2019 Best Places to Live in McLean CountyAbout this List

Bloomington

• Town in Illinois
• 203 reviews

Current Resident: I was born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois. I have lived here for my entire life. I love the general atmosphere in this town. People are nice, they will hold open doors for you and even go so far as to pull over on the side of the road while driving to help a stranger change a tire or help someone push their car out of a snow drift.

The affordability aspect of Bloomington, IL is fantastic. There are thousands of high paying jobs that pay above the national average. These high paying jobs combined with a low cost of living is one of the best aspects of living in Bloomington, IL.

In regards to things that could be changed, there are certain roads and streets that have seen some neglect. In certain areas, you will find some decently sized potholes. I would also like to see an increase in the nightlight in Bloomington.

Overall, I enjoy living in Bloomington, IL, and I think people that move here for work, school, or other reasons will enjoy it, too!
Read 203 Reviews

• A

• A-

• 78,426 Population

Normal

• Town in Illinois
• 121 reviews

Current Resident: Normal, Illinois is a great midwestern town. It is big enough to have almost any store, restaurant, or shopping option and at the same time it has a small town feel. There are even a few different college options within our town: Heartland Community College, Illinois State University, and Illinois Wesleyan University. The public school system is good and the town is well-maintained. It is a great place to raise a family!
Read 121 Reviews

• A

• A-

• 54,531 Population

Downs

• Town in Illinois
• 1 review

Current Resident: Really a bedroom community for Bloomington-Normal, IL. Great small town with low crime, friendly people. Small downtown but has been reinvigorated recently so you'll find a few eating options and a cute coffee/ice cream shop. The public schools are close to everyone, safe and provide a great start in life. Also it's very close to Bloomington which has all the eating options and shopping. Neighborhoods in Downs are nicely kept with large yards.
Read 1 Review

• A-

• A

• 1,008 Population

Twin Grove

• Town in Illinois
• 3 reviews

Niche User: I really like this area because it is a good city with fantastic, well-meaning people, with plenty of job opportunities.
Read 3 Reviews

• A-

• B

• 1,819 Population

Le Roy

• Town in Illinois
• 8 reviews

Current Resident: Le Roy is a very safe community. Though it is small, there are many opportunities. There are quite a few parks which are very clean. It is located a few miles away from Marine View State Park.
Read 8 Reviews

• B

• B+

• 3,518 Population

Heyworth

• Town in Illinois
• 3 reviews

Nearby Resident: I enjoy living near Heyworth. It is a cozy small town with decent schools and quiet living. I wish there were more small businesses in the area. There are only a few places to shop, and not a lot of options. For a small town, I think it is great.
Read 3 Reviews

• B

• B-

• 3,138 Population

Bloomington City Township

• Town in Illinois
• 3 reviews

Current Resident: I moved from Chicago to further my education and raise my children in a safe place. Bloomington is a great peaceful place that works together offering help in times of need and doing what is best for your children. I think it is pretty awesome that communicating with your child's teacher is literally one click away. It is a place where I found peace to get my life on the right track and make a plan for additional schooling and in the future owning a home! When I walk down the street we speak to each other. I love that when it comes to the children everyone is in the same agenda which is to do what's best and improve their confidence as well as their mental ability that they can do anything if their mind is in to it! I'm great full to find Bloomington it has given me a better out look on life and confidence that I am able to have the life I've always dreamed.
Read 3 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• 78,426 Population

Normal Township

• Town in Illinois

• A

• A-

• 54,344 Population

Old Town Township

• Town in Illinois

• A

• A

• 3,033 Population

Towanda Township

• Town in Illinois

• A

• A

• 1,371 Population

Bloomington Township

• Town in Illinois
• 2 reviews

Niche User: Good place to raise a family. Has a small community feel with the amenities of a larger community.
Read 2 Reviews

• A

• A-

• 2,887 Population

Dry Grove Township

• Town in Illinois
• 3 reviews

• A-

• B+

• 1,472 Population

Hudson

• Town in Illinois
• 3 reviews

Former Resident: I grew up here. It was an amazing place to grow up. Extremely quiet, safe and happy village. Not too far from stores and businesses in Bloomington-Normal. And you can't beat the sunsets on the drive home.
Read 3 Reviews

• A-

• A-

• 1,800 Population

White Oak Township

• Town in Illinois

• A-

• A-

• 1,115 Population

Hudson Township

• Town in Illinois

• A-

• A-

• 2,583 Population

Downs Township

• Town in Illinois

• B+

• B+

• 1,065 Population

Lawndale Township

• Town in Illinois
• 1 review

Current Resident: The Lawndale Township community is very nice, and I enjoy talking with them regarding issues at making our communities better and safe.
Read 1 Review

• B+

• B-

• 154 Population

Danvers

• Town in Illinois
• 2 reviews

Niche User: When I am a parent I want to to raise children is a place similar to here. My community is close and everyone knows each other, it is very safe, and the pace of life is perfect here. Kids don't grow up too quick and get to enjoy their childhood while learning important life lessons.
Read 2 Reviews

• B+

• C+

• 1,192 Population

Carlock

• Town in Illinois
• 5 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in a small town, that is completely amazing. The fact that the town has so much for being so small is excellent. But, I would like to see more people become involved in the community to help it thrive!
Read 5 Reviews

• B+

• A-

• 614 Population

Empire Township

• Town in Illinois
• 1 review

• B+

• B+

• 4,099 Population

Gridley

• Town in Illinois
• 1 review

• B+

• B

• 1,467 Population

Towanda

• Town in Illinois

• B

• A

• 440 Population

Gridley Township

• Town in Illinois
• 1 review

Current Resident: Gridley always feels like home, even though it is a small town there are multiple things to do from playing a sport on the field or court in town to walking around and seeing all the history. With Gridley being a small town everyone knows everyone and is always there to help each other out in a time of need.
Read 1 Review

• B

• B

• 1,827 Population

Randolph Township

• Town in Illinois

• B

• B-

• 4,454 Population

Lexington Township

• Town in Illinois

• B

• B

• 2,574 Population