Bel-Air keeps residents close to employment and recreation
For the Midland neighborhood of Bel-Air, the city’s oil fields are just as close as the local sports hub. Both are significant points of pride for the community, although one is sometimes considered more of an eyesore than the other. “When you fly in, it’s not pretty. You see all the pump jacks, hundreds and hundreds of them. But the people are great,” says native Midlander Tracy Farrow, broker-owner of Tracy Farrow Realty. “It sucks you in. It just becomes home, and you love the people, and you don’t want to leave.” The petroleum industry makes up most of Midland’s commercial infrastructure, and the small neighborhood of Bel-Air has become a comfortable suburban enclave for workers and residents hoping to stay close to the fields and amenities like schools, parks and grocery stores. Churches, such as the longstanding Alamo Heights Baptist Church and the bilingual Presence Church, also border the neighborhood, and the local medical center is less than 2 miles away.
Bel-Air locals gather at Presence Church for Sunday service.
Locals in Bel-Air head to Monument Baseball Stadiums for fun competition.
1/2
Pool parties, playdates and RockHounds home games
The Doug Russell Aquatic Center includes multiple pools, waterslides and a kid-friendly obstacle course, making it a summer destination for residents from across the city. The primary-colored playground at House Park, within walking distance from some homes, is popular for after-school playdates, while its looping fitness trail offers ample room for outdoor exercise. Scharbauer Sports Complex serves as the community’s athletics hub. Local high school teams often use its multiple football fields, and the Momentum Bank Ballpark hosts the RockHounds, the Double-A affiliate for Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics. The complex also includes a shaded playscape and a sizeable circular splash pad made to look like a giant baseball. The fountains are illuminated during home games with blue, orange and white lights to cheer on the RockHounds.
Locals in Bel-Air head to Monument Baseball Stadiums for fun competition.
Swimmers enjoy laps and leisure at Doug Russell Aquatic Center in Midland.
1/2
Some of Bel-Air’s midcentury homes are getting a makeover
Midcentury brick ranch-style homes are typical and often include one-car garages and concrete driveways that connect to narrow sidewalks. “Those homes were part of the first boom, so a lot of them went up very quickly,” Farrow says. “A lot of people have lived there a very long time.” The occasional vacant lot and a handful of newly constructed homes point to a growing trend — replacing outdated midcentury models with larger, Craftsman-inspired builds. Farrow says this will likely increase prices, which could significantly impact the city’s workforce. “You have a lot of people that work in the oil field, so there’s a lot of workers, pump jacks and drillers,” she says. “They might live there because the housing is going to be less expensive.” Homes generally range from $150,000 to $300,000, although some new properties are slated to hit the market for just under $400,000.
Residents love the comfort of ranch-style homes in the Bel-Air neighborhood.
Bel-Air features a variety of classic ranch-style homes.
1/2
Students build their legacy in the Midland Independent School District
Bonham Elementary receives a B-minus from Niche and serves kindergarten through sixth grade students. C-rated Alamo Junior High sits next door and serves seventh and eighth grade students. In high school, students start at C-rated Legacy Freshman High before attending tenth through 12th grade at B-minus-rated Legacy Senior High. The senior campus offers a competitive Air Force Junior ROTC program and multiple Industry-Based Certification courses. Following a referendum passed in early 2024, the city announced its plan to build a new Legacy High School that will house all four grades in the coming years. Local charter options include Richard Milburn Academy, or RMA Midland, a C-minus-rated high school that shares a building with Alamo Heights Baptist Church. Private schools in the area include A-minus-rated Midland Christian School and Midland Montessori School.
Bonham
Alamo JR High School
1/2
Mexican restaurants are common in Midland Drive’s shopping centers
The shopping centers along Midland Drive include everything from pharmacies and banks to fitness centers and thrift stores. Well-loved restaurants include Micaela’s Burritos, which serves authentic Mexican fare for breakfast and lunch. Macarena’s Restaurant & Bar has a similar menu but caters more to the evening crowd, staying open past 10 p.m. Next door, Baby Mango Snack Bar serves a variety of frozen treats to satiate any sweet tooth. Back In The Day Café is another local favorite serving classic American fare, and locals say there’s often a wait for Saturday morning brunch. The closest grocery store, an H-E-B off Andrews Highway, is just over a mile away and shares a shopping center with Sam’s Club.
Macarena's in Bel-Air serves delicious Mexican dishes.
Bel-Air residents find all their grocery essentials at H-E-B.
1/2
Midland has a full event calendar
Midland may be a small city, but it’s big on events. Annual traditions such as arts festivals, farmers markets and concerts unite the community. In summer, Centennial Park hosts the Star-Spangled Salute, which includes a Fourth of July parade and fireworks display. Come fall, locals prepare for Tall City Blues Fest, a music festival held at a local music venue.
Bel-Air locals find vibrant bouquets at the farmers market every weekend.
Performances add a lively vibe while shoppers explore Downtown Midland's Farmers Market
1/2
Reach Odessa via The Loop and I-20
Outside of the downtown area, most Midlanders drive. “Everything here is big; houses are big, lots are long, so it’s not considered walkable,” Farrow says. State Route 250, or The Loop, connects drivers with Interstate 20. From here, it’s a 20-mile trip to Odessa. The Midland Odessa Urban Transit District operates EZ-Rider buses throughout both cities. The Midland International Air and Space Port is about 8 miles away.
EZ Rider buses provide convenient transport for Bel-Air residents.
Bel-Air locals appreciate the convenience of the Midland International Space & Air Port.
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
Welcome to your brand-new home! Nestled on a sprawling 1-acre lot! This meticulously crafted residence offers the perfect blend of modern convenience and serene country living. Beautiful kitchen with stainless steel appliances, ample cabinetry & breakfast bar. You can choose 3 or 4 bedrooms! And best of all, accessible financing options and NO RESTRICTIONS! This house is not in site yet, this is
Ben Kinney Team at Keller WilliamsKeller Williams Realty
This cute move in ready home is waiting for its next loving owner. This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large backyard & storage building. Ready to make this home yours? Schedule a tour today!
Step into this stunning 3 bedrooms, 2.5-bathroom homes nestled in a quiet neighborhood. Soaring ceilings and an open layout create a bright and inviting space. The convenient half bath is perfect for guests, while the oversized primary suite offers a peaceful retreat. Outside you will enjoy a well- backyard and spacious covered patio- ideal for relaxing and entertainment. Comfort, style, and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gina Lujan,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
513
Median Age
34
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
31.6%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$80,357
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$88,468
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.1%
College Graduates
26.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.4%
% Population in Labor Force
82.6%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
15''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
96°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
39/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
26/ 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.
