Edwardsville and Glen Carbon have long been identified as an ideal location to live, work, play and raise a family in the Metro East region. Edwardsville has been named one of the “10 Best Towns for Families” by Family Circle magazine in 2010, CNN Money has ranked Glen Carbon among the “Top 100 Best Places to Live in the USA” in 2009 and in 2014 Business Insider ranked Edwardsville 13th in the country for “Suburbs with the Best Value”. Topping another list in the summer of 2016, the City of Edwardsville ranked 8th out of 10 best places to live in Illinois according to Smart Travel Tips, with an overall rating of being the 13th most livable place Illinois has to offer.

The Edwardsville and Glen Carbon area is an idyllic location offering residents a welcoming small town atmosphere with the amenities of an urban existence. While part of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon’s charm is their vibrant histories and past, these communities are truly thriving as they are continuously growing in population, economic developments and recreational opportunities. 

Both communities are great places to raise a family, offering safe transportation, museums, galleries, libraries, festivals, government services, and quality health care and housing options. A good education is a top priority in the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area. Educational opportunities include a strong public school system, a variety of private school options, childcare alternatives and higher-education opportunities with Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and Lewis and Clark Community College at the N.O. Nelson Center.

The endless, unique dining options available are sure to please every palate. A few of the community’s favorites include Doc’s Smokehouse, Cleveland-Heath, Dewey’s Pizza, Bella Milano, 1818 Chophouse, Peel Wood Fired Pizza and Wang Gang Asian Eats. Both the Foundry Public House and Source Juicery are recent additions to the area’s dining scene. Any sweet tooth can be satisfied at The Cup bakery or Annie’s Frozen Custard, both classics among the community. After a long day at work, one can unwind enjoying a cold brew at Global Brew or The Stagger Inn, or a fine glass of wine at Bin 51. On Saturday mornings May through October, the Goshen Market in Downtown Edwardsville offers homegrown treats from local vendors. You’ll find a sampling of so many things, including artwork, custom jewelry, hand-made soaps and fresh cut flowers.

A healthy lifestyle is encouraged throughout the area, as there is an abundance of walking/bike trails, community parks and fitness centers. Some of the area’s fitness facilities include Planet Fitness, YMCA and SIUE Fitness Center. Safe, fun parks are a priority; in fact, the community supports the development of parks and recreational activities through the “A Better Place to Play” campaign. The Leon Corlew Park & Splash Pad is the newest park development, fulfilling the desire for a public water recreational facility. The Ice Rink & Teen Center along with the Sports Park are under development to offer even more recreational opportunities for families. The Altitude Trampoline Park just recently opened near Edison’s Recreational Complex, which both offer a day filled with entertainment and family fun.

The continuous growth of businesses and economic developments throughout Edwardsville/Glen Carbon has increased the number of job opportunities available to residents throughout the area. A big upcoming development is Amazon. The online retailer is opening two distribution facilities in Edwardsville, bringing 1,000 new jobs and stimulating the area’s economy. Another wonderful addition to the community and economy, The Manny Jackson Center for the Humanities, will offer programs and educational activities serving as a major educational center, also adding jobs to the area.

Edwardsville and Glen Carbon are located a short 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis which offers urban amenities such as the professional sports venues of Cardinal Baseball and Blues Hockey. Nationally recognized for its July 4th celebration, Art Fairs, Balloon Races, NASCAR racing and concert venues, the short commute to St. Louis is well worth the entertainment it offers. Either side of the great Mississippi river offers plenty of activities for family and friends of all ages.

Home sales in the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area continue to grow and offer a wide range of options, no matter your personal taste. Whether your style leans to the Federal Brick homes or “saltbox” homes in Glen Carbon, to the Victorian homes along the tree-lined St. Louis Historic District, to the comfortable historic Leclaire bungalows, finding a dream home is easy. Edwardsville and Glen Carbon blend historic elegance with new developments and have a remarkable diversity in housing options available to suit anyone’s dream home specifications.