Firstly why Belleville, Illinois?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Belleville
• State: Illinois
• Population: 42,000 people
• Belleville’s quick summary would be home to the annual Belleville Art on the Square and diverse dining options this city combines a rich history with a lively cultural scene.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 1,300 annually
• While this many move-out: 410 annually
• Net Migration: 890 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 798
• Number of Homeless people: 150

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a diverse community and accessibility to St. Louis attracting families

Perk #1: Belleville Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 57%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $54,017
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Belleville is $71,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $16983 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Belleville’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 89 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,000
• Property Tax %: 1.91%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,600
• Rent for an average house: $1,900
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Belleville
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Belleville, Swansea, Fairview Heights, Shiloh, and probably could include Caseyville
• Avg. Age of Homes in Belleville: 49 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Belleville’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Belleville are  Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
• Belleville Job Scene: moderate job market driven by healthcare and manufacturing
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech presence primarily in manufacturing and healthcare services , ,
• Belleville Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Belleville: 9%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 220 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Belleville

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $127 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-64 runs through Belleville linking it to St. Louis
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on N Illinois Street
• Transportation Score: 36 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Belleville: 27,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Belleville: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 45 of 100
• Local Airport: Scott Air Force Base

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Belleville’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
• General Weather in Belleville is best described as experiences a temperate climate with hot summers cold winters and transitional seasons bringing moderate rainfall and seasonal beauty
• Winter Weather in Belleville i’d describe as cold with occasional snow
• Spring Weather in Belleville can be described as cool with rain possible
• Summer’s in Belleville are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Belleville is usually cool with sunny days
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 18 days in summer
• Days in a row in Belleville below Freezing: 23
• Average Annual Rainfall: 42 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by urban traffic
• Belleville Winter Air average air quality with potential seasonal fluctuations

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Belleville Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Belleville 5
• While the number of trade schools inside Bellevilles’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Belleville Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Belleville Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 12 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Belleville only Doctors is about 70
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time Belleville only Police Officers is about 63
• Crime Rate Index: 89/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Belleville’s Monthly utility bill average is $190
• Belleville’s Monthly Gym Membership: $31
• Belleville’s Water Quality Score: 69

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Belleville

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 2 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: community-oriented city known for local festivals and parks
• You might enjoy local theater productions
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Belleville  has a friendly nightlife with local bars and restaurants catering to families and social events

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Belleville

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local restaurants and a mix of chain options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 120 scattered around Belleville
• The Popular Sports Team is Belleville East High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Belleville can be described as politically mixed area facing socio-economic challenges
• Belleville’s Longer standing religious establishment is Belleville First United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Belleville Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Belleville has 6 Parks?
• Belleville City Park is Belleville’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Belleville Farmers Market normally open Thursday 4pm-7pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Cycling, hiking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Belleville Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Belleville can be described as moderate urban environment with a rich cultural history
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Belleville local sports activities family picnics community events
• The Cities people commute to from Belleville are East-St-Louis 13 miles away O’Fallon 10 miles away Fairview-Heights 11 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Belleville or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on N Illinois Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Belleville’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Belleville is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Belleville are East-St-Louis 13 miles away O’Fallon 10 miles away Fairview-Heights 11 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 89 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Belleville has 23 days in a row below freezing and 18 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Belleville people have an average (positive or negative) $16983 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   150 homeless people living in Belleville. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area facing socio-economic challenges could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Belleville.

Retiree & Senior Life in Belleville

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might enjoy exemptions or credits ensuring property tax affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Cedarhurst Of Belleville
• Belleville Senior Center offers meal services activities and resources for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Belleville, Illinois?

If Belleville, Illinois ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Belleville, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!