 Metropolitan Białystok was designated by the Voivodeship of the Regulation No. 52 / 05 of 16 May 2005 to help develop the region economically . In 2006 , the metropolitan area population was 450 @,@ 254 inhabitants . The municipalities adjacent to Białystok are slowly losing their agricultural character , becoming residential suburban neighborhoods with single @-@ family housing and small businesses . 
