical bands:
- Bloomington: roughly $300,000 to $400,000 for many move‑in‑ready single‑family homes, with condos and townhomes often pricing below that range and renovated homes in top locations pricing above it.
- Ellettsville: roughly $260,000 to $380,000 depending on product type, age, and lot size, with newer subdivisions sometimes extending higher and older homes providing value plays.
Rents follow a different pattern. Bloomington’s rental market is shaped by student demand near campus, which can mean strong supply but also seasonal pricing. Ellettsville’s rental inventory is smaller, so asking rents may vary widely by property and timing. If you are weighing rent vs. buy, compare current MLS rentals and factor commute time and utility costs into your decision.
Ownership costs matter too. Property taxes in Monroe County are generally modest at the county level, but parcel‑level bills vary by exemptions and individual taxing units. For a specific address, check typical effective rates and confirm details with a parcel estimate. You can review Monroe County tax background through PropertyShark’s overview, then call the Treasurer or Assessor to verify the current bill.
What these numbers mean for you
- If you want the widest choice of listings and short hops to restaurants and arts, Bloomington’s higher inventory and city amenities can be worth the premium.
- If you prefer a quieter neighborhood setting, larger lots, and a higher share of owner‑occupied streets, Ellettsville often delivers more square footage per dollar.
- For investors, Bloomington’s proximity to IU can create steady rental demand near campus, while Ellettsville appeals to longer‑term, family‑oriented tenants.
- Whichever you prefer, request a local comparative market analysis for the exact neighborhood and home style you want. A CMA reflects on‑the‑ground comps and the week‑to‑week realities of the market.
Commute and transportation
Ellettsville sits about 7 to 8 miles from downtown Bloomington. In normal conditions, you can expect a 12 to 18 minute drive depending on route and traffic. Check real‑time routing between specific addresses, then sense‑check the numbers with this simple reference from Travelmath’s drive distance tool.
For a broader backdrop, Census estimates show mean commute times in Bloomington around the mid‑teens in minutes, while Ellettsville averages roughly 20 to 21 minutes in recent multi‑year windows. Remember that these are community averages across all worker types and schedules.
Day‑to‑day, Bloomington offers stronger transit and non‑auto options. Inside the city, you will find fixed‑route bus service and more walkable neighborhoods, especially near campus and downtown. Ellettsville is generally more car‑dependent, though the Karst Farm Greenway provides a paved multi‑use trail that connects parts of the west side for biking and recreation. Explore the Karst Farm Greenway for a sense of the corridor and access points.
Planning tip: when commute time is a top priority, run a live map check at your exact departure time on a weekday, then compare that with the community’s average. This gives you both a real‑world and a long‑term view.
Schools and education options
Public schools in Bloomington are operated by the Monroe County Community School Corporation. MCCSC includes two comprehensive high schools, multiple middle and elementary schools, and specialized programs. For district profiles and current boundary maps, start with MCCSC’s district page.
Ellettsville is served by the Richland‑Bean Blossom Community School Corporation, known locally as Edgewood schools. It is a smaller district with a suburban and rural enrollment base. For district contacts and up‑to‑date information, visit RBBCSC.
Area alternatives include public charter and private options. For example, Seven Oaks Classical School is a K–12 classical charter located in Ellettsville. Enrollment, transportation, and extracurricular offerings vary, so verify details directly with each school.
Selection tip: if schools are a top priority, identify two addresses you like, one in Bloomington and one in Ellettsville. Confirm the assigned elementary, middle, and high schools for each, then compare program offerings, transportation, and extracurriculars before you tour homes.
Lifestyle and amenities
Bloomington delivers a high concentration of arts and culture tied to IU. You can tap into concerts, lectures, theater, galleries, and a diverse dining scene. Major employers include Indiana University, Cook Medical, and IU Health Bloomington Hospital, which also anchors regional healthcare access. For a broader look at the local economy and employer base, review the Indiana Business Research Center’s Bloomington outlook.
Ellettsville leans into small‑town rhythms with local parks, neighborhood trails, and community events like the annual Monroe County Fall Festival. Nightlife is quieter, but daily life can feel easier if you want a tucked‑in subdivision and quick highway access.
Walkability is a clear contrast. Many central Bloomington neighborhoods are walkable with moderate transit access, while Ellettsville is typically car‑dependent. For a snapshot of Bloomington’s walkability metrics, check WalkScore’s city view. For any specific address, walk and drive the area at the hours you care about most.
Which fits your next move?
Choose Bloomington if you:
- Want city amenities, university events, and a short local commute.
- Plan to walk, bike, or use transit for daily trips.
- See value in potential rental demand tied to IU.
Choose Ellettsville if you:
- Prefer a small‑town pace with more owner‑occupied streets.
- Want larger yards or newer subdivisions at a given budget.
- Do not need daily transit access into downtown Bloomington.
How a local guide makes it easier
The best move is the one that fits your life. If you are comparing two or three neighborhoods across Bloomington and Ellettsville, you deserve data you can trust and local context you can feel. That is where a tailored plan helps:
- A neighborhood‑level CMA so you see true, recent comps, not just broad indexes.
- A commute and access check that reflects your work hours and routes.
- A school‑zone confirmation for two or three favorite addresses, with district page links.
- A property‑tax check and a sample monthly cost breakdown for your price range.
Ready to explore with a local pro who knows both sides of Monroe County? Schedule a tour or request a custom comparison with Amanda Richardson. Schedule a Free Consultation.
FAQs
What are typical home prices in Bloomington vs. Ellettsville?
- Expect many Bloomington homes in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, with condos and premium locations adjusting that up or down; Ellettsville often ranges from about $260,000 to $380,000 depending on age, size, and subdivision, with small‑sample monthly medians spiking at times.
How long is the Ellettsville to Bloomington commute?
- It is roughly 7 to 8 miles and about 12 to 18 minutes in normal conditions, with community‑wide averages around the low 20 minutes for Ellettsville and the mid‑teens for Bloomington; confirm your exact route with a live map at your commute hour.
Which school districts serve Bloomington and Ellettsville?
- Bloomington is served by the Monroe County Community School Corporation, and Ellettsville is served by the Richland‑Bean Blossom Community School Corporation; confirm current boundaries and program options with each district.
Is Bloomington more walkable than Ellettsville?
- Yes, many central Bloomington neighborhoods are more walkable with moderate transit access, while Ellettsville is generally car‑dependent; evaluate specific addresses by walking the area and checking a walkability snapshot.
How do property taxes compare in Monroe County?
- County‑level effective rates are modest in many cases, but actual bills depend on your assessed value, exemptions, and taxing units; review county tax basics, then request a parcel estimate from the Treasurer or Assessor before you finalize your budget.
