The small city of Belleview developed around a little lake once known as Nine Mile Pond due to its distance from nearby Ocala. The cooling waters and warm climate made it a health haven for tourists and snowbirds. Today, the pond is called Lake Lillian; it’s the city's heart and a gathering place for community events. Picnic grounds, walking paths and mature oaks covered in Spanish Moss encircle the water. Quaint houses are set along Lilian Circle, facing the park. Belleview residents enjoy a quiet, small-town lifestyle near beautiful green spaces and other Central Florida attractions. “It’s country living,” says local Paul Fletcher, the broker of WorldCorp Realty. “But it’s suburban, too. People know each other’s names, and the kids all go to the same schools.”
Belleview is slowly growing, sparked – in part – by the expansion of nearby Ocala, which was the fourth-fastest growing city in the United States between 2022 and 2023. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Belleview saw a 6.4% increase between 2020 and 2023, and the current population is around 5,770. “Since the pandemic, people have been more drawn to the small-town vibes and sense of privacy,” says James McNair, a Realtor with Dalton Wade and Ocala resident.
The largest industry in Belleview is healthcare and social assistance, followed by retail trade. Less than 15 miles from Ocala, the “Horse Capital of the World,” the equine industry is another draw to the area. Marion County is home to over 1,200 horse farms; many are on Belleview’s verdant fringes.
The small city of Belleview was developed around a little lake once known as Nine Mile Pond.
Belleview century homes with decorative trim populate around Lake Lillian.
The largest industry in Belleview is healthcare and social assistance.
A beautiful scene of a family of horses in Liberty.
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From 100-year-old farmhouses to new construction subdivisions
McNair says if someone is looking for space, they’ll find it in Belleview. “You get more for your money. There are multiacre properties to go around and plenty of one- or two-acre properties.” A smattering of historic homes, such as 100-year-old farmhouses and midcentury bungalows, can be found around Lake Lilian. Major developments, like multifamily properties and small pre-planned subdivisions of Minimal Traditional homes, cropped up between the 1970s and late ‘90s. Belleview is experiencing another development boom, with New Traditional houses being built all over. Buyers can find some of the newest homes in Belleview Estates, Autumn Glen and the upcoming Bennah Oaks subdivision. As of October 2024, the median listing price is around $287,000. Properties remain on the market for an average of 56 days, longer than the national average of 42 days. Much of the city sits at an elevation, resulting in only a moderate risk of flooding.
100-year-old farmhouses around located around Lake Lillian in Belleview.
Belleview colorful bungalows from the 1950s are built around Lake Lillian.
Multifamily properties are scattered all around Belleview.
New traditional houses being built all over Belleview like in upcoming Bennah Oaks.
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Whatever the event, locals head to Lake Lilian Park
The city is home to four public parks. Young athletic athletes play matches in local leagues on the fields at Belleview Sports Complex. Fred King Park has a shaded playground. Wilma Loar Splash Park is a summertime stop for families with young children. Lake Lilian Park anchors the community with a scenic spring-fed lake, a picnic pavilion and popular annual events. In May, locals gather there for the Founder's Day Celebration, which features the Miss Belleview Pageant, a large craft fair and various business and food vendors. “The festival is small and charming, just like Belleview,” says McNair, who attended the celebration earlier this year. “And the food was seriously fantastic.” Young residents can cast their lines in the lake to win prizes at the Annual Fishing Derby, which is always followed by a community cookout. During the holidays, Santa comes to town for photo ops during the Light Up Lake Lilian event.
Belleview Sports Complex is an 80-acre park which several sports leagues use.
Kids love playing on the playground at Cherokee Park in Belleview.
The Wilma Loar Splash Pad is open daily for Belleview residents and their young ones.
Residents can fish on pier at Lake Lilian in Belleview.
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Learning in Belleview or The Villages
Belleview is served by Marion County Public Schools, which earns an overall B grade from Niche. The city's only high school, Belleview High, is graded B-plus and was recognized by Magnet Schools of America as a Magnet School of Excellence in 2022 and 2023. There are several public and private schools inside the city, but some students may travel to The Villages Charter School. Many parents working at the nearby retirement community, The Villages, can send their children to the charter, about 10 miles away. According to Niche, the charter has an A grade and ranks among the top 10% of best charter schools in the country. Older students may attend Taylor College, which has a local campus in the city.
Belleview High School is an above average, public school serving grades 9-12.
Belleview Middle School has a student body from 4th through 6th grades.
Belleview Elementary School is a public school located in Belleview Florida.
The Villages Charter Schools is a state-operated charter school in The Villages.
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The retail scene in and around Belleview
Residents of Belleview have convenient access to shopping centers that offer national stores and supermarkets. Chain fast-food joints and restaurants like the famous Sonny’s BBQ sit on either side of Abshier Boulevard. Every Friday through Sunday, shoppers visit the Market of Marion, a flea and farmers market, for produce, flowers and unique treasures. The community doesn't have a regional retail center, so folks head to Ocala or the growing Silver Springs Shores community for major shopping.
Residents get their groceries at Publix Super Market at Belleview Regional Shopping Center.
Residents do other shopping at Belleview Regional Shopping Center.
Buying veggies is always popular at The Market of Marion.
Sonny’s BBQ is a local favorite in Belleview.
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Traveling and commuting from Belleview
Those seeking medical care may have to travel outside the city to access a major hospital. However, the area does contain emergency facilities, including AdventHealth. County Road 484 and US-301 lead commuters to the Florida Turnpike, about 15 miles away. The Orlando International Airport is 75 miles away for flights out of the region.
Overall crime rates are declining
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Marion County is seeing a steady decline in overall crime rates. In 2010, the county had a violent crime rate of 507 and a property crime rate of 2,528. By 2020, the violent crime rate decreased to 423, and the property crime rate lowered to 1,633. The Marion County Sheriff's Office provides an online portal for reporting.
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