Located about 15 miles southeast of Downtown St. Louis, Belleville is convenient to Scott Air Force Base, the Mississippi River, the St. Louis Downtown Airport, the Gateway Arch, Anheuser-Busch, and the Saint Louis Zoo. Belleville isn't a typical suburban city, though -- it is one of the most populated cities in Illinois, and it is an All-America City. It is also a college town, home to Southwestern Illinois College, the Saint Louis University Family Medicine Residency, and Lindenwood University-Belleville.

Founded in 1814, Belleville is home to some fascinating historic sites, such as the Gustave Koerner House, first built in 1849. The Labor & Industry Museum explores Belleville's history as one of the state's most important industrial centers. Downtown Belleville contains beautiful historic buildings filled with shops and restaurants along brick-paved sidewalks. Downtown hosts a variety of events, including Art on the Square, one of the nation's top-ranking fine arts shows.