There are several advantages and disadvantages to purchasing real estate in the city of Bethalto, Illinois. Here are some of them:

Advantages:
- Bethalto is a town located in the Metro East area of Illinois, making it close to larger cities such as St. Louis, Missouri.
- Bethalto has a low crime rate, making it a safe place to live.
- The cost of living is affordable compared to nearby larger cities.
- Bethalto has a good school district, making it a suitable option for families with school-age children.
- The area has many outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking and fishing, making it an attractive destination for those who enjoy the outdoors.

Disadvantages:
- Bethalto is a small town, so there may be limited job opportunities compared to larger cities.
- The real estate market may be small and competitive, making it difficult to find a suitable property.
- Extreme weather conditions in Illinois such as tornadoes and snow storms can increase safety hazards and affect potential residents from buying a property.
- This area doesn't have a very high population density, making it not very high in demand which could affect the value of the property.

These are only some examples and there may be other factors that could affect your decision to purchase real estate in Bethalto, Illinois. It's important to do your due diligence and carefully consider all of the advantages and disadvantages before making any major financial decision.