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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Flint
Video By
Nick Seitz
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gretchen Teklinski,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Belleview, FL sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Belleview, FL over the last 12 months is $275,990, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Under Construction. Discover Your Dream Home in the Bennah Oaks Community! The Alton Plan offers a contemporary living experience with its design and desirable features. The standout kitchen is a culinary masterpiece, featuring cabinetry, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances, including a smooth-top range, over-the-range microwave, and dishwasher. This culinary space opens seamlessly
Under Construction. Discover Your Dream Home in the Bennah Oaks Community! Step into the Quail Ridge Plan, this delightful home features an open living room that flows into a beautifully designed dining area and kitchen, perfect for gatherings. The kitchen is the heart of the house, boasting elegant cabinetry, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances, including a range with a microwave
GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! Use as a RENTAL, AIR BNB, SEASONAL or FULL TIME HOME! SELLER MOTIVATED! CENTRALLY LOCATED! SELLER REDUCED PRICE $20,000 for HOME IMPROVEMENTS! This Single Family Home offers 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, a Kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, a Living Room and Dining Room, a Laundry Room/Utility Room, and a BONUS ROOM is located off the Dining Room. The very large CARPORT
INVESTOR ALERT! NO HOA! NOT A FLOOD ZONE! 2019 SW MOBILE WITH UPDATED KITCHEN APPLIANCES AND NEW HVAC (TO BE INSTALLED BEFORE CLOSING) 2 BED 2 BATH WITH OPEN FLOOR PLAN & VINYL & LAMINATE FLOORING. INSIDE LAUNDRY. WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM ALREADY INSTALLED. LARGE LOT! BRING YOUR BOAT/RV & TOYS GALORE. WALKING DISTANCE TO 400+/- ACRE SPRING FED SMITH LAKE. RESIDENTS CAN PAY A SMALL FEE FOR PRIVATE
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. This property offers endless opportunities! Set on a spacious corner lot, it's not just a home—it's also zoned Commercial B2, making it perfect for various uses within the Community Business District. Whether you’re seeking a residence,business location, or investment, this property can accommodate your needs. B2 zoning allows for a range of
6+ ACRES with a modern custom-built 3/3 plus a den farmhouse inside the horse-friendly community of Avonlea at Smith Lake. The stunning property consists of 6+ acres with a waterview of spring-fed Smith Lake, a gated entry, a long private driveway, and mature trees, offering privacy and space. This open-concept home is designed for entertaining with coffered and tray ceilings, designer lighting,
Nestled on 4.81 beautiful acres in Belleview, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of privacy, space, and outdoor living. Zoned A1, this property is ideal for animal lovers—bring your horses, livestock, or other animals and enjoy true country living. The home features an in-ground pool with a cabana, creating a great space for relaxing or entertaining. A separate storage shed
Discover the freedom of country living on this 3.03-acre A-1 zoned vacant lot in Belleview, located on SE 93rd Court and situated in an X Flood Zone. With no HOA and ample acreage, this property offers the perfect setting to create your own private retreat. Just minutes from Smith Lake, the land provides a tranquil atmosphere ideal for a custom home, gardening, small livestock, or enjoying
Set within the gated, equestrian-friendly community of Avonlea at Smith Lake, this custom-built estate offers rare privacy and versatility on just under four acres in Belleview’s rolling hills. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, this professionally landscaped property delivers a true estate-style lifestyle. The main residence features 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 2 half baths,
Amazing concrete block home on 2.33 acres of A-1 zoned, fully cleared land! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offers an open-concept layout with high ceilings, a split-bedroom floorplan, and no carpet throughout. Enjoy a stunning kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, plenty of counter space, and modern finishes. The home also includes a spacious 2-car garage and additional
NEW PRICE IMPROVEMENT.....This stunning concrete block, one-story home offers 1,670 square feet of comfortable living space with a thoughtfully designed open-concept layout. The well-appointed kitchen features granite countertops, updated Samsung appliances. If you enjoy cooking, this is the kitchen you want- featuring a microwave with air fryer and convection oven capabilities complemented by a
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home offering 3,679 sq. ft. of living space in the highly sought after Golf Park community. The updated kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of space for entertaining. The oversized master suite includes a large walk-in closet, providing both comfort and convenience. Situated on a meticulously
