Belleville

If you are considering a move to Belleville, Wisconsin, you are exploring one of Dane and Green County’s most charming, tight knit, and scenic small towns. Known as the community where Dane County meets Green County, Belleville offers peaceful living surrounded by rolling countryside, the Sugar River, and an inviting downtown with local shops and dining. It is a place where people wave as they walk by, where kids bike safely through neighborhoods, and where families gather at parks and community events throughout the year.

Belleville appeals to home buyers who value a quieter lifestyle while still being within an easy commute of Madison, Verona, Fitchburg, and Monroe. With excellent outdoor recreation, strong schools, and expanding housing options, Belleville delivers a warm and welcoming environment that feels both grounded and connected. Whether you are moving for affordability, nature, or a friendly local vibe, Belleville is a beautiful place to call home.

Here are the five things every home buyer wants to know before moving to Belleville, WI:

1. Lifestyle and Local Vibe

Belleville is known for its small town charm, rural beauty, and strong sense of community. It offers a quiet pace of life with abundant access to nature and outdoor activities.

Who lives in Belleville

Belleville attracts:

• Families who want a safe and friendly community

• Commuters who work in Madison, Verona, or Fitchburg

• Longtime residents with deep community connections

• Retirees looking for a quiet, scenic setting

• Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy trails, water access, and open space

• First time buyers seeking affordability and strong value

The community ranges from young families to lifelong residents who appreciate small town living.

Small town charm with natural beauty

Residents appreciate:

• Tree lined streets and walkable neighborhoods

• The Sugar River and nearby natural preserves

• A friendly and welcoming town center

• Scenic farmland and rolling countryside

• A peaceful environment with easy access to amenities

Belleville has a calm and comfortable feel.

Community events and local traditions

Popular community events include:

• Belleville UFO Day Festival

• Sugar River Triathlon

• Local parades and holiday celebrations

• Community concerts and outdoor events

• Farmers markets and seasonal gatherings

• Youth sports and school events

These traditions help strengthen community pride and connection.

A peaceful and community-oriented lifestyle

Belleville offers a relaxed pace without feeling isolated. It is ideal for those wanting a small town atmosphere with a genuine sense of belonging.

2. Schools & Education
Belleville offers educational opportunities through a well-regarded local public school district, private and alternative options nearby, and access to regional higher-education institutions. Families moving to Belleville often appreciate the district’s performance relative to statewide averages, its range of academic programs, and the community support for student success.

Public Schools
The Belleville School District serves students from early childhood through high school across multiple campuses, focusing on core academics, enrichment opportunities, and student engagement throughout all grade levels.

District Overview

• Number of Schools: 3 public schools serving PK–12. 

• Enrollment (2024–25): About 955 students, showing recent growth. 

• Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1, consistent with state averages. 

Programs and Opportunities
Belleville School District provides a full range of academic and co-curricular offerings, such as:

• Core academic coursework preparing students for college and career pathways

• Fine arts, music, theater, and band programs

• Athletics, team sports, and student club activities

• STEM and project-based learning opportunities

Recent publicly available district-level data:

• Overall District Rank: Top 20 % of Wisconsin school districts based on combined proficiency data. 

• Math Proficiency (district average): ~ 55 % proficient or above, higher than statewide averages.

• Reading / English Language Arts Proficiency (district average): ~ 46 % proficient or above, above the state average. 

• Graduation Rate: ~ 92 % on-time graduation rate. 

• Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1. 

• Number of Schools: 3 public schools serving all grades. 

Families can review curriculum options, enrollment boundaries, transportation information, and official state-published performance data through the Belleville School District and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

Private & Charter Options
Belleville and the surrounding region offer private and alternative schooling choices. Each school operates its own admissions process, tuition structure, and curriculum model:

St. John the Baptist Catholic School

• Private Catholic school serving elementary and middle school grades.

• Combines academic instruction with faith-based development in a smaller, community-centered setting.

Local Preschool & Early Childhood Programs

• Private preschools and early childhood programs serve children prior to public 4K.

• These programs support foundational learning and kindergarten readiness with a variety of curricular approaches.

Families can contact each private or alternative school directly for curriculum descriptions, admissions details, and program information.

Higher Education
While Belleville does not host a major university within village limits, residents have convenient access to several higher-education institutions in the broader region:

Madison College (MATC)

• Public technical college offering certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees.

• Provides transfer pathways, workforce training, adult education, and flexible scheduling.

Edgewood University

• Private four-year university with a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

• Smaller class sizes support a more personalized academic experience.

University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison)

• Large public research university offering a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.

• Provides access to research opportunities, cultural events, arts, and athletic resources.

Regional Technical & Community College Options

• Other nearby institutions offer trade, workforce, certificate, continuing-education, and adult learner programs.

• Supports non-traditional students and career advancement opportunities.

