Bel Air, MD

For a town of only about 10,000 people, Bel Air, Maryland, has a significant economy, growing culture and high level of community organization. The county seat of Hartford County, Bel Air is 20 miles north of Baltimore and 75 miles away from Philadelphia. The town is surrounded by the unincorporated towns of Bel Air North and Bel Air South, whose residents often flock to town of Bel Air for its retail and restaurant-savvy downtown. Community-organized events are weekly occurrences that provide numerous family-friendly activities for its residents.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The Bel Air community sports a favorable economy due to its downtown retail businesses and specialty shops, as well as its company-friendly local legislation. There has been a community movement to make Bel Air a more attractive place for businesses by activating a fast-track business permit program. Being the county seat, one of Bel Air's biggest employers is the city itself, Hartford County, and the State of Maryland. Two other major employers to Bel Air are:

• Hartford Mutual Insurance: A leader in providing casualty and property insurance to businesses since 1842, when the company was founded in Hartford County. The company is still headquartered in Bel Air today and provides services to seven states and the District of Columbia.
• Upper Chesapeake Medical Center: The leading medical provider in Hartford County, the Upper Chesapeake Health network comprises two hospitals. The center was ranked as one of the best in Maryland for joint replacement surgery.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Most of the population in the city of Bel Air is urban. Neighborhoods and districts of Bel Air accommodate more than 4,400 houses, out of which more than 4,200 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 2,700 are owner-occupied, while renters occupy around 1,400 houses.

Downtown Bel Air revolves around the old Court House and Main Street, the city's commercial center. The district is more than 130 years old and features tree-lined sidewalks and a mix of old and new architecture. Downtown's motto is "The Heart of Harford," and it offers places to dine, shop, worship and work.

BEST BETS

• Rockfield Park: The city park features a number of horticultural gardens on display that individually offer different themes. The Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden has flowers and plants that attract butterflies. The Evergreen Garden specializes in pine-needle and broad-leaf evergreens. Rockfield Park is also home to The Gazebo Garden, The Grove for the Senses, The Grass Garden and more.
• Ma & Pa Heritage Trail: Located both in Bel Air and Forest Hill, the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail tracks what was formerly a railroad line through the Maryland landscape. An outdoor escape for runners, hikers, walkers or just nature lovers, the trails include a popular dog park and fishing at Friend's Pond.
• Liriodendron Mansion: The mansion is the historic summer home of John Hopkins Medical School founding member Dr. Howard Kelly. The 1898 Victorian mansion is used for both weddings and business conferences and is known for its beautiful architecture and design.
• Tudor House: The famous childhood home of actor and assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth. The Tudor House was built by Booth's famous father who was one of the best actors of his day. The home was recently purchased by the Hartford County Government so that it can be opened to the public for tours.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Center for the Arts: This nonprofit group has been putting on productions and raising money to erect a building in Bel Air devoted to the performing and education of the arts. The organization has put on youth plays and ballet and musical performances in an effort to meet its financial goals toward building the center. The organization now has an office in Tudor Hall, the former home of famous actor Junius Brutus Booth and his sons: famous Shakespearian actor Edwin Junius Booth and President Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth.

EVENTS

• Bel Air Chocolate Festival: Held every spring at the Bel Air Armory, the festival offers a wide array of tastings for chocolate lovers. Admission to the festival includes free tastings of various types of chocolate.
• First Fridays: From May to October every Friday evening, there is a concert near the town courthouse featuring a wide selection of musical artists. Residents enjoy the music while exploring the downtown shops and restaurants and enjoying the beer and wine garden.
• Maryland BBQ Bash: People from all over the Bel Air area visit the town for this early August festival of everything barbecue. Music serenades the visitors while they eat and buy the best barbecued chicken, ribs and more in the state.
• Friday Family Movies: At Shamrock Park on select Fridays during the summer, family movies are shown for free outside on a big screen, with face painting and refreshments available. Many families bring coolers and blankets while they watch the movie under the stars.

EDUCATION

Hartford Community College: This institute of higher learning provides affordable, quality higher education that focuses on preparing students for professional life and furthering education. The school had an enrollment of more than 8,000 in 2008, including both full- and part-time students.

LOCAL MEDIA

• The Aegis newspaper serves Bel Air.