One hundred-year-old brick streets lead the way to a collection of brick and stucco storefronts in downtown Alton. The Illinois city’s core unfurls from the banks of the Mississippi River, hearkening back to the community’s days as an important 19th-century port. The downtown district is dotted with local businesses and is getting an injection of energy thanks to revitalization efforts in recent years. About 25 miles north of St. Louis, the city’s historic character shines through in its classic housing selection. “It’s 30 minutes from St. Louis,” says Matt Horn, a Realtor with Landmark Realty and a lifelong region resident. “It has proximity to the St. Louis-Lambert Airport, and is definitely a bedroom community to St. Louis.”
The steep, brick roads of downtown Alton lead down to the Mississippi River.
State Street Market is in one of the most historic buildings in Alton.
Clark Bridge brings residents to and from Alton across the Mississippi River.
While walking down the residential streets of Alton you will see a mix of styles blended in.
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Established homes are most prevalent around Alton
Alton’s home inventory is scattered north, west and east of downtown. Most homes date to the 19th century and feature colonial and Victorian architectural styles. “When people from the West Coast visit us, they’re amazed by the age of our houses,” says Rick Lauschke, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors who grew up in Alton. “Nothing they have out there compares to Victorian architecture. Part of Alton’s charm is the historic houses with beautiful, original detailing on the cobblestone streets. It’s as nice as anything in a bigger city.” Homes go for anywhere between $18,000 to $500,000, depending on condition and square footage. Homebuyers can also find midcentury bungalows and ranch-style houses from under $20,000 to $250,000. Horn considers housing affordability one of Alton’s biggest draws. Properties sell for $135,434 on average, 55% less than the average in St. Louis and 75% less than the national average. “We sell quite a few homes to people renovating properties,” Horn says.
Brick is one of the building materials used for homes around Alton.
Typical homes in Alton also provide cozy patios.
Classic bungalow and brick architecture line the historic streets of Alton.
Mid-century brick Ranch homes in East Alton are more common on the east side of town.
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Manufacturing is major part of the economy
Olin Corporation and Wieland Rolled Products, two manufacturing companies, have plants in the city and are major employers with nearly 3,000 employees combined. The Alton Memorial Hospital also has 900 workers, and the medical facility has a dedicated cancer and emergency center.
Olin is one of many large manufacturing employers in Alton.
Wieland Corporation is Alton's largest copper and copper-alloy manufacturer.
The Alton Memorial Hospital was founded by Eunice and Ellen Smith in 1936.
The emergency center of Alton Memorial Hospital was added in the mid 1990's.
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Alton Unit School District has 11 campuses
The Alton Community Unit School District 11 has a B-minus overall grade on Niche. The system serves 5,700 students across 11 campuses but keeps its student-teacher ratio at an average of 14-to-1.
Marquette Catholic High School is a private school with a B-plus rating on Niche. Marquette tops Niche’s list of the best private high schools across Madison County and has courses in business, computer science and theology.
Alton Works starting to revitalize downtown
Alton Works is one of the groups injecting new energy into the city’s historic downtown over the last several years. “Local organizations have a plan to rehab some of the older buildings on the waterfront, creating walking paths, office space and denser housing options,” Lauschke says. “It’s an ambitious project but an exciting one.” Alton Works has purchased more than 30 properties downtown to protect and restore them. The group has plans to create districts focused on the arts, innovation and entertainment. While the focus is on the future, the city has mainstays like Tony Steakhouse and Bar, which has been open for more than 65 years, and Schwegel's, a family-owned grocery store that dates to 1937.
Historic retail buildings line the main street of Alton.
Residents of Alton enjoy the walking paths along the Mississippi River.
Tony's Steakhouse and Bar has been serving Alton their Italian specials since 1964.
Schwegel's is a convenient market for Alton residents to shop at.
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Parks scattered across the banks of the Mississippi River
Alton’s riverside location has a big influence on its outdoor attractions. A portion of the roughly 3,000-mile Great River Road runs through the city. The roadway runs parallel to the Mississippi River and provides scenic views and access to multiple parks. According to Hunt, it's the biggest single outdoor draw in the city.
Riverfront Park offers a 4,000-seat outdoor amphitheater that hosts events like the Alton Jazz & Wine Festival in early September. Henry Street Park is the site of the Alton Farmers & Artisans Market, open on Saturdays from May to October. Halloween is a big deal in the city, and its annual parade is over a 100-years old. Featuring floats and costumed participants, it’s one of the oldest Halloween Parades in the country. “That’s the biggest single event of the year,” Horn says.
On Alton's northwest outskirts, Gordon F. Moore Community Park offers more than 700 acres of recreation space. The public Spencer T. Olin Golf Course, one of multiple courses around town, is in the park. The YWCA Southwestern Illinois is an indoor recreation option. Members have access to an indoor pool, fitness center, and classes. It can be a way to beat the heat or the cold in an area that experiences warm summers and chilly winters. Rain can bring flooding to the area, but the city is formulating plans for a permanent flood wall.
A portion of the Great River Road runs through the heart of Alton.
Catch a show at the Alton Amphitheater along the river front.
Many vendors head to downtown Alton for the Alton Farmers Market.
Sponsor and labor memorials sit proudly at the front of Gordon F Moore Community Park.
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St. Louis is conveniently close
Alton residents can hop on U.S. Route 67 for trips toward St. Louis, just over 20 miles south. Route 67 facilitates drives toward the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, the region’s major airport, offering direct flights to more than 70 destinations. Alton also has an Amtrak station, and trains can get people over to St. Louis in under an hour. Locals also use the Amtrak to get north to Chicago in under five hours. The city has several stops in the Madison County Transit bus system.
Crime
Based on data released by the Alton Police Department in September 2024 and reported by RiverBender.com, crime in categories including robbery and burglary dropped from 2021 to 2023. The city’s efforts to curb crime have focused on mitigating youth violence with programs like a summer basketball league.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Kody Martin
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Alton, IL sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Alton, IL over the last 12 months is $135,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Exclusive 6bd/5ba home overlooking the Mississippi River.This home is nestled in Fairmount Subdivision & offers a rare opportunity to have a view that takes your breath away.Updated chefs kitchen with top of the line appliances: warming drawer, steamer, wine cooler,Wolf range.All seasons room to dine in or enjoy the view year round!Large formal living room with gas fireplace adjoining a dining
Ali TarrantTarrant and Harman Real Estate and Auction Co
Beautiful 4-bedroom in the heart of Alton! This split-level features 3 large bedrooms on the upper level with a fourth added to the lower level! New wood privacy fencing installed in 2024 encloses the majority of the property on this quiet dead end road! Covered back patio great for entertaining! Very large 2-car attached garage! New PVC plumbing installed May 2025! New water heater in
Welcome to this 3 bed 2 bath home with attached 2 car garage. Large rooms with lots of closet space. Primary bedroom addition has a walk in closet. The spacious kitchen has abundance of cabinets and additional gas stove along with cooktop and wall oven. Plenty of space for dining and entertaining. Main floor laundry room. Original Whole house stereo intercom system (Radio has been tested and
Step into timeless elegance with this Southern-style estate, perfectly nestled on 2.947 acres. Featuring 5 bedrooms, including a master suite with its own private patio overlooking the estate, a main floor VIP, and a private au pair suite offering unparalleled privacy. The custom-designed kitchen is a culinary dream. Relax in the cozy library or enjoy one of the three wood-burning fireplaces that
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