If you’re considering a move to Dickinson, North Dakota, chances are you’ll come across the Bel-Air neighborhood. Popular with families, retirees, and professionals alike, Bel-Air combines small-town friendliness with convenient city living. Whether you’re looking for your first home or a quiet, established community close to everything Dickson has to offer, Bel-Air deserves a spot on your list. Here’s what it’s really like to live there, from someone who knows the neighborhood inside and out.
The Bel-Air Vibe: Friendly, Quiet, and Welcoming
Walk down 21st Street West or take a drive along Fairway Street on a sunny evening, and you’ll see what makes Bel-Air tick. Neighbors wave from their front porches, kids ride bikes along the wide, tree-lined sidewalks, and there’s a tangible sense of pride in each neatly kept yard. Bel-Air isn’t flashy—what draws people here is its genuine, welcoming atmosphere and the way locals look out for each other.
People tend to know their neighbors by name, and it’s not unusual for families to organize block potlucks or seasonal events. If you’re searching for a neighborhood where you can put down roots and really feel part of a community, Bel-Air shines.
Housing: A Blend of Classic and Modern Comfort
Bel-Air’s housing stock is full of character. You’ll find mostly single-family homes, many built between the 1970s and 1990s, with a few newer constructions popping up on cul-de-sacs like Arnold Lane or Katie Court. Houses tend to sit on larger-than-average lots, affording families plenty of space for gardens, swingsets, or simply relaxing on the patio.
- Ranch-style and split-level homes predominate, often with attached garages and established landscaping.
- A scattering of twin homes and townhouses, particularly near the outskirts, add flexibility for those seeking low-maintenance living.
- Wide streets and set-back driveways give the neighborhood an airy, open feeling.
Most homes are owner-occupied, and you’ll notice many have little touches—flower beds, basketball hoops, backyard fire pits—that speak to the pride Bel-Air residents take in their properties.
Walkability: Strolling in Safety and Style
For a North Dakota suburb, Bel-Air is pleasantly walkable. The neighborhood is laid out as a network of quiet residential streets, with minimal through traffic, making it safe for pedestrians and kids learning to ride scooters or bikes.
- The main thoroughfares—21st Street W, 10th Ave W, and 23rd Street W—feature sidewalks and gentle curves that encourage casual strolls and evening dog walks.
- A well-maintained walking path runs along the southern edge of Bel-Air, connecting to Dickinson’s wider greenway system.
- Being mostly residential, there’s not a lot of commercial activity inside Bel-Air—but several major shopping and dining spots like Prairie Hills Mall are just a short drive or bike ride away.
Schools and Family Life: Top Marks for Kid-Friendliness
One of Bel-Air’s major selling points is its access to quality schools. The neighborhood is served primarily by Jefferson Elementary School, located conveniently on 21st Street West. Both Dickinson Middle School and Dickinson High School are within easy reach as well, making mornings easy for families with kids of multiple ages.
- The walkability and low traffic make it feasible for older kids to walk or bike to school independently.
- Several daycare centers and preschools are located just beyond the northern edge of Bel-Air, offering options for working parents.
- Family life here is active—expect to see Little League teams practicing in backyards, lemonade stands in summer, and Halloween decorations in abundance come October.
Parks and Green Spaces: Room to Roam
Bel-Air is fortunate to be bordered by beautiful public spaces that residents truly appreciate:
- Jaycee Park, at the eastern edge near 10th Ave W, is a local favorite. There’s a playground, a picnic shelter, and open green fields perfect for a game of catch or frisbee.
- The Bel-Air Greenway walking trail meanders along the neighborhood’s southern border, offering scenic views and a peaceful path for joggers, dog walkers, and families out for an after-dinner stroll.
- Mature trees and generous setbacks give most residential streets a park-like feel, with plenty of shade and room to breathe.
Nature lovers will also find that Dickinson’s famed Heart River runs just a short drive south, providing fishing, kayaking, and more outdoor adventures.
Safety: Peace of Mind
Ask anyone in Bel-Air, and they’ll tell you one of the greatest perks is the sense of safety. Crime is notably low, and the Dickinson Police Department is proactive about maintaining positive relationships in the area.
- Residents often mention that it’s not unusual to see kids playing outside well past sundown in the summer.
- Neighborhood watch participation is active without being overbearing—just neighbors keeping an eye out and helping each other.
- Streetlights and wide-open sightlines add to the feeling of security after dark.
Location: Convenient to Downtown and Employers
Bel-Air’s southwestern Dickinson location means the best of both worlds: quiet streets plus easy access to everything you need:
- Downtown Dickinson is less than 10 minutes away by car, making commuting simple for those who work at the university, hospital, or city offices.
- Major employers like CHI St. Alexius Health, Dickinson State University, and the Energy Tech Corridor can be reached in 5-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Shopping is a breeze, with Prairie Hills Mall, grocery stores, and essentials like pharmacies just a stone’s throw away on 21st Street W and I-94.
What Residents Love Most
Ask a handful of Bel-Air residents what keeps them here, and you’ll get some familiar refrains:
- “The people! We moved in eight years ago, and it’s the friendliest neighborhood we’ve ever lived in.”
- “Our kids can walk to school and spend all day outside safely.”
- “The big, shady trees and the quiet—yet we’re still close to everything.”
- “Holiday lights, block parties, summer barbecues—there’s always something happening without it feeling crowded.”
In short, Bel-Air is the kind of neighborhood where you feel at home quickly—where life moves at just the right pace and everyone finds a way to belong.
Thinking of moving? Take a drive down 21st Street W or walk the trail along Jaycee Park on a Saturday morning. You might just meet your future neighbors and see why so many choose to call Bel-Air home.