These institutions contribute significantly to the region’s educational resources, workforce preparation, and community engagement.

How Education Influences Real Estate
Education options are an important factor for many homebuyers, and proximity to schools or educational resources can shape how people consider neighborhoods in Belleville due to:

• A public school district ranked in the top 20 % of the state with proficiency and graduation outcomes that compare favorably to many peers.

• A comprehensive range of academic, arts, athletics, and enrichment programs across grade levels.

• Availability of private and early childhood education options for families seeking alternative learning environments.

• Convenient access to higher-education institutions such as Madison College, Edgewood University, and UW–Madison that support long-term educational goals.

3. Real Estate Market and Home Styles

Belleville provides a range of housing options from historic homes to modern new construction. The community has grown steadily as more buyers seek small town living near Madison.

Home styles you can expect

Common home types include:

• Updated historic homes near downtown

• Ranch homes in established neighborhoods

• Traditional two story family homes

• New construction subdivisions on the village outskirts

• Townhomes and condos for low maintenance living

• Rural homes and acreage properties

• Riverfront and near trail homes with scenic views

Belleville offers both character homes and modern options.

Price ranges

Typical price ranges include:

• Condos and townhomes: $230,000 to $350,000

• Single family homes: $300,000 to $600,000

• New construction: $450,000 to $750,000

• Acreage and rural properties: $500,000 to over $1,000,000

Compared to many Dane County communities, Belleville often provides excellent value.

Is it a buyers market or a sellers market?

Belleville generally leans toward a sellers market in the under $500,000 price range due to limited inventory and strong demand. Higher priced homes and rural acreage properties vary based on amenities and location.

Popular neighborhoods

Notable residential areas include:

• Downtown Belleville neighborhoods

• Neighborhoods near Sugar River and the trail system

• Newer subdivisions on the west and south sides

• Long established communities near schools and parks

• Rural homes extending toward Monticello, New Glarus, and Verona

Each area has its own appeal depending on lifestyle preferences.

4. Commute and Connectivity

Belleville offers excellent connectivity to major employment centers while maintaining a peaceful distance from urban congestion.

Driving times

Typical commute times include:

• Belleville to Verona: approximately 10 to 15 minutes

• Belleville to Fitchburg: approximately 15 to 20 minutes

• Belleville to Madison (west side): approximately 20 to 25 minutes

• Belleville to Downtown Madison: approximately 25 to 35 minutes

• Belleville to Oregon: approximately 15 minutes

• Belleville to New Glarus: approximately 10 minutes

This makes Belleville especially attractive for professionals working in the Madison area.

Main routes

Belleville is easily connected by:

• Highway 69

• Highway PB

• Highway D

• Quick access to Highway 151 and the Beltline

These routes provide smooth travel to Dane and Green County destinations.

Public transit and biking

While there is no major public transit system, residents benefit from:

• Bike friendly community design

• Access to the Badger State Trail

• Walkable routes throughout the village

• Proximity to park and ride options in nearby communities

Daily conveniences

Belleville offers access to:

• Grocery stores and essentials

• Local dining and coffee shops

• Fitness centers and wellness services

• Medical and dental clinics

• Parks, trails, and recreational facilities

More extensive shopping and dining are minutes away in Verona and Fitchburg.

5. Things To Do and Local Hot Spots

Belleville offers a great combination of outdoor recreation, local dining, and entertainment with a true small town feel.

Restaurants and cafes locals enjoy

Popular options include:

• Paoli Schoolhouse Bistro nearby

• J and M’s Bar and Grill

• Duluth Trading Company’s nearby stores and eateries in Mt. Horeb

• Local coffee shops and bakeries

• Easy access to restaurants in Verona, New Glarus, and Fitchburg

Outdoor recreation and natural beauty

Belleville is a haven for outdoor lovers with access to:

• Sugar River and Sugar River Water Trail

• Belleville Community Park

• Badger State Trail for biking and walking

• Paoli Mill Park nearby

• Kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities

• Beautiful rural drives

Entertainment and local activities

Residents enjoy:

• Annual UFO Day Festival

• Arts and crafts events

• Farmers markets

• Community sports and youth programs

• Quick access to New Glarus festivals and attractions

• Music, shopping, and entertainment in nearby Verona and Fitchburg

Hidden gems and local favorites

Locals often suggest:

• Kayaking along the Sugar River

• Visiting Paoli for dining, shops, and live music

• Riding the Badger State Trail

• Exploring local parks for peaceful nature views

• Enjoying UFO Day for a quirky and fun community tradition

Key Takeaways

Belleville is a wonderful place to call home. It offers strong schools, beautiful nature, quiet neighborhoods, and easy access to larger cities. With affordable housing, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming small town atmosphere, Belleville appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Belleville stands out as one of southern Wisconsin’s most charming and naturally beautiful small communities.