Bel Air, Maryland Real Estate and Community Information

Bel Air is a town located in Harford County, Maryland. The town serves as the county seat and occupies the 21014 and 21015 zip codes. The estimated 2014 population is 10,265 residents.

Residents will find a great deal of shopping, dining, entertainment and medical resources in town and the surrounding area, mostly due to Bel Air being the County Seat. The town takes pride in preserving and maintaining the past, while moving ahead and preparing for the future and the downtown area is a perfect example of historic preservation and building the future. A portion of the downtown area is designated as the Bel Air Arts and Entertainment District where residents and visitors can enjoy, street festivals, holiday events, theater, art galleries and concerts.

History

Bel Air, originally known as “Scott’s Improvement Enlarged” was once owned by a gentleman by the name of Aquilla Scott. He began building a town on a portion he called “Scott’s Old Field’s,” and soon innkeepers, merchants and politicians began purchasing lots from him. The County Commissioners changed the name of the city to Belle Aire and through a series of misspellings, the city became known as Bel Air. 1782 saw the construction of a court house on Main Street and following the Civil War land development and building began. The city was incorporated in 1874 and the population began to grow slowly. 1980 saw substantial growth in the communities around Bel Air and the city is the center for educational, cultural, governmental and commercial establishments in the county. Today, Bel Air and surrounding communities experience stable and encouraging housing market and economy with many amenities within an easy drive.

Education

The town is served by the Harford County Public School System (HCPS) and educates children from Kindergarten through grade 12. The school district operates 35 elementary, 10 middle, 11 high and three schools offering alternative public school education, with several schools located in Bel Air. The school district is committed to providing quality education to all students and firmly believes communication is vital to delivering on that promise. The school district works collaboratively with parents, local businesses and government to help bolster the potential to serve the student population. The school district is highly rated by students, parents and educational professionals. Students continually score very well on state mandated testing.

Residents searching for an alternative to public school education will find several private schools in the area, some of which are religion based.

Real Estate

Available real estate in Bel Air includes single and multi-family homes, condominiums and townhouses and cooperatives. Most homes are affordable, with select properties considered expensive and ideal for the first time home buyer, retirees and growing families. Homes are found in planned communities where the neighborhoods are well maintained and the members of the community take a great interest in the well being of all. Home buyers will find some new home construction, which is a sign of a stable housing market and robust economy.

For those who would rather rent than buy, or who would like to test drive the area before purchasing property, will find a variety of apartments for rent and include apartments in apartment complexes, townhouses, condominiums and single family homes. Apartments are available with multi-bedrooms and bathrooms and include amenities such as off street parking, laundry facilities and community gathering centers.

If you are searching for property in Bel Air, contact Suzanne Burton. Ms. Burton is a professional realtor who is experienced and knowledgeable about Bel Air and surrounding area. Suzanne Burton uses the necessary tools to help home buyers find the right home that meets their buying criteria as well as their budget.

Parks and Recreation

Bel Air Parks and Recreation operates and maintains five neighborhood parks. The parks include amenities such as playground equipment, picnic areas and an amphitheater for summer concerts. The department also operates and maintains a community park that contains an extensive play area for children, a trail network suitable for walking, running and bicycling, environmental education areas and a horticultural garden. The community park also includes a venue that is available for a fee and ideal for family and neighborhood celebrations and community events.

Adjacent to Bel Air, residents will find a series of county parks that include sports fields and courts, trails, restrooms and concession stands. There is also a venue available for a fee that is also ideal for family and neighborhood celebrations and community events.

Residents will find a variety of programs for children, youths, adults and seniors and include dance lessons, aerobics, as well as a variety of other fitness programs, sports leagues and instructions and seasonal camps.

Attractions, Activities and Events

The town of Bel Air and the surrounding area are home to many attractions, activities and events for family members of all ages. The things to do are fun and entertaining, as well as educational and include historic tours, museums, sports venues and events, Farmers Markets, brewery and winery tours, family fun centers, family recreation areas, festivals and community celebrations and a variety of annual events.

Some of the most popular events include the Community Barbeque Bash, Cruise for a Cause, Chocolate and Candy Festival, the Film Festival and the Christmas Parade, as well as a variety of community charitable events. The events are designed to bring the community members together in celebration and enjoy the town and what it has to offer.

To find out more information about this exciting city, please contact Suzanne Burton today!

Suzanne Burton, Sales Associate