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Bellwood, IL

Frequently asked questions

Bellwood, IL

Bellwood is a village in Proviso Township, Cook County, Illinois, United States. Located 13 miles (21 km) west of Chicago's downtown Loop, the Village of Bellwood is bounded by the Eisenhower Expressway (south), the Proviso yards of the former Chicago & Northwestern, now Union Pacific Railroad (north), and the suburbs of Maywood (east) and Hillside and Berkeley (west). The population was 18,789 at the 2020 census.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Bellwood has a total area of 2.40 square miles (6.22 km²), all land.

Bellwood was incorporated on May 21, 1900. The municipality took its name from one of the village's early subdivisions, "Bellewood". However, in later years, the final "e" was dropped. The region, which was mostly flat grassland, was initially mostly farmland. A few businesses, including a few taverns, were drawn to the initial subdivision. In reaction to dry Maywood's effort to annex the area, businesses that served alcohol petitioned for incorporation. Between 1900 and 1930, Bellwood's population numbers increased steadily. By 1920, the village's population of 943 had more than quadrupled, with many German and Russian immigrants. The increase to 4,991 persons in 1930 is due to the annexation of territory west of Mannheim Road in 1926, as well as ongoing migration.

The Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railway and the Chicago & North Western Railway provided rail passenger service, which promoted residential growth in neighboring portions of Bellwood. The 1970s saw racial upheaval and inclusion in a Supreme Court case in the United States. Bellwood sued a local real estate company in 1975, alleging racial discrimination. Four years later, the Supreme Court issued a historic decision allowing governments to utilize testers and sue when discrimination occurs. The black population of Bellwood jumped from 1.1 percent in 1970 to 35 percent in 1980 and 70 percent in 1990.

A few major firms exist in Bellwood today, but the collapse of many other large sectors has resulted in a decrease in employment and tax revenue. Despite these contributions, the community saw some new developments as a result of various minor industrial and commercial organizations.

The Bellwood School District 88 comprises seven schools: Grant Primary School, Grant Elementary School, Lincoln Primary–Early Childhood Center, Lincoln Elementary School, McKinley Elementary School, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, and Roosevelt Middle School. Some portions are zoned to Berkeley School District 87.

Bellwood places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with several healthcare facilities catering to the well-being of its residents. The Broadway Medical Center offers comprehensive medical services, contributing to the overall health of the community. Engage in fitness classes and wellness programs offered by the Proviso Community Health Center. Access various fitness and health programs provided by PLCCA. Find support for mental health conditions and substance abuse at the Proviso Township Mental Health Commission. Engage in community health initiatives and programs aimed at improving youth and family wellness through Proviso Partners for Health. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Connersville, such as the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail and Tall Grass Greenway Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Bellwood, IL are Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral, Kiddieland Amusement Park, and Navy Pier.

Population: 18,789 (2020). ZIP Code: 60104. Area codes: 708, 464. Elevation: 617 ft (188 m). Area: 2.40 sq mi (6.21 km²).

FAQs

Is Bellwood, IL a good place to live?

For residents and visitors, Bellwood offers excellent infrastructure, a low crime rate, high-quality water from Lake Michigan, and easy access via highways, streets, and public transportation to navigate one of the nation’s most thriving metropolitan areas. The close-knit community has a long tradition of coming together like a family to develop and execute special events, programs, and initiatives that make Bellwood the place to be just outside of Chicago. For current and prospective business owners in virtually any industry, Bellwood is a business-friendly town that places a premium on the success of local businesses and the importance of employing professionals to encourage businesses to move into or expand in the village.

What is the crime rate in Bellwood, IL?

The crime rate in Bellwood is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 21 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Bellwood is 1 in 48. Based on FBI crime data, Bellwood is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Illinois, Bellwood has a crime rate that is higher than 89% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

What is the history of Bellwood, IL?

The village of Bellwood was incorporated on May 21, 1900, taking the name of a second early subdivision, Bellewood. Bellwood's population grew steadily between 1900 and 1930. The 1910 population of 943 doubled by 1920 as more people, many of German and Russian descent, moved to the village.

Sources

Wikipedia

Village of Bellwood

Broadway Medical Center 

Proviso Community Health Center

PLCCA

Proviso Township Mental Health Commission

Proviso Partners for Health

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail 

Tall Grass Greenway Trail

Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral

Kiddieland Amusement Park

Navy Pier

Neighborhoodscout

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