Moving Companies Belleville, IL

Belleville, Illinois

In French, the words Belle Ville translate to “Beautiful City.” That is an apt description for the city of Belleville in St. Clair County in Illinois. Those moving to Belleville, will discover a fascinating place with numerous amenities and interesting people.

History:   
A Scotsman George Blair gave Belleville its name in 1814. Blair owned land in the area which he donated towards the development of the town. Belleville was incorporated as a village in 1819 but was rezoned to city status in 1850. A large contingent of German immigrants arrived in the mid-19th century, fleeing from the hostile political environment in their homeland. After the Civil War, the area around Belleville became a manufacturing center of some importance, including the manufacture of stoves that quickly earned the nickname “Stove Capital of the World”. Huge bituminous coal deposits were found in the 1870s and this new wealth directly resulted in the arrival of the railroad in Belleville to facilitate the transportation of this mined resource to St. Louis. The German presence influenced the early architecture of the town with typical German street houses or row houses very much in vogue. However the architectural mix was to change in the early 20th century, with just about every style from American Foursquare to Greek revival and Victorian very much in evidence too.

Economy:  
The healthcare sector is by far the largest employer in Belleville, accounting for around 38% of jobs. Then follow retail with 15 percent, and manufacturing with 12 percent. Unemployment seems to be declining after peaking at almost to 12 percent in 2009. Median house sale prices for Belleville rose to $140,000 in the fourth quarter of 2010, representing a steady increase over the last four quarters, although the home sale count is still well down. Estimated median household income in Bellville during 2009 was $43,400. The median gross rental income during 2009 stood at $674 per month across the housing range. With so many opportunities, it's no wonder why so many Belleville movers are so busy.

Tourism:
You certainly will not be lost for things to do in Belleville. The city organizes several annual events that will always be popular and well attended too. For example, try the St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17th. Recently introduced Art on the Square is proving very popular too and has already been rated the Number 1 Art Fair in the Nation. If you like things hot then try the Chili Cook-off in October, but make sure you have plenty of cold water handy! For places to visit, try the Labor & Industry Museum which is devoted to local events in Belleville and Southwestern Illinois. Another great tourist attraction is the well known Eckert’s Country Store and Farms, one of the original “pick-your-own” orchards in the nation. There is a lot more besides -  so be sure to make plenty of time to look around when you visit Belleville, Illinois.

Colleges/Universities:

• Southwestern Illinois College
• Saint Louis University
• Southern Illinois University
• Saint Louis Community College

Interesting Facts: 

• The median age of residents in Belleville is 37.2 years as opposed to 34.7 throughout the state.
• On February 10th, 1959 a category four tornado landed just over 13 miles from the Bellville City Center and killed 21 people as well as injuring 345. Resultant damage was estimated to have cost between $5,000,000 and ten times this figure.
• There are 155 full-service restaurants in Belleville.

Helpful Links:

• Belleville Real Estate
• Belleville Moving Companies
• Belleville Dental Offices
• Belleville Insurance