Is Bedford Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bedford

Bedford offers a blend of suburban tranquility and accessible amenities, making it an appealing choice for many. This guide delves into the essential aspects of life in Bedford, covering safety, cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, education, and demographics.

Understanding