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.
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.
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.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Robert Condie,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Flint Park Lake
Transit
Airport
Bishop International
27 min drive
Bus
Fleming & Home
Bus
Wbd Pierson & Glenn
Bus
Ebd Pierson & Clio
Bus
Pierson & Cloverlawn
Bus
Dupont & Gracelawn
Bus
5321 Dupont Road
Bus
Wbd Pierson & Sussex
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bel-Aire Woods
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bel-Aire Woods, Flint sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Bel-Aire Woods, Flint over the last 12 months is $50,910, up 16% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming Starter Home with Great Potential – 1108 W Mott Ave, Flint, MI 48505Discover a great opportunity to own your first home with this 3-bedroom gem on a spacious corner lot! Located on a quiet street, 1108 W Mott Ave offers a smart layout, generous yard space, and plenty of natural light throughout. This home needs a little TLC, but it’s perfect for buyers ready to build equity and make it
PRICE IMPROVED!!! This as-is 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers plenty of potential with its expanded living space. Approximately 500 sq. ft. addition was added 8 years ago, creating a larger family room and dining area — for entertaining or relaxing with loved ones. Key improvements have already been made, including a new furnace and new hot water heater for added comfort and peace of mind.
Just Listed !!!Cozy 3 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath, Full Basement. With A 1 Car Attached Garage. Within 2 Miles of all Expressways, Groceries, Gas, And Restaurants !!!
Property Id: 1842616Please only reach out if you meet qualifications. Section 8 is welcome. Newly updated 3 bedroom/1 bathroom home on clean block. Home is located on Laurene on North side of Flint. Major cross streets are Dupont St and Mott Ave.Address: 5406 Laurene Flint, MI 48504To move in you are required to have $900 deposit and $900 1st month rent.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Robert Condie,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,675
Median Age
39
Population under 18
26.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$36,409
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$39,286
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
78.7%
College Graduates
5.4%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.1%
% Population in Labor Force
50.3%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
36''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
45/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
49/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
32/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