Meticulously maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home that welcomes you the moment you step inside. The open floor plan fills the living spaces with natural light, guiding you from a cozy living room with a fireplace to an oversized kitchen anchored by a generous island, abundant cabinet space, and a pantry closet that keeps everything neatly organized. Newer carpet runs through the bedrooms for plush
Discover 12.8 acres of B-4 zoned commercial land with high-visibility frontage on US Hwy 441 in Belleview - ideal for retail establishments, highway-oriented businesses, or high-volume logistics operations. This versatile property offers access from both the highway and a side dirt road, making it easily accessible for customers and delivery vehicles alike. The site includes a manufactured
READY NOW! This newly built 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers the perfect combination of comfort, innovation and sustainability. What distinguishes this house? It's designed with the environment (and your pocketbook) in mind! State-of-the-art solar panels take advantage of Florida's abundant sunlight, reducing your energy bills while being kind to the planet. The construction quality is equally
Private Storage Available:Need extra space? Take advantage of our 10x9 FT private storage units also for rent with concrete floors, 24-hour access, and drive-up convenience – perfect for tools, gear, seasonal items, or hobby equipment.Welcome home to comfort, space, and convenience in our beautifully updated single-story, loft-style newer duplex townhomes in the heart of Belleview,
Beautiful two-story lakefront rental offering stunning water views and a newly renovated multi-level deck, perfect for enjoying the scenery. This well-maintained home features washer and dryer hookups and is located in a well-established neighborhood.
NOTE: If you meet our criteria with a clean record (no evictions or criminal history within the past five years) and can provide proof of stable income, you may qualify with one month’s deposit and the first month’s rent, instead of the standard two deposits plus first month’s rent.Fully renovated 1/1 available for immediate rent. Renovations include new tile flooring, updated kitchen and
This move-in ready home is located in a quiet neighborhood with convenient access to Ocala, The Villages, and major roadways. Designed with an open-concept layout, the home offers a spacious living and dining area that flows seamlessly into the kitchen, creating an ideal space for everyday living and entertaining.The kitchen features ample cabinetry, a large center island, and modern
Property Id: 22440082 bedrooms home. 2nd bedroom is small could be used for an office or storage. Total 2 people is max capacity. Living room is bigger. Kitchen is where dining table is with chairs. Top mount refrigerator and stove in kitchen. Bathroom has pocket door with washer and dryer in there; bath tub shower. This unit has city of Belleview water utility that includes garbage
Fantastic brand new home in Belleview near Ocala Florida, never lived in, top of the line appliances, completely tiled all trough tout the home with huge modern tiles, quartz counter top, huge master bedroom with walking closet, huge completely fenced in lot with enough space for a boat and a camper trailer and still have space to enjoy the back yard, pet friendly, home is located in a family
AVAILABLE NOW! Immediate occupancy! Brand new 4-bedroom rental in a prime Marion County location, just minutes from the Villages! Be the first to call this gorgeous new construction home in Autumn Glen your own! This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath rental includes granite countertops, spacious interiors, a large walk-in master closet, and washer/dryer and blinds—all included. Located on a quiet
Jim Middleton, Jr.NEXTHOME BEST RESULTS REAL ESTATE
AVAILABLE NOW! Immediate occupancy! Brand new 4-bedroom rental in a prime Marion County location, just minutes from the Villages! Be the first to call this gorgeous new construction home in Autumn Glen your own! This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath rental includes granite countertops, spacious interiors, a large walk-in master closet, and washer/dryer and blinds—all included. Located on a quiet
Jim Middleton, Jr.NEXTHOME BEST RESULTS REAL ESTATE
Welcome to your new home! Enjoy this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit, perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Belleview. This modern space features a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, including a double-door fridge, sleek granite countertops, and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. The inviting living room is ready for you to make it your own. The spacious
What's better than an apartment? Renting a home at Green Oaks Manor, a family-friendly, well-maintained, professionally managed manufactured home community. Right now, Green Oaks Manor, has a 3 bed/2 bath home available! Call us today to schedule a viewing and find out how easy it can be to move into a new home!
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. This stunning brand-new home offers an impeccable blend of modern style and functionality, perfect for contemporary living. Featuring three spacious bedrooms and two beautifully designed bathrooms, this residence is thoughtfully crafted with tile flooring throughout, adding both elegance and durability. The kitchen and bathrooms are adorned with
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
