Like many Midwestern cities, Belvidere, Illinois was founded by a small group of people in the early 1800s that were drawn by the beauty of the landscape and proximity of an easily navigated river. The Kishwaukee River is one of Illinois’ few Class A rivers, and remains a central feature of Belividere’s landscape, economy, and recreation. A special Census taken in 2004 found that Belvidere’s population has boomed over the last decade, and now is the home to over 23,500 people.

 

Though Belvidere’s original town square resides on the north side of the Kishwaukee River, the railroad in on the south side, where the vast majority of industry logically located. Today, Belvidere’s downtown is generally accepted to be south of the river. The town of Belvidere, like many in Illinois, is surrounded by some of the best farm land in the world. Though agriculture is still a significant source of commerce for the area, Belvidere boasts a stable and growing industrial and service base.

 

The largest employer in the area is the Chrysler Plant that has called Belvidere home for over 40 years. A $440 million renovation began in 2006 modernized the plant, as well as added a second shift and 1,000 jobs to the local economy. General Mills also has a Green Giant canning and frozen vegetables plant, there are many machine tool manufacturers, and a variety of high tech and manufacturing companies in and around Belvidere, Illinois.

 

Located within an hour and a half of both Chicago and Milwaukee, and 15 minutes from Rockford, Belvidere’s central location means that big city amenities are always well within reach. However, Belivedere’s attraction remains the small town feel, low cost of living, safe neighborhoods, and plentiful jobs.

 

Belvidere’s Park District operates hundreds of acres of parks, dozens of baseball, football, and soccer fields, as well as pools and water parks for the little ones. Belvidere has 7 public elementary schools, and 3 religious schools. There are also three middle schools and two high schools, one of which will open for the first time in the Fall of 2007. In short, if you’re looking for a place where you can make a living and raise your kids in safety, Belvidere would certainly be a good choice. In fact, more than a third of the town is in school. There are currently 8,714 students enrolled in the public schools alone, with four private schools, and an overall population of around 25,000.

Contributed by: Starck Realtors