According to the census of 2020, there were 5,413 people living in Belleview. The city is located in the center of Marion County, with Ocala to the north and Orlando to the south. The town is known for its charming small-town atmosphere and beautiful parks and recreation areas. It is also home to a number of popular attractions, including the Baseline Golf Course and the Don Garlits Museum Drag Racing.

The community is served by the Belleview Schools, which are operated by the City of Belleview and the county. The Belleview School District is one of the fastest-growing districts in Florida, serving students in pre-K through eighth grade. Its educational goals are to provide a safe learning environment in which all students can develop their fullest potential.

As a part of the community, the city supports the local sports leagues with the Belleview Sports Complex. This is an 80-acre park that hosts several youth and adult football, softball and baseball leagues throughout the year. The park also contains a playground for young children, a walking trail and two tennis courts.

The city’s first school was a large two-room building with a bell tower, built in 1913. A teacher named Miss Callie taught the primary grades, while Professor Rickards taught older students. Religious life in Belleview centered on churches of different denominations.

One of the earliest stories about the name of the town was that it was named after the daughter of one of its founders. But that story has been largely discounted. A more likely theory is that the town was named for the beautiful views of the area. The name was based on the French words “belle” and “view” meaning beautiful view.