I have about a quarter acre of blackberries and for many years now, a beekeeper friend has kept hives on my property during the summer. He keeps hives at our other friend's place, who has apple trees, my understanding is that without fruit in close proximity, the bees won't stick around. There doesn't seem to be much upkeep, he comes and visits the wooden boxes a couple times a summer, I guess he harvest's the comb, but I've never watched the process.
Anyway, just some more anecdotal encouragement, I think bees are pretty fascinating and definitely good to have around. It might be in my head, but I feel like they get used to individuals too, maybe through smell or body language. Sometimes I move in close and watch their operations, they don't seem to mind as long as I keep it slow. Good luck.