Bloomington–Normal

Bloomington–Normal, officially known as the Bloomington, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area, is a metropolitan area in Central Illinois anchored by the twin municipalities of Bloomington and Normal. At the 2010 census, the municipalities had a combined urban population of 132,600, while the metropolitan area had a population of 169,572. The two-city area is colloquially known as "Blo-No".

Bloomington–Normal

Bloomington, IL MSA
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Coordinates: 40.5026°N 88.9948°W / 40.5026; -88.9948
Country United States
State Illinois
Principal cities
Area
 • Urban
49.2 sq mi (127 km2)
 • Metro
1,601 sq mi (4,150 km2)
Population
 (2010)
 • Urban
132,600 (243rd)
 • MSA
190,345 (225th)
 • CSA
229,253 (130th)
Time zoneUTC−6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)

Prior to 2013, the metropolitan area consisted of only McLean County.[1] In 2013, the Office of Management and Budget revised the delineations of the metropolitan area to include all of DeWitt and McLean counties. Additionally, the Bloomington–Pontiac Combined Statistical Area was created to combine the Bloomington MSA with the Pontiac, Illinois micropolitan statistical area. The CSA includes all of DeWitt, McLean, and Livingston counties.[2]

According to Nielsen data, Bloomington-Normal is home to the most restaurants per capita in the entire country and has the third highest restaurant growth index in Illinois, only behind Chicago and Springfield. This college town is filled with hidden culinary gems and is known for being the original home of Steak ‘n Shake. Locals love places like Epiphany Farms Restaurant and Baxter’s American Grille, while its unpretentious bar scene offers plenty of spots to unwind with a cold one.

Bloomington-Normal is a hotspot for schooling as well. Home of school District 87 and McLean County Unit District No. 5, the two combine with a total of 24 elementary schools, 5 junior high schools, and 3 high schools (Bloomington High School, Normal Community High School, and Normal Community West High School.) Thomas Metcalf Elementary and Junior High School and University High School, located on Illinois State University’s campus, as the only laboratory schools in the Blo-No area. Central Catholic High School and its three daughter schools are opportunities for Catholic education in the area as well.

See also

References
  1. "Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses" (PDF). Office of Management and Budget. November 20, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-12-23. Retrieved March 8, 2015.
  2. "Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of These Areas" (PDF). Office of Management and Budget. February 28, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2016.


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