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Installation Guide

Scott AFB

Air Force Belleville, Illinois

Off-Base Living

Top neighborhoods near Scott AFB

O'Fallon

A fast-growing St. Louis suburb consistently ranked among the best places to live in Illinois. Excellent schools, abundant retail, and a family-oriented community with parks and rec programs.

10–15 min to base

Family-friendlySuburbanNew construction

Shiloh

A quiet residential community directly adjacent to Scott AFB with tree-lined streets and convenient base access. Very popular with military families for its proximity and affordability.

5–10 min to base

Military communityAffordableSuburban

Belleville

The St. Clair County seat with a charming historic downtown, diverse dining, and a mix of older homes and new development. Offers a small-city feel with easy access to St. Louis.

10–15 min to base

HistoricWalkableAffordable
Schools

O'Fallon Township High School District 203 / Belleville District 118

The metro-east area offers several strong school districts. O'Fallon schools are particularly well-regarded and draw many military families. Belleville also has solid public and parochial school options.

What families should know

  • O'Fallon Township High School is one of the largest and highest-performing in the region
  • Shiloh Village schools have small class sizes and strong military family support
  • Multiple parochial and private school options throughout the metro-east
Things to Do

Life around Scott AFB

Attraction

Gateway Arch National Park

Just 20 minutes across the river in downtown St. Louis, the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch offers tram rides to the top and a museum of westward expansion.

Outdoors

Eckert's Orchards

A beloved family farm in Belleville offering pick-your-own fruits, a country store, and seasonal festivals — a metro-east tradition since 1910.

Attraction

St. Louis Zoo

One of the nation's top zoos with free admission, located in Forest Park. Features over 16,000 animals and world-class exhibits.

Dining

Global Brew Tap House

A popular O'Fallon craft beer bar with rotating taps and hearty pub fare, a favorite gathering spot for Scott AFB personnel.

Entertainment

Busch Stadium

Home of the St. Louis Cardinals, just across the river. Military appreciation nights and affordable bleacher seats make it a regular outing for base families.

Housing Market

Buying or renting near Scott AFB

Home Prices

$180,000–$350,000

Typical Rent

$1,000–$1,600/mo

The metro-east Illinois market is significantly more affordable than the Missouri side of St. Louis. O'Fallon commands a premium for schools while Belleville and Shiloh offer strong value. BAH stretches well here.

Popular neighborhoods: O'Fallon, Shiloh, Swansea

Buying near Scott AFB with a VA loan: $0 down and no PMI. Estimate your allowance with the BAH calculator, follow the PCS checklist, and read the full VA Loan Guide before you go under contract.

Orders to Scott AFB?

Get pre-approved before you arrive. A VA loan specialist can have your numbers ready this week.

Call (719) 259-2246