In the neighborhood
Organized as a town in 1878, Bloomington, Minnesota was originally named for its "flowering fields," and indeed, more than one-third of the City – 8,000 acres – is designated as parkland and recreation space. This includes the Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge, adjacent to the site, as well as Fort Snelling, the Hyland Lake Park Reserve, three golf courses, 108 tennis courts, and 123 parks.

What is so unique about Bloomington is that its Mall of America and the Interstate 494 "strip" of retail and hospitality venues perfectly complement the spectacular beauty of its parklands and nature preserves. Taken together, Bloomington offers a rich mixture of bustling commercial activity and serene natural splendor.

The 2000 Census determined Bloomington's population to be approximately 85,000, with the largest concentrations in the age 25-34 and 35-44 groups. Projections suggest a slight increase in median age, from 49.5 in 2000 to 51.1 in 2009. Average household incomes and per capita incomes are projected to grow substantially between 2000 and 2009: the average household income and average per capita income were $69,299 and $29,792, respectively, in 2000, while 2009 figures are $84,938 and $37,764, respectively.

Clearly, Bloomington has much to offer. In addition to the many amenities planned for Bloomington Central Station, some of the metro area's most attractive amenities will be close by, including:

Mall of America
The state's premier shopping and entertainment destination is the most-visited tourist attraction in the country. The Mall of America houses more than 500 stores, including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Sears. There are 50 restaurants and nightclubs in addition to a 14-screen movie theater, an aquarium, and an amusement park!

Hotels, Restaurants, and More
In addition to on-site services, the surrounding area includes the City of Bloomington's many hotels, conference facilities, restaurants, and stores.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Next door to Bloomington Central Station is the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, with a 34-mile, 14,000-acre corridor of marsh, grassland, and forest in the valley of the Minnesota River. The refuge's visitor center is less than a quarter-mile from Bloomington Central Station.

One of only four urban wildlife refuges in the country, this unique amenity provides an outdoor experience as primitive and natural as any state or national park, and features habitat for migratory waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife species.

Beyond
As a transit-oriented development, Bloomington Central Station makes it easy for residents to connect to the larger metro area and beyond, thanks particularly to the convenience of light rail, as well as highways and airport access. The Hiawatha Line provides quick access from Bloomington Central Station to the Mall of America (four minutes), the airport (six minutes), and Downtown Minneapolis (24 minutes).