Belleville City Guide

Mostly Midwestern and American food with some Mexican and Italian options. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are becoming more common. Late-night options mostly fast food.

Nightlife is modest with local bars and casual spots. No big clubs or vibrant scene.

A mix of local and chain coffee shops, but specialty roasters are rare.

Tipping is common and expected. Usually 15-20% at restaurants and for other services.

Buy SIMs at AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile stores. eSIM available with some carriers. ID needed for post-paid plans.

Downtown and residential areas are generally clean with regular waste services.

Limited late-night services mainly in gas stations and fast food. Few 24/7 pharmacies.

Groceries are available at Schnucks, Shop 'n Save, and Aldi. Some international items only in bigger stores. Hours are usually 7 AM to 10 PM.

Cards are accepted in most places. Cash helps for small vendors and tipping.

ATMs can be found at bank branches like Regions, Bank of America, and US Bank. Fees apply for out-of-network use, usually $2.50–$5.00.

Local schools teach mainly in English. No international schools in town; nearest are in St. Louis.

Small nomad presence without specific events or meetups. Networking mainly through local business groups.

Several parks offer green areas with shade and trails for walking and running.

Safe running routes in parks and neighborhoods; some running groups exist.

Several gyms available including national chains and local YMCA.

Public tennis courts available in parks and schools.

Padel courts are not common in Belleville.

Several yoga studios offer classes with English-speaking instructors.

Dojos offer Taekwondo, Karate, and some BJJ with English-speaking instructors.

No skiing locally; closest resorts are hours away.

Kayaking and paddleboarding may be available on nearby rivers or lakes with a drive.

No surfing as Belleville is inland.

No diving available in the area.

Good quality care at Memorial and St. Elizabeth's hospitals with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS widely available.

Tap water meets all federal and state safety standards.

Lots of parks and playgrounds. Kid-friendly cafes and local events make it easy for families.

Generally accepting environment with legal protections. Larger events happen in St. Louis.

Many pet-friendly places including hotels and parks. Veterinary care and pet supplies available.