This adorable little city adopted its name, Bellmead, in honor of Belle Meade Farms, which is a famous and rather prominent horse farm located in Tennessee.
Located a short two miles northeast of Waco, the city of Bellmead has a population of 10,212 residents who take great pride in the 6.2 square miles of land they all call home. The city's beginnings start back in the mid 1920s when three major railroads -- the Kansas, Missouri and Texas Railroads -- chose this as the spot for their locomotive shops. Bellmead's economy struggled to attract new families and businesses until 1942. That was the year the Waco Army Airfield was built just northeast of town. Following World War II, the economy continued to improve and in 1954, Bellmead incorporated using a mayor-alderman form of government. In 1965, the air base was closed. Today, Bellmead is a vibrant and visually stunning little city that attracts many people who work in Waco but prefer to live in a community that feels more welcoming and neighborly!
Moving to Bellmead
Moving to Bellmead is the perfect solution if you crave the small-town lifestyle but work in a big city like Waco. With Hwy 84, I-35 and Hwy 6 all intersecting in the middle of the city, commuting will be the least of your worries!
You want to pay attention to the time of year you are considering your move and avoid clashing with peak rental periods. This means that January, May and August are typically more difficult to find great rates and a large stock of property rentals. It isn't impossible, but more people are looking for places to rent, which can mean higher prices.
Definitely seek out the help of a local agent or realtor. These local professionals will know when and where the best deals are and can help tailor your search to your exact specifications.
Bellmead's Neighborhoods
Moving into a new city can be daunting, especially if you have never been and have no clue what the neighborhoods are like or where the best parks and restaurants are located. Having a little insider advice will go a long way to helping you narrow down your search area, so we have detailed Bellmead's two constituent neighborhoods and what makes each special.
Ocaw: Ocaw is a suburban neighborhood that stretches eastward from the center of the city along Hwy 84. If you find yourself looking for a place to live in Bellmead that has an incredible golf course in the neighborhood, then you are in luck! The challenging and beautiful James Connally Golf Course is located on Concord Road, literally minutes from any direction in this area. Little Tehuacana Creek runs along the southern border of the neighborhood and features trails where you will likely see your neighbors jogging, biking or walking every morning or evening.
City Center: I-35 and Hwy 77 carve a path right through the center of this suburban neighborhood. Live Oak Park is around the corner and is a favorite place to picnic or just enjoy a walk with your four-legged best buddy. Oh, and for you golf pros, TSTC Golf Facility is a short five minutes by car!
Top Apartment Complexes
Eagle Crest Apartments: For the finest three-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood, head over to Eagle Crest Apartments on Bellmead Drive. The management is attentive and always available, and the apartments themselves come loaded with new appliances, fresh paint and a maintenance crew!
Village Square Apartments: Are you looking for places to live in Bellmead that also make your commute to and from work a cinch? If so, then you must check out the Village Square Apartments located on Meyer's Lane. There are always a variety of move-in specials, depending on the time of year, and they offer short-term leases as well. Flexibility and residential comfort is of great importance to the management staff, and it shows!
Living in Bellmead
Residents of Bellmead enjoy the small-town vibe and charming atmosphere, but that doesn't mean you will ever lack for exciting nightlife, incredible cuisine and top-notch concerts! For a fun date night and a chance to combine great food with the perfect spot to take in the big game, try George's Restaurant on Speight Avenue. The chicken fried steak is out of this world, and the atmosphere is always inviting and friendly. Another local favorite is the Collin Street Bakery, just off I-35 North. This is the perfect place to pick up breakfast on the go, or to surprise your co-workers with a box filled with fresh strudel and lemon cakes!
Aside from excellent food, there are always fun events going on in the surrounding areas. Each May, the Funky Junk Roundup is held in the Waco Convention Center (three miles southwest of the city) and is a shopping adventure. Handcrafted art, unique antiques and thoroughly re-loved and re-purposed shabby yet chic junk is yours for the picking! This is a city that has much more to offer than its size would indicate, so get ready to be surprised and impressed once you settle into your new neighborhood -- your future awaits!