Pittsfield's community spirit shines through festivals and amenities
Pittsfield’s history ranges from a city where Abraham Lincoln practiced law to proclaiming itself the pork capital of the Midwest. Today, it’s better known for its close-knit community, outdoor access and convenient location. “Residents take pride in their town, from cheering on local sports teams to gathering at annual festivals, and that sense of community is something newcomers notice right away,” says Marlee Schultz, a broker and land specialist with Whitetail Properties Real Estate. “It’s larger than many surrounding towns, so it has more amenities, like local restaurants, shops, healthcare facilities and schools, without losing its welcoming small-town feel.”
Downtown Pittsfield has older homes on quarter-acre lots
The majority of homes in Pittsfield are concentrated in the downtown area. Residential neighborhoods have a mix of housing styles, including two-story houses from the 1930s, as well as bungalows and ranch-style homes from the 1950s. Properties are an average of 2,000 square feet. Porches and patios are common features, along with established trees and backyard space. The median lot size is around a quarter of an acre, but homes farther from the city center tend to have more acreage. Prices range from $30,000 to $244,000. Homes stay on the market for an average of 96 days, almost double the national average of 52 days.
Teachers and staff foster a close-knit learning environment
Pittsfield South Elementary School educates preschoolers through second grade and receives a B-minus from Niche. “The schools are close-knit, with teachers and staff who know their students by name, which makes it a welcoming place to raise a family,” Schultz says. Third through eighth graders can attend C-rated Pikeland Community School. Pittsfield High School has a B grade and serves many local communities in addition to Pittsfield. High schoolers can take classes online or on campus at John Wood Community College. Their Smart Start High School Career Academy has pathways, including pre-nursing, truck driver training and welding.
Parks, lake access and hunting draw outdoor enthusiasts
The city has two parks offering amenities like playgrounds and basketball courts. King Park is home to the city’s swimming pool and skate park. Pittsfield Lake is commonly used for boating, kayaking and fishing. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Pine Lakes is a camping spot for locals and visitors. “Pike County is nationally known for world-class deer hunting, drawing hunters from across the country each fall,” Shultz says.
“Weekends in Pittsfield offer something for everyone,” says Brittney Emerick, economic development director of the City of Pittsfield. “Families and friends can enjoy the local bowling alley or Friday night bingo at the American Legion.” Pig Days is a two-day summer festival that raises money for local causes. The town celebrates its pork production past with live music, food vendors and Little Miss and Little Mr. Porkchop contests. The annual Pittsfield Fall Festival has a pageant, car show and petting zoo.
Locally owned restaurants surround the historic courthouse square
“Most people shop and dine right here in Pittsfield,” Emerick says. "As the county seat, Pittsfield offers more services, shopping and dining options than most towns its size.” The city has a Walmart and Dollar General for everyday shopping, but it also has smaller boutiques like Kenna’s Closet and Lala Bug.
Many of the locally owned restaurants are on and around the historic courthouse square. “Some of my favorites are Gianni’s for some homemade pizza, Sugar and Smoke for some amazing barbecue, Hooterville Cafe for some homestyle feel-good food and Watson 1838 for a perfectly cooked steak,” says Schultz.
Route 54 connects residents to I-72 and nearby metros
U.S. Route 54 runs east to west through Pike County and connects to Interstate 72. “Its location is also a plus,” Schultz says of Pittsfield. “It’s within reach of bigger cities like Quincy , Springfield and Saint Louis , but far enough away to offer peace, affordability and open space.” Some properties are within walking distance of local shops and eateries. Still, the city is mostly car-dependent with no public transportation. Illini Community Hospital is in Pittsfield’s downtown area. Quincy Regional Airport is around 40 miles west, and St. Louis Lambert International Airport is about 90 miles south.
