What is the best area in South West Illinois? (Belleville: crime, how much)

[OUTOFFL]

What would be a decent area in Madison county Illinois to raise children? I don't care too much about the city lifestyle because I live in big cities all my life. I am looking into areas such as Edwardsville, Alton, Godfrey. Can anyone provide me with some helpful info about these three cities? What is the job market like in those areas. By the way I don't mind commuting to work in Saint-Louis. I am looking for a relatively quiet area with somewhat country feeling( no big cities ). What about crime? Are there decent schols in any of these areas? I have a 10 and a 3 year-old. This is very important to me. I would like to make an informed decision for the sake of my two children. Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[ContagisBlondnes]

I went to College at Saint Louis University, so I met a LOT of people from "the other side of the river."

Check out O'Fallon, IL as well as Belleville. Although I have never lived either place, I have had plenty of friends that have, and they only say good things. Visited both towns, and they're NICE places. Like ruralish suburbs. Got all the goods (massive retail stores like Target and Wal-Mart, movie theaters, clean libraries and nice schools, lots of parks, nice houses and friendly people) and a much closer commute than Alton or Godfrey.

Steer clear of most everything further west though. (East St. Louis, Cahokia, etc.)

[lynnew]

Avoid Alton, Godrey isn't much better. Edwardsville is booming and the traffic is always backed up due to the city trying to keep up with the growth. Troy is still small and close to the rural life. Highland is a nice town with really good schools. Granite City, Cahokia, East St. Louis and Madison have terrible schools. Belleville East is better than Belleville West. Ofallon is good. Mascoutah, and towns east are good. If you want to live in small towns close to a lake there is Carlyle and Keyesport. Not much in Keyesport but it's within commute of lots of shopping.Good luck.

[Xing]

Alton is fine, and there are actually some very real architectural gems there. The thing you really have to prepare for is this attitude people have. Obviously, you don't want to take your kids to East St. Louis, but do some research about the city, for a an idea of local history, and how it has an affect on the local culture. It says a lot. Diversity is improving, although it's still very low, compared to the rest of the country. One good thing, is that the Metro East is now the most integrated part of the St Louis area, excluding a few cities.

In a few years, the Metro East will probably be one of the fastest growing areas in the St Louis region. There's a lot of talk in the St Louis media about that happening. Right now, the fast growing places are Edwardsville , Glen Carbon, Shiloh, and O'Fallon. However, Collinsville, Swansea, Belleville, Troy , and Maryville, are getting in on it too.

[Pianojazz]

I live in northern Madison County on a lake surrounded by country. It is called Holiday Shores. There are still 3 bedroom homes here for less than $200,000 with many amenities (lake, tennis, ball diamonds, clubhouse). We have very little crime here. Teaching some local children in the community piano, I have found outstanding children and parents! I have lived here 30 years and wouldn't think twice about doing it again.
It is Madison County and the taxes are a little high..... but Edwardsville schools are among the better in Madison and St. Clair County. A bonus is SIUE being located in Edwardsville offering much to the community.
As for Alton, I also love the fabulous historical homes. However, if you are looking at public schools and crime in a community. Then, Edwardsville is probably superior. Both communities have many private/parochial schools available.
Alton is on the river and if you are fortunate to purchase a home which has a riverview, that has to be something!

[justpicky]

Xing .....this person is totally right , Metro East is a growing towns . In general people are moving towards the east and away from big cities . They want the quiet and small cities. The day I can move to my "favorite city" I know I'll be happier , this is one city I know more about and I already feel
I live there , since I visit it often . There's so much to do especially outdoor . It's growing fast everyday .

[CellarBelle]

Hi OUTOFFL!
Please read all my posts. I live in Edwardsville, and LOVE it. Moved here over 4 years ago and we've been happy with everything from family-friendliness to schools to activities. I have a 10 year old (as of this Tuesday! YIKES - how did that happen???!!!!) and a 7 year old. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the schools. Check my profile and read through my threads about Edwardsville/Glen Carbon. I can't say enough good things about living in this community. And the best of all... just a short drive to St. Louis!

Oh, and PIANOJAZZ is right about Holiday Shores. There are some great buys there right now, and the community is wonderful for those that like to boat and be on/near the water.

Traffic in Edwardsville? Well, that depends on your level of tolerance. It can be a little frustrating at peak times, but it still is not what I would call "terrible". They recently widened the two busy stretches through town - Hwy 157 and Hwy 159. That has helped tremendously. But the thing to remember is that when you are talking about a town our size, "traffic" is definitely a relative thing. I can get from the south side of town to the north side in 10 minutes most all times, so I really don't find it troubling.

Good luck, Best to you!

[imh]

if moving to madison county do consider edwardsville. their school system is great and you would really love the area. glen carbon is good also, its right next to edwardsville. belleville and ofallon are good areas also.

[Midwest_Mommy2Two]

I am looking at the same area. We live in MO outside St. Louis right now and it's just to expensive to live out here! And the school systems are crap!

I want one with an EXCELLENT school district.

[CellarBelle]

Do consider Edwardsville - great schools! Our taxes are a bit high, but I've been told that housing is a little better priced. I think it all probably comes out to be about the same money-wise. Check out the school district's website for Edwardsville at Edwardsville School District #7. You can also go to the Illinois School Report Card site and see how this school district compares to others in Illinois (Interactive Illinois Report Card). And, Troy is another great school district. I've also heard nice things about the Highland area.