Who actually lives in Alton? (Collinsville, Galena: for sale, low crime, house)

[carmac]

Hi all...I inquired last year about Alton and got very few positive replies. Everyone either had issues with it, or recommended someplace nearby. Why exactly is that? Is the crime rate really that bad ? We live in Southern California now, and believe me, it's no picnic here in a lot of ways. Does anyone actually live there that likes Alton? Honestly, can anyone actually recommend it? We are retired and don't have the means to live in some of the other places people mentioned in my previous thread...they all sound nice until I check out the price of homes!! We gravitate to Alton because my husband grew up there. He, of course has very fond memories, and would love to return. As for myself, I would like a place with a downtown area that we could ride our bikes to...someplace with a history and a view. I've visited Alton before, in the 90's, and found it to be a charming town...has it really changed all that much from back then?

[Steve-o]

I dont know much at all about Alton, but did you look into Galena, IL? Sounds like something you'd really enjoy. Its further north along the Mississippi (read: colder winters), but its gorgeous out there, and the town is as historical as they come. I believe 90% of the town is on the National Register of Historic Places.

[jessiegirl_98]

My aunt and uncle live in Alton and love it. Perhaps you should post in the St.Louis forum since this is part of that area.

[waldo]

Alton is a dying town. It is located high on the banks of the Mississippi with some great views but economically speaking...it is dead. Most industry has moved out and crime is a problem. The schools are in bad shape. It's sad because you can tell that it was once a great place. Take a drive through it and you will see for yourself. Sorry, just my perspective.

[aragx6]

Alton is definitely depressed, but my understanding is that crime there is localized. you'd have to see if you can afford to live in the low-crime areas.

I know a lot more about the cheaper parts of the Missouri side of the St. Louis area than the Illinois, but if you shared your price range for a home I'd be more than happy to try and fine somewhere that would work for your needs.

[carmac]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Alton is definitely depressed, but my understanding is that crime there is localized. you'd have to see if you can afford to live in the low-crime areas.

I know a lot more about the cheaper parts of the Missouri side of the St. Louis area than the Illinois, but if you shared your price range for a home I'd be more than happy to try and fine somewhere that would work for your needs.

Thanks! We are retired and would like to find something around $100,000 or less...is there any such thing?? We are also hoping to get something in a small town...looking for those tree lined streets...where everything is close at hand...also we gotta have LOW crime!!

[aragx6]

I think there are many places where you'll be able to find a nice little house near St. Louis in a small-town setting with low crime!

On the Illinois side, I'd look at Collinsville. They have much lower crime and I found this cute little home kind of on the outskirts that's been updated: Single Family Home - 857 ST LOUIS, COLLINSVILLE, IL, 62234 - Realtor.com

You'd only be 20 or so minutes from all the attractions of St. Louis, but it'll be nice and quiet out there.

[Blueberries]

I've lived in both Southern Cal and Alton. Alton is worse. It was one of the most unfriendly places I've ever been and crime is a real problem. I lived in a decent area, mostly modest, middle class homes and I found broken liquor bottles and used hypodermic needles in my yard almost every day. While housing may be affordable, utilities are sometimes a problem. Ameren, the local utility, jacks up rates in the winter. While my house was for sale and no one was in it, my heating bill hit $700. I checked with the realtor to make sure the heat hadn't been left on in error and she confirmed it was set at 65 degrees. I had planted a lot of roses and people would come into the yard when I wasn't home and just rip them out of the ground. Read the Alton Telegraph online for a few weeks and you'll get an idea. Trust me - don't move there.

[carmac]

Thanks everyone for your honest opinions...I think we'll be looking elsewhere. My husband feels really bad that his boyhood town is such a mess! I guess it's true what they say..."you can't go back!"

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Blueberries

I've lived in both Southern Cal and Alton. Alton is worse.

Compton is in SoCal.