Breese is a city surrounded by farmlands
About 40 miles east of Saint Louis , Breese is a city of just under 4,400. Surrounded by thousands of acres of farmland, this Southern Illinois town keeps close ties with its rural roots. “The community itself has more farmers than other nearby towns,” says Stephen Ellerbrake, a broker with Keller Williams Pinnacle. “And they’ve got an active 4-H.” Like many Greater St. Louis metro cities, Breese has seen steady growth in recent years as people leave busier areas. Ellerbrake says that proximity and recent highway renovations appeal to many potential homeowners. “They’ve benefited from the better roadways,” he says. “It’s led to a really nice community.”
Turn-of-the-century homes are centrally located
Homes near the city center are laid out in a grid pattern on lots that are typically a quarter-acre and smaller. Backyards end in alleys with sheds, garages and other outbuildings. Turn-of-the-century Cape Cods and National designs are typical, generally selling between $60,000 and $220,000 depending on condition. Midcentury homes are also available, priced between $180,000 and $270,000. Many of the area’s 21st-century homes center around Breese Northside Park. Prices for New Traditional designs here range from $270,000 to $410,000. The average value for a house in Breese is about $70,000 less than the St. Louis metro area average.
Central Community High is known for its athletics
Students in the area are served by Breese School District Number 12, which offers schools for elementary and middle grade levels and has a B-plus from Niche. Older students will attend Central Community High School, which has an A-minus. The high school’s football team made it to the quarterfinals in the 2024 playoffs, while their boys and girls basketball teams made it to their respective Super Sixteens in 2025. Private Catholic schools are also an option, with All Saints Academy teaching prekindergarten through eighth grade and Mater Dei teaching high school levels.
Northside Park finished a new playground in 2025
Breese Northside Park finished construction on a new playground in 2025, replacing the old space with new tube slides and monkey bars. The park also has baseball fields, picnic pavilions and the community pool, which is open annually from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Bent Oak Golf Course is a public 9-hole course with a clubhouse and membership benefits. Local golfers can take lessons with a PGA professional or join one of three golf leagues.
Laid-back eateries include smokehouses and diners
The city center has various shopping options, including hardware stores, spas and several locally owned boutique stores. Farm Fresh Market is available for groceries. The White House Tavern offers in-house wood-smoked meats, including ribs, brisket and pulled pork. They also offer a full salad bar and Friday fish fries. Established in 1999, PJ’s Diner is a family-owned greasy spoon where kids under 6 eat for free.
The Clinton County Fair is held every summer
Held every summer since 1951, the Clinton County Fair in nearby Carlyle attracts thousands from all over Southern Illinois. In addition to a themed parade and carnival rides, the weeklong event includes livestock judging, produce exhibitions, a 5K fun run and the crowning of the Clinton County Fair Queen.
U.S. Route 50 leads to St. Louis
Old U.S. Highway 50 and U.S. Route 50 are the area’s main thoroughfares, the latter leading to St. Louis, some 40 miles west. HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese is a 52-bed medical facility with access to emergency services, surgery and physical therapy.
