Been meaning to ask this. Just moved here 13 months ago and With a population of 41,722, Belleville is a smaller city. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
18 upvotes
17 Replies
Joseph Evans
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The traffic is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
raleigh_ruby
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
Ethan King
Moved here from Charlotte about 5 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to job market but Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
nashvilleheart2021
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Nashville about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Hazel R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
28 upvotes
Audrey G.
I've lived in Uptown for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Nathan M.
lol so true
21 upvotes
Roman H.
great question, following
16 upvotes
Ezra Patel
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Ariana Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
nyc_david
wish I knew this sooner
16 upvotes
James Chavez
bump
15 upvotes
Aurora R.
lol so true
10 upvotes
Hunter Adams
Moved here from San Diego about 11 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to healthcare but Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Aria Kelly
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
5 upvotes
Jayden Hughes
glad someone said it
2 upvotes
Sadie Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 42, moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in West and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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