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Bel Air Town, MD

Frequently asked questions

Bel Air, MD

The town of Bel Air is the county seat of Harford County, Maryland. According to the 2020 United States census, the population of the town was 10,661. 

The United States Census Bureau defines an urban area in northeast Maryland in which Bel Air is the principal settlement: the Bel Air–Aberdeen, MD urban area had a population of 214,647 as of the 2020 census, making it the 180th most-populous in the United States.

Bel Air's identity has gone through several incarnations since 1780. Aquilla Scott, who had inherited land known as "Scott's Improvement Enlarged," planned the town on a portion that he called "Scott's Old Fields." Four years later, the town had expanded as local politicians, merchants, and innkeepers purchased lots from Scott, and the county commissioners decided to change its name to the more appealing "Belle Aire." In his deeds, Scott dropped one letter, renaming the town, "Bell Aire." Around 1798, court records dropped two more letters, and "Bel Air" was born.

During this period, Bel Air began to rise in prominence. In 1782, just two years after its founding, it became Harford's county seat, and Daniel Scott (Aquilla's son) started building a courthouse on Main Street. Although the town limits in the late 18th century encompassed nothing more than the two sides of Main Street, the days following the Civil War saw a building and land-development boom that remains in full swing to this day.

Bel Air was part of a land grant issued to Daniel Scott in 1731. In March 1782 "Belle Aire" was designated the county seat of Harford County. At the turn of the 20th century the "e" was dropped and the second "l" and its companion "e" gave way a few years later. The town's incorporation was effective in 1874. The town began with just 42 lots along Main Street centering on the Court House the county jail and the sheriff's house. Over the years, the population grew slowly to about 200 residents by 1865. The introduction of the canning industry, the Ma & Pa railroad, and related financial businesses jump-started the growth after the Civil War. Although the town experienced periods of rapid growth followed by extremely slow growth over the next century, Bel Air's role as the center of government and commerce continued to expand.

Since 1980, the town and its surrounding suburbs have grown substantially. Today, Bel Air is the center for governmental, educational, cultural, medical, and commercial institutions in the county.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.03 square miles (7.85 km²), of which 3.02 square miles (7.82 km²) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km²) is water.

Bel Air places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. The Arena Club offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. At Rockfield Park, you can enjoy scenic walking trails and community gardens. For yoga enthusiasts, Yoga Centric offers a range of classes from beginner to advanced. Coppermine Bel Air Athletic Club features state-of-the-art fitness equipment and wellness programs. If you’re into martial arts, Baltimore Martial Arts Academy offers classes for all ages. 

Top sites in Bel Air, MD are Bynum Run Park, the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail, and The Liriodendron Mansion.

Population: 10,395 (2024). ZIP codes: 21014, 21015. Area codes: 410, 443, 667. Elevation: 387 ft. Area: 3.04 sq mi (7.88 km²).

FAQs

Is Bel Air, MD a wealthy area?

The population of Bel Air is very well educated relative to most cities and towns in the nation, where the average community has 21.84% of its adult population holding a 4-year degree or higher: 37.24% of adults in Bel Air have a bachelor's degree or even advanced degree. The per capita income in Bel Air in 2018 was $42,103, which is middle income relative to Maryland, and upper middle income relative to the rest of the US. This equates to an annual income of $168,412 for a family of four. However, Bel Air contains both very wealthy and poor people as well.

What is Bel Air, MD is known for?

Bel Air, MD, is excellent for those who appreciate a rich history and cultural heritage. The city has several historic sites and homes, such as the Bel Air Armory, which dates back to 1894, and the William Welford House, a 19th-century farmhouse reflecting the area's rich history. These sites give visitors a glimpse into the past and serve as necessary educational resources for people of all ages. Additionally, the city has various cultural and entertainment options, such as art galleries, museums, and theaters.

Is Bel Air, MD a good place to live?

Bel Air is in Harford County and is one of the best places to live in Maryland. Living in Bel Air offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many young professionals and retirees live in Bel Air and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Bel Air are highly rated.

Sources

Town of Bel Air

Wikipedia

Niche

Greatest Moves

Neighborhood Scout

Bynum Run Park

Ma & Pa Heritage Trail

The Liriodendron Mansion

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health

The Arena Club

Rockfield Park

Yoga Centric

Coppermine Bel Air Athletic Club

Baltimore Martial Arts Academy

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