2026 Compare Cities Rankings:
Gainesville, FL vs Belvidere, IL

#15 Most Competitive Public Colleges

#44 Best Green Cities

#56 2005 Best Places to Live

#88 America's Best and Worst Cities for Crime (Mid-Size Metro Areas)

#66 America's Best and Worst Cities for Crime (Mid-Size Metro Areas)

#155 Best Green Cities

#231 2005 Best Places to Live

I've lived here most of my life. It's changed a lot, and a lot of the locals don't like it. Because it's home to one of the largest universities in the country, we see a  More

Lovely diverse city! People is nice and there is always something to do. Outdoors activities are awesome! The springs are beautiful and there are plenty of hiking  More

Gainesville has the highest taxes and electrical rates in the state. The city is run by a bunch of liberals who have no idea what they are doing. Crime and homelessness  More

The town is full of gangs from chicago that spay paint everything. The police are like nazi storm troopers. The court system is full of good ole boys. The only honorable  More

People from the Chicago suburbs can't believe the low cost of housing. Schools are good. Easy to go to the city or an  More

I recently moved back to Belvidere from the suburbs of Chicago. I am very happy to find that the cost of living is far cheaper than anyother place I have found in IL (&  More