Brighton is a quiet farm town with deep roots
About 40 miles north of Saint Louis , Brighton is a village of around 2,200. Established in the early 19th century, a shared history and community create an insular, tight-knit populace with no interest in leaving. "Everyone hangs on there – they're really locked in," says Kimberly Hunt, a 360 Prime Realty Group broker who's served the area since 2019. "Honestly, it can make it hard to find a place." Known for low crime and rural surroundings, the village is popular with anyone looking for a quiet, country lifestyle. Brighton's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10 – lower than the national average of 4 out of 10. "There's not a lot going on -- it's a real farm town," says Hunt.
Village homes range from centennials to modern ranch styles
Village center neighborhoods are often connected by narrow sidewalks that connect to commercial zones. Driveways and attached garages are typical, and lots tend to be under a quarter-acre. An active train track passes through the center of town, but Hunt says locals aren't bothered by any noise it produces. "They're pretty regular, but everyone's used to it," she says. Turn-of-the-20th-century and midcentury homes are prevalent in this area, generally selling between $70,000 and $260,000, depending on size and condition. Newer homes are available on the western outskirts of Brighton, with turn-of-the-21st-century New Traditional and ranch-style homes generally selling from $150,000 to $400,000 depending on size and amenities.
A mix of elementary campuses feed into Southwestern High
Students typically begin at Brighton North Primary, which teaches kindergarten through second grade. Third and fourth graders will head to Shipman Elementary, and fifth and sixth graders will generally attend Medora Intermediate. All three schools have a B grade from Niche. Southwestern Middle School has a B-minus, while Southwestern High School has a C-plus. Extracurriculars focus on sports and academics, with both the football team and scholastic bowl team making their respective playoffs in 2023.
Betsey Ann Park hosts an annual picnic celebration
With its gazebos and long picnic pavilions, Betsey Ann Park is a hub for special events, including the annual Betsey Ann Picnic. Celebrated since 1906, this weekend celebration includes live music, carnival rides, a beer garden and plenty of Burgoo Soup: a local favorite made with veggies, meat and barbecue sauce. Schneider Park is the village's largest public park, and features a fishing lake, playground equipment, a BMX track and a baseball diamond.
Maple Street has essentials, with more options in Alton
Local stores, services and grocery stores like Dollar General are on Maple Street. More familiar retail franchises are found at the Alton Square Mall, about 10 miles away. Sonny's Main Street Bar and Grill has been a local favorite since 2017. It offers a menu of laid-back tavern food and a regular lineup of sports on TV. Hanold's Farmhouse Café is a classic family diner with daily specials and regular events like Super Bowl Sunday and Dinner with Santa.
State Route 111 connects residents to jobs and hospitals
Commuters can reach Alton or Godfrey in less than 15 miles on State Route 111, the area's main highway. Hunt says that many locals commute to these neighboring communities for work. "Any of them that aren't farmers, anyway," she says. Alton is the site of OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center, a hospital with emergency services, hospice care and general medicine.
