Community groups are leading the way in Bel-Aire Woods
For much of the 20th century, the suburban neighborhood of Bel-Aire Woods was a popular place for General Motors employees and their families. It still is today: Many residents are retirees of what was once the area's largest employer. But the closing of the GM plant, combined with the shuttering of a popular amusement park in the area, changed the trajectory of this close-knit community. To help reverse the downward trend, numerous neighborhood associations are now at the center of several success stories involving the neighborhood's schools, homes and community centers.
Brand new STEM Academies with public community centers
Flint public schools operate in a school-choice system, meaning students can apply to any city school. Yet many in Bel-Aire Woods choose to stay local and walk to one of the district's newest schools, Brownell STEM Academy, rated D by Niche. Next door, currently unrated Holmes STEM Middle School Academy is part of the same campus. In 2024, the campus debuted numerous upgrades, including a new early childhood wing, playgrounds and athletic facilities. Most significantly, the project also created the Cube, a 5,000-square-foot community center designed for use by students and the community as a whole. Locals often gather at the Cube for neighborhood meetings, continuing education, recreational programs, senior services and after-school programs for students. For high school, most students attend the Southwestern Classical Academy, rated C.
Investments are creating appreciating home values
In the last few years, housing has been on a positive upswing for Bel-Aire Woods. Since 2021, the average home value in the neighborhood has increased by roughly $20,000, mostly due to investors buying and renovating numerous properties. Today, move-in-ready cottages and ranch-style homes from the 20th century tend to sell for $70,000 to $85,000. Investors typically pay between $15,000 and $65,000 for a property in need of repairs, which can range from light cosmetic work to intensive structural maintenance.
Ranch-style homes with tidy lawns can be found in the Bel-Aire Woods neighborhood.
Bungalows are standard throughout Bel-Aire Woods.
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Neighborhood associations host community parties and service events
Community centers are a core part of the community fabric. Flint is home to a strong network of neighborhood associations and church groups, and several come together in Bel-Aire Woods, including Flint Residents Organizing for Good, or FROG for short. The Hasselbring Senior Center provides essential services and social events for the many GM retirees in the neighborhood. Some neighborhood associations also use the Hasselbring Senior Center for monthly meetings. Meanwhile, several churches offer various ways to stay involved in the community. Mount Carmel Baptist Church organizes service events like community health fairs and backpack giveaways, plus fun activities like game nights and an annual church picnic.
Chain and local dining options on Clio Road
Clio Road and Pierson Road are the primary streets for trips to shopping and dining. Chain restaurants can be found along both thoroughfares, with Clio Road having slightly more options. Pierson Road is typically where residents shop for groceries from the Landmark Food Center, less than a mile east of the neighborhood. The Hallwood Plaza shopping center and surrounding businesses also offer commercial options, including clothing stores, health care providers and a few locally owned lunch counters, like Moni's Hibachi.
Hungry Bel-Aire Woods diners can enjoy dinner at Moni's Hibachi.
Locals in Bel-Aire Woods needing a quick meal can head to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
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Former amusement parks turned into fishing lakes
Residents have a few parks nearby to explore. The quiet oasis of Flint Park Lake is a far cry from its origins: Few visitors are likely to guess that an amusement park once stood where the popular fishing lake now resides. Nearby Fleming Park also features a playground and basketball courts tucked away on a residential street.
Flint Park Lake is a great place to view new life in the spring.
Bring your kids to Max Brandon Park for an afternoon hike.
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Light traffic for a walkable neighborhood
Traffic isn't a large concern, since the neighborhood is more than a mile from the closest major highway, although some intersections can still move slowly around peak commuting hours. Bus routes also run throughout the neighborhood on major roads. Most sections of the neighborhood are fairly walkable, although a few residential streets lack sidewalks.
Lead pipe replacement nearing completion
In 2014, Flint residents experienced dangerous levels of lead contamination in their tap water due to inadequate water treatment. By 2016, the water met federal safety requirements, and the city began a project to replace outdated pipes. The Environmental Protection Agency still recommends all residents use a water filter as the state completes its infrastructure overhaul. The neighborhood's CAP Index Crime Score of 5 is slightly higher than the national average, including a low rate of property crime. However, the neighborhood still sees a high rate of violent crime.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Bel-Aire Woods, Flint sell after 90 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Bel-Aire Woods, Flint over the last 12 months is $36,250, down 28% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investment opportunity. Most of the work has been done. New windows, roof, siding. Rough plumbed, new electrical ran, waterproofed basement with new egress window for possible 3rd bedroom. City inspections are completed for rough framing and insulation. This was going to be completed for Section 8 rental.
3 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath. 1 car attached garage. This home is solid. With a little TLC this home could be a Gem. Great Rental Property. Home located within MTA Range. Centrally located between I-475 and I-23. Plenty of Restaurants nearby within walking distance !! Hurry before it's gone !! Schedule a showing today !!!
Great Opportunity for First-Time Buyers or Savvy Investors! Solid 3-bedroom, 1-bath BRICK RANCH with endless potential and ready for your vision! Featuring a classic floor plan, generous room sizes, and hardwood floors just waiting to be restored, this home offers both charm and functionality. The full basement, partially finished, provides extra storage or room to expand your living
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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.
