East Bloomington - Bloomington, MN

First settled in the early 1800s, the town of Bloomington organized its first public school before Minnesota became a state. The population grew from around 800 to more than 2,600 from the latter part of the century to 1930, and Bloomington officially became a city in 1960. East Bloomington was consistently overshadowed by its western neighbor until the building of the Mall of America in 1992.

You don't find many museums or art galleries in East Bloomington, but the nearby Bloomington Center for the Arts on the west side of the interstate stands as a cultural hub for the city with galleries and community classes. For a taste of the neighborhood's history and culture, don't miss the parade, 5k run and other family-friendly events during the Bloomington Heritage Days along 95th Street.

East Bloomington stands out as a hub of creative dining establishments in Minneapolis with the Mall of America as its focal point. Locals head to the MoA when they're craving fine dining or hand-tossed pizzas, but they're just as likely to visit the low-key restaurants along Aldrich Avenue for a casual dinner and an easier parking experience. While the MoA carries fast food, Italian gourmet and everything in between, the rest of the neighborhood serves up local bars and grills that transport you to rural Minnesota.

Pizza Studio may be a mall restaurant, but pizzas piled high with all the toppings you want for no extra fee make the experience worth the trek. Ordering works as a choose-your-favorites process; pick your dough before pointing out your favorite toppings, and the chefs prepare your pizza just as fast. Don't let the quick turnaround fool you, though; the fresh pizzas have a distinct home-made flavor. Try the rosemary herb crust for an extra special meal.

For casual Italian dining, stop by Fat Lorenzo's to order a meatball sub with some chicken corn chowder soup. The restaurant's location at back of the VFW can be tricky to find with the entrance located around the corner, but this hidden gem serves up guilty pleasures that never leave you hungry.

Bars, lounges and comedy clubs abound in the MoA, but locals usually head to Aldrich for more casual nightlife. If you want to sip on a Moose Drool craft beer while watching the game, head to Sports Page. This down-home Minnesota favorite completes the experience with a Buck Hunter arcade game and pool tables. Even Packers fans flock here during football season.

Despite its suburban location, East Bloomington remains well-connected to the rest of the Twin Cities thanks to the Mall of America and the nearby international airport. If you need to get to downtown Minneapolis, hop on the Metro Transit Blue Line light rail from the mall or take a bus from nearly any part of the neighborhood. For a quick ride to the airport, hail a cab from the mall area or call a local taxi service, such as Viking or All-Metro, from the residential areas. You can also get a quick pick-up from Uber.

If you have a car, you can reach any part of the Cities via the Interstates 494 and 35W. You find free parking throughout the neighborhood, but parking becomes more crowded and pricey the closer you get to the MoA. You can also ditch the car and join Minneapolis' bicycle revolution with numerous bike-friendly roads and a bike lane crossing the neighborhood along 86th Street. The neighborhood is safe for walking and biking, but you need a car to reach most restaurants and grocery stores.

East Bloomington may be a shopping hot spot, but residents enjoy a rich assortment of public parks that are never more than a few blocks away. Exercise your pooch in one of the many green areas, but be sure to keep him leashed. If you're looking for playgrounds and tennis courts, stop by Wrights Lake Park to let your kids play while enjoying some classic Minnesota scenery.

For a more remote wilderness experience, explore the trails along Long Meadow Lake on foot or by bike. You're sure to see eagles, beavers and other animals as you trek along the wetlands and forests of this protected wildlife refuge.

Living in East Bloomingdale means enjoying a lower cost of living compared to Minneapolis' average. A one-bedroom apartment goes for around $850 to $900 a month.

Entertainment is affordable with a pint of beer at locals bars like Shantytown Grill costing you $3 to $4. To the metro center of Minneapolis, take the bus or light rail for around $1.75 during regular hours and $2.25 during rush hour. If you prefer to travel by car, gas runs roughly 11 percent below the national gas price average.

East Bloomington's unrivaled retail experience draws shoppers from all over the Twin Cities and even the nation as it houses the Mall of America, a multi-level attraction hosting more than 400 stores. However, you also find a decent selection of basic amenities, department stores and other big-brand shops along Aldrich Avenue and American Boulevard. In East Bloomington, browse for everything from high-end designer boutiques in the mall area to bargain shops and thrift stores throughout the neighborhood. Whenever you want to melt away the winter blues with a day of shopping, head to the MoA for some serious mall walking. Pick up a new sweater at Alpaca Connection, or find a stylish cap at Hat World. You can also take your kids to ride the giant Ferris wheel and roller coasters at Nickelodeon Universe at the center of the mall. If you're an avid treasure hunter, stop by the Attic to Basement thrift shop near the west side of the neighborhood for low-priced furniture and home decor acquired through estate sales. Whether you're looking for glass dish sets, an antique sofa or a quirky table lamp, you're sure to find something in this charming little shop. For your weekly grocery shopping, look to Cub Foods and specialty grocers like Chan Oriental Market for all your mealtime needs. Be sure to visit the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market to find some local produce.