Belleview is a city in southern Marion County, Florida, part of the Ocala metropolitan statistical area. Its name derives from the French words belle and vue, meaning "beautiful view," and the city has carried the motto "City with Small Town Charm" as a statement of its identity. Belleview's roots reach back to the late nineteenth century, with a post office in operation by 1883 and incorporation following in 1885, making it one of the older communities in this part of the county. Today it sits astride a major north-south travel corridor formed by U.S. Routes 27, 301, and 441, which run together through the city on their way between Ocala and points south. With a population of roughly 6,500, Belleview functions as a small city and local service center for the communities of south Marion County, including nearby Summerfield. It lies about ten to twelve miles south of Ocala, the county seat, and just north of The Villages, the large retirement community that has reshaped the region's growth and housing patterns. Lake Lillian, a small lake at the city's center, anchors community life with a walking path, playground, exercise stations, and a pavilion, and is the site of an annual fishing derby for which the lake is stocked with catfish and bass. Belleview is served by Marion County Public Schools, with elementary, middle, and high school campuses located in the city. Its position along the U.S. 441 corridor gives residents direct access to Ocala's employment, medical, and retail base, while the area's blend of established neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, and rural land provides a lower-density, more affordable alternative to the county seat. The city suits families, working professionals, and retirees seeking a small-town setting with easy reach of both Ocala and The Villages.