While its name resembles that of the ritzy Los Angeles neighborhood, Bel Aire is a more modest, suburban city in Kansas, just outside the northeast section of Wichita. This Midwest residential enclave is an outdoor-friendly city, featuring six parks with their own unique adventures, and several events and festivals that bring the community of about 7,000 people together throughout the year. “Bel Aire is the epitome of small-town charm with big-city convenience,” says Jack Silvers, owner/broker of River City Realty, who services all of the Wichita region, “It’s right outside of Wichita, but the size of the houses and tight-knit community makes it unlike anywhere else in the city.”
The homes in Bel Aire sit on generously sized lots.
There are several stone signs for Bel Aire throughout the city.
1/2
Outdoor adventures at six parks
Bel Aire maintains six parks, each with its own experiences. Alley Park attracts those looking to play disc golf on the nine-hole course. Central Park is the place to go to fish in the stocked lake or go for a swim in the outdoor public pool. At Eagle Lake Park, kids can have fun playing on the playground’s sandy terrain while others enjoy a stroll around the lake. Kids interested in sports can join the city’s leagues and play at Bel Aire Recreation Complex. Adults can even work out in the fitness center or take yoga classes there.
Enjoy a stroll along the path at Eagle Lake in Bel Aire.
Kids love to run around at the Bel Aire City Park.
1/2
Making room for a housing boom
Much of Bel Air’s housing inventory includes new homes and houses built within the past five to 10 years. Alexa Blackburn, a Realtor with Banister Real Estate, has sold dozens of new homes in Bel Aire in the past year. She says, “There are a lot of new subdivisions popping up, so a lot of builders are teaming up with developers to sell spec homes. Bel Aire has always been known for higher prices, but now they are trying to provide more affordable housing, which is helping Bel Aire grow.“ These new traditional houses typically offer around 2,500 to 3,000 square feet of living space, two to three bedrooms and attached garages, selling for around $250,000 to $400,000. There are also some larger styles and custom farmhouses with four to five bedrooms that range from $450,000 to $600,000. Some subdivisions on the south side feature mid-century ranch styles and split levels, ranging from the high $100,000s to the mid-$200,000s.
Many of the homes in Bel Aire are new traditional homes.
Bel Aire is filled with neo-eclectic dwellings from the early 2000's.
1/2
Public magnet schools and private faith-based education
Children attend Isely Traditional Magnet Elementary, which gets a B-minus grade on Niche. The school prides itself on contributing to charities, whether collecting donations for the annual Thanksgiving turkey drive or jumping rope to raise money for the American Heart Association. Students move on to C-graded Stucky Middle and finish their degrees at C-plus-graded Wichita Heights High, rated the sixth-most diverse high school in Kansas. Bel Aire is also home to Northeast Magnet High, which scores an A-minus grade. In addition to the traditional curriculum, students focus on one of three programs: science, art or law.
For private education, students also have two faith-based options in the city. Sunrise Christian Academy boasts an impressive athletics department, as the basketball team is a part of the Nike Elite High School Basketball Program. At Resurrection Catholic School, students can participate in the Religion Bowl, a trivia competition against other parochial schools in the area.
Kids living in Wichita can attend Northeast Magnet High School
Kids living in Wichita can attend Sunrise Christian Academy.
1/2
Seasonal events keep the community gathering all year long
The Bel Aire community comes together for several seasonally relevant events throughout the year. Summer is celebrated with the Hot Dawgs Pool Party, where residents fittingly eat franks while their dogs swim in the city pool. Christmas in Bel Aire consists of a tree-lighting, live holiday music and a Santa photo-op at City Hall. However, the city’s largest bash is the Spring Festival, where 13,000 eggs are scattered across the city, and the police department signals the start of the search with their lights and sirens.
Retailers and restaurants in NE Wichita
Though Bel Aire is a predominantly residential community, residents aren’t far from shopping and dining options just across the border in Wichita. “Most people barely know the difference between Bel Aire and Wichita, which really speaks to the city’s convenience,” says Silvers. Shoppers can easily pick up groceries from the nearby Dillons or Sam’s Club. Those who want to go out to eat can choose from several national chains and local restaurants. Hot Wild Pit Bar-B-Q is the place to go for brisket, pulled pork and other barbecue staples. Just down the street, Jumbo’s Beef & Brew offers specialty burgers with wagyu patties, while Pho Cuong serves up Vietnamese dishes. For more shopping and dining needs, locals can drive 5 miles to Bradley Fair, an open-air shopping center with more than 50 restaurants and retailers.
Jumbo's Beef & Brew is just one of several restaurants in Bel Aire.
Stop Applebees for a relaxing dinner near Bel Aire.
1/2
10-mile drive to Downtown Wichita
With Kansas Highway 254 nearby, Downtown Wichita commuters can quickly hop on Interstate 135 for a total 10-mile drive to the bustling city center, whether for work or entertainment.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
