c.1900 Five Bedroom Illinois Foursquare With Stunning Woodwork $110K

Pros

1. Lower cost of living

   • The cost of living in Alton is about 17% lower than the U.S. average.

   • Median home/condo values are much lower than Illinois averages (e.g., ~$102,700 median house/condo value in recent data).

   • Rent is relatively affordable compared to many metro areas: one-bedrooms average under $800 in past data. 
     These factors make Alton an appealing place if you’re looking for more affordable housing options in the region.

2. Scenic/historic character & river-town charm

   • Alton lies on the Mississippi River and has a historic downtown, older homes, scenic bluffs, and a distinct sense of place.

   • For people who appreciate historic architecture, small city feel, or a view of the water, this is a plus.

3. Proximity to larger metro amenities

   • Although Alton is its own city, it’s part of the greater St. Louis metro area (and thus reasonably accessible) which means options for work, entertainment, and services are within reach.

   • Local educational institutions and employers (e.g., hospitals, colleges) provide some base for employment and services.

4. Community features & redevelopment efforts

   • There are efforts to revitalize and improve Alton’s downtown and riverfront, which can enhance quality of life and investment potential.

   • For families, there are local schools, parks and recreational opportunities mentioned.

Cons

1. Higher crime & safety concerns

   • One of the commonly cited drawbacks is crime or safety issues. For example, reviews point out that “some neighborhoods may require research for safety and crime rates.”

   • Any move into Alton should involve checking specific neighborhood crime statistics, not just the city-wide average.

2. Economic / job market / educational attainment challenges

   • The poverty rate in Alton is relatively high (~24‐25% by some estimates) compared to many places.

   • Educational attainment is lower (for example, a smaller share of residents with bachelor’s degrees) which can correlate with fewer high‐end job opportunities locally.

   • Some residents mention limited local jobs, meaning commuting or remote work may be necessary.

     “There is a lack of good job opportunities around the town …”

3. Population decline / market stagnation

   • The city has seen some population decline over recent years, which can affect local business vitality, property value growth, and services.

   • Some reviewers note that housing hadn’t appreciated much, or that some neighborhoods feel stagnant in development.

4. Neighborhood variability & infrastructure concerns

   • Alton has many distinct neighborhoods; some are very desirable (historic homes, river views) while others face challenges (older housing stock, higher crime).

     “If the home costs $50k you definitely don’t want to be living there.”

   • Infrastructure, amenities, public transit may not be as developed as in larger cities.

   • Also, local taxes (Illinois property taxes + state taxes) can be burdensome in some cases. Even though housing costs are low, total cost of ownership (taxes, maintenance) should be checked.