Is Bel Air safe?
Gulfport, Mississippi · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Bel Air as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Bel Air
“Go. West De Buys 2 is a quiet, predominantly residential and coastal neighborhood near the Biloxi-Gulfport border that is generally safe for visitors. You should practice standard situational awareness regarding vehicle break-ins along major thoroughfares, but violent crime is relatively low.”
About the area
West De Buys 2 occupies a prime coastal sector in eastern Gulfport, sitting just inland from the white-sand beaches of Highway 90 and extending toward the commercial corridor of Pass Road. It features a mix of mid-century single-family homes, coastal cottages, and low-rise multi-family housing, offering quick access to both Gulfport and Biloxi attractions.
- Coastal
- Suburban
- Quiet Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Bel Air
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 46/100
While there is no municipal bike-share system, cyclists have convenient access to the paved multi-use path running parallel to Highway 90 along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to northern and central urban sections of Gulfport
- Direct proximity to public beach access and scenic coastal boardwalks along Beach Boulevard
- Quiet, low-traffic residential interior streets with established tree canopy
Cons
- Opportunistic property crime and vehicle break-ins occur periodically along Pass Road and commercial parking lots
- Lacks comprehensive sidewalk infrastructure away from the immediate beachfront
- Elevated vulnerability to coastal flooding and severe storm surges
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within the residential interior, though occasional individuals experiencing homelessness or panhandling can be observed near Pass Road transit stops and highway intersections.
What Bel Air is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and breezy with early joggers and dog walkers heading toward the coastal boulevard.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with moderate vehicular traffic moving along Pass Road and De Buys Road.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet in the neighborhoods, with increased diner traffic at nearby waterfront and corridor restaurants.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and low-activity residential streets where basic personal safety vigilance is recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Coast Transit Authority (CTA), with Route 34 (Pass Road) and the Beach Casino Hopper running nearby along the perimeter corridors. There is no passenger rail or BRT system in the area, and service intervals are generally hourly.
Parking is abundant and largely free throughout the area, with private driveways in residential zones and large free surface lots at commercial venues and beach access points.
Things to do in Bel Air
- Stroll or relax on the expansive Gulfport and Biloxi public beaches along US-90
- Explore local seafood dining options along Pass Road and the beach highway
- Cycle along the Mississippi Gulf Coast multi-use trail adjacent to the shoreline
Local favorites
- The Chimneys · Seafood Restaurant · 4.6★ (1150)Upscale coastal eatery offering classic Gulf seafood and steaks with porch views of the water.
- Slap Ya Momma's Smokehouse BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (1420)Laid-back joint serving hearty smoked ribs, pulled pork, and Southern sides near the waterfront.
- Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar · Oyster Bar · 4.5★ (2350)Vibrant seaside spot known for freshly shucked oysters, po'boys, and broad Gulf views.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.