Northeast Wichita Wichita, KS

Founded in 1955, Wichita began to see its residents move out of the city limits into the unincorporated land to the northeast. They petitioned the county to set the land aside as a water improvement district. The Bel Aire population grew, and in the late 1970s, residents began working to incorporate as an independent city. There were 2 years of legal struggle with the city of Wichita, but eventually, the Supreme Court of Kansas ruled in favor of Bel Aire, and the city incorporated in 1980.

Since that time, the community has enjoyed steady growth and development yet remains a small town with down-home sensibilities. Each year, Bel Aire hosts the Fall Festival with a Car Show, Ice Cream Social and activities for children.

Close proximity to Wichita provides Bel Aire diners access to the spoils of city living with just a short commute. Along the E. 37th Street N. Corridor, just inside Wichita, stands a collection of scrumptious establishments to appease nearly every palate. When you crave hot Vietnamese soup, Pho Cuong serves up a menu of flavorful Pho soups featuring rare brisket, fresh herbs and sliced vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Steamy rice plates and iced Vietnamese coffee drinks round out the menu.

Fizz Burgers and Bottles on E. 37th Street N. supplies quarter-pound burgers and giant sandwiches served alongside thick steak fries. The sauces really set Fizz apart from other burger spots in town, with a variety of options, such as Whole-Grained Mustard or Garlic Aioli, to liven up your fries or your build-your-own burger. The unique experience continues with a strong selection of bottled beers, wine and specialty sodas not found in most Wichita restaurants. Finish your meal with a house-made cake truffle, and plan your next visit before you even pay your check.

Bel Aire residents know the best place for pizza and to support their home town is Bob and Luigi’s Pizza, right in the center of town on North Woodlawn. The menu features numerous specialty pizza recipes, calzones and humongous salads to share. Guests come to enjoy a family atmosphere with a game room for kids to enjoy and a listening room for local artists and live performances. Bob and Luigi’s serves more than good food, also serving the community by supporting the local branch of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Mayflower Clinic, and local public and private schools.

There are no bars in the neighborhood so locals head south along North Rock Road for chain bars such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Hooters or local favorite Mulligan's Pub.

Families in Bel Aire enjoy quiet suburban subdivisions off the beaten path yet with easy access to Route 96 on the south end of town and ample free parking in commercial areas. Public transportation is available in the city of Wichita, with one stop near Bel Aire at the intersection of Woodlawn and 37th Street. The #11 Rock Road Shuttle circulates nearly every hour through the week and connects with the rest of the Wichita Transit system. Uber does not serve the greater Wichita Metro Area, but there are three cab services available by telephone should you need a ride in town.

Pedestrians enjoy the lightly traveled neighborhood streets for afternoon strolls, but lack of consistent sidewalks and winding roads makes for difficult travel by foot for more than a few blocks. Bicycle commuters sit in the minority in both Bel Aire and Wichita, without designated bike lanes on roadways.

Playground equipment, city recreational sports leagues and parks programs abound in Bel Aire, where families place a high value on togetherness and community building. Six community parks serve residents with well-maintained green space and opportunities to meet and greet with neighbors. Central Park anchors the Central Park Subdivision between Woodlawn and Rock Road on 5 acres of land. The park boasts a large lake, so bring your tackle box for an afternoon of fishing, or just spread out a blanket and watch the ducks and geese enjoying the waterfront. Canines and their owners love to get wet at the annual Hot Dawg's Pool Party in the Bel Aire Community Pool in Central Park. For the rest of the summer, Bel Aire residents can enjoy a pooch-free swimming experience to beat the heat.

Alley Park in the Park Vista subdivision sits out of the way of traffic, providing space to get away from daily busyness. Lack of play structures in Alley Park creates a more natural destination for hiking and bird watching. Residents enjoy visiting in each season to watch the change of landscape throughout the year.

Community recreation activities are offered year-round in the Bel Aire Recreation Center on E. 48th Street N. Memberships to the rec center cost about $50 annually for such amenities as exercise equipment, outdoor and indoor athletic fields, and building rental space. Scout troops and community groups enjoy the classroom space available for use as well.

Bel Aire’s comfortable suburban lifestyle comes with a slightly steeper price tag than the rest of the Wichita Metro Area. Average rent in Bel Aire costs around $622 monthly for a one-bedroom residence, while Wichita one-bedroom apartments average just $500 monthly. Overall, the cost of living remains a good value, with gas prices running about 15 percent lower than the national average. Stopping for a beer with your friends after work sets you back about $3.

The E. 37th Street N. corridor and Rock Road sections of Wichita serve as the closest shopping destinations for Bel Aire residents. Every modern convenience can be found along this short stretch of road, from Home Depot to Kohl's and JoAnn's Fabric Stores.

While boutiques and upscale shops are rare in the area, bargain hunters shouldn't miss Trendy Tots Resale Shop when the time comes to shop for little ones. The racks of curated second-hand children's items include name brand clothing, car seats and strollers, and furniture items. Stop in before a baby shower or the beginning of the school year. Trendy Tots also checks through your clean kids' items in good condition and gives you a quote to buy your items outright or provide store credit in exchange.

Stock up on groceries at the clean and well-stocked Walmart Supercenter on N. Rock Road or Dillon's on N. Woodlawn Boulevard. If you perfer organic fare, check out Greenacres Natural Foods Market & Deli, but for local treats, head to the north side of Wichita for the Kansas Grown Farmers Market.