Belleville, Illinois, is a great city to call home. It’s not the biggest or most exciting city in the state (that honor goes to Chicago), but it has everything you need without all the noise and traffic you’d find in larger cities like Peoria or Springfield. Here are some reasons why Belleville is such a great place for people of all ages and interests:
City’s rich history
One of the first things that will catch your attention when you arrive in Belleville is the city’s rich history. Founded in 1814, Belleville has a long and storied past, and there are many historic sites and landmarks throughout the city that are worth visiting. For example, the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, which has been operating since 1849, is a great place to learn about the city’s agricultural heritage. The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is a must-see for anyone interested in religious history.
Parks and Rec
Parks and Rec is a great way to get out and meet people. The staff is all amiable, and they’ll help you figure out how to make the most of your experience with them. They have a lot of fun events planned throughout the year. Some of their favorite events include:
A Halloween Party
An Easter Egg Hunt
Christmas in July Celebration
They also host birthday parties for kids, which sounds like a blast! You can even rent out their facility for business meetings or family gatherings.
Employment
In the last five years, Belleville has experienced a lot of growth. The economy is booming. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Belleville’s unemployment rate is 5.0%, which is lower than the national average of 4%.
With so many opportunities in one place, it’s easy to see why so many people are moving here!
Arts and Entertainment
Belleville, IL, is your home for the arts and entertainment. There are numerous opportunities to connect with the arts in Belleville. The community has several performing arts organizations, including:
The Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO)
The Belleville Community Theatre (BCT)
The Belleville Historical Society (BHS)
The Belleville Art Guild (BAG)
And that’s just for starters! Belleville High School has a theatre department that puts on excellent productions year-round. Suppose you’re interested in higher education related to performance or music. In that case, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education at its campus in Edwardsville—and it’s only about 15 minutes away from downtown Belleville!
Education
Belleville, IL, has excellent community colleges, private schools, and universities. There are many different educational options for all ages in Belleville, IL.
In the Belleville area, there are many public schools for children. There are also several private schools if you prefer an alternative learning environment. A large selection of high school sports teams competes with other high schools throughout the region, such as soccer, softball, and football, just to name a few.
Public Libraries
One of the best things about living in Belleville is getting to know your community by going to the public library. There, you can learn new skills and take free classes. You can also read books and watch movies for free! The library is an excellent resource for everyone—even if you already feel like an expert at something, new books and programs are always being added to keep things fresh!
Recreation and Leisure Pursuits
Belleville is home to many parks and recreation facilities. Some of these include:
Lake Belleville Park
Riverfront Park
Rotary Park
Historic Downtown Park (Downtown Belleville)
The Belleville Flea Market
The Belleville Flea Market is a great place to spend a day with the family. You can find all kinds of treasures, antiques, and collectibles. It’s open on weekends in the summer and fall. Good food and drinks are available, so you don’t have to leave hungry or thirsty!
Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is a great way to relax and enjoy yourself. There are many wineries in the Belleville area, so you’ll be able to find one that fits your taste. A wine tasting is an event where you can sample wines and learn about the various wines available. Wine tastings typically last about two hours, but that time can vary depending on how big or small it is and what kind of party you’re going to attend.
Depending on where you go for your wine-tasting experience, different things will be offered at each place. Some wineries will offer appetizers or cheese plates, while others allow guests to bring their own food with them! The best way? Just ask!
Local Businesses
You’ll find a variety of local businesses and restaurants in Belleville. One of the most popular is Big Slice Pizza, which serves up traditional Italian fare like calzones, cheese breadsticks, and pizza. If you want to try something new or if you’re in the mood for seafood, head over to Fiddler’s Cove Restaurant & Lounge near downtown with its seafood menu that includes fresh fish from around the world.
Many shops are worth checking out, such as Dapper Dog Grooming Salon where you can get your dog groomed, or The Magic Company which has everything from magic tricks for kids to full-size stage illusions for adults.
Belleville is a great place to live. Contact Single Tree Team today to start your home search.
Whether searching for a small lot in the perfect location or a spacious new home for your growing family, Belleville has the properties necessary to meet all your real estate needs. We can provide vast property listings, which means that we have homes and condos across all of Belleville.
Single Tree Team will be happy to provide you with a list of sights on any property you choose. For now, contact us and let us help you find your ideal real estate solution today.