A few of your friends have settled in Belleville, Illinois, encouraging you to consider buying a house there, too. The whole family seems to like the idea but you’re still unsure if it’s a wise decision. For one, to help you decide, you may inquire through reputable real estate companies in the area, like Single Tree (Belleville). They can provide you with the information you need to help you decide.
Now, let this article provide additional information to help you decide.
Know More About Belleville, Illinois
Belleville, “The Stove Capital of the World,” is one of the oldest cities in Illinois. The French name “Belleville,” which means beautiful city, was coined in 1814 by landowner George Blair, one of the first settlers in the area after the Revolutionary War. They were war veterans who received land grants.
Its incorporation as a village was in 1819, and its cityhood came about in 1850. It is the county seat of St. Clair County. Belleville is just 15 minutes away from Downtown St. Louis, MO.
Population
Belleville is the 39th largest city in Illinois, with a population of 40,836 as of 2023.
Cost of Living
The average cost of living is $1851. It belongs to the top 22% of the most expensive cities in the world. It is in 2059th place of the 9294 in the global list.
According to the experts at Single Tree (Belleville), housing prices are relatively low in Belleville. Housing is 39% less expensive than the rest of the US. The city’s utilities are 4% lower than the national average, while groceries are just 2% higher. As for the transportation costs, it is 10% lower than the national average, providing lots of benefits to commuters.
Most of the residents in this city have their own homes. Its homeownership rate is 60%, lower than the 64.1% national average. As per Single Tree (Belleville) real estate experts, the housing market in the city is competitive.
Homes for sale typically stay in the market for about 34 days, with a selling rate of about 1% above the selling price. Homes usually sell for $89/sqft. The cost of homes for sale has increased by 13% compared to last year, and real estate agents say that this is the best time to buy a home before prices start to go up.
Weather
It’s a continental climate in Belleville. It has the typical cold winter months, warm summer months, and fluctuations in temperature, cloudiness, and humidity. The summers go as high as 91°F to as low as 68°F. The winter months are characteristic snowy, windy, and very cold, with an average of 23°F to 43°F. The yearly average temperatures range from 46°F to 69°F. On average, Belleville gets 10 inches of snow every year, and about 41.65 inches of rain annually.
The Best Neighborhoods to Live in Belleville
Belleville boasts several nice places to live, which includes three of which are Osceola Park, Charter Hill, and Follet Farms.
Osceola Park is an affordable neighborhood and one of the most popular communities for people looking for a place to settle. The median price for a house is around $255,000.
Charter Hill features luxury more upscale homes, which start at $800,000. This latest development in Belleville is near Kenwood Country Club.
Follet Farms has new construction and established houses potential buyers can choose from.
There are two popular shopping havens in Belleville, these are Circa Boutique and The Shoppes at the Olde Towne Mall. Transportation is convenient in Belleville with three Metrolink stations connecting the city to St. Louis. For bike enthusiasts, a bicycle train runs throughout the city.
Things to Do in Belleville
If you’ve been living in a city bustling with activities, you’d want to know if there are plenty of other things Belleville can offer aside from lovely homes. Good news because the city offers a lot, including:
Lincoln Theatre
The Lincoln Theater is one of the oldest attractions in Belleville. It debuted in 1921 as a movie house and vaudeville stage. Today, it features first-run releases and hosts shows of the Belleville Philharmonic. The Lincoln Theatre also features performances from a children’s theater group. On Friday and Saturday nights, an organist plays the theater’s iconic pipe organ before screenings.
Braeutigam Orchards
Braeutigam Orchards only had a handful of animals when it was established in 1831. In 1935 this small farm began producing apples, pumpkins, and other fruits. This family-owned orchard produces honey, jellies, and jams. They also have an on-site bakery that sells butter cakes, pies, and apple cider donuts. They also offer “pick your own” farm tours.
Other popular attractions in Belleville are The Schmidt Art Center, Labor & Industry Museum, and The Edge. There are 16 parks scattered around the city for family picnics, walking trails, skateboard parks, etc.
Dining Experience
Belleville offers a lot of great dining options. The two top-rated restaurants in the city are:
4204 Main Street Brewing Co.
This popular steakhouse and brewery is a homage to the many German immigrants who came to the city. They also offer catering services.
Papa Vito
Papa Vito features homemade family recipes. They not only serve the best signature pizzas, but they also have a variety of sandwiches and calzones to tickle your palate. They offer delivery and banquet services.
Belleville Moving Tips
The winters in Belleville become very cold. You can expect a lot of snow and rain in the city.
If you love shopping, there are a lot of choices, and it’s convenient to shop in Belleville.
If you have kids, the city has 14 elementary, seven middle, and four high schools in the public school system. Some of the top schools are Whiteside Elementary, Central Jr High, and Belleville High School-West. The city also has 18 private schools offering Pre-K to Grade 12, including Hope Christian Academy and Zion Lutheran School. The city also has a free public library.
You can contact the experts at Single Tree (Belleville) for more information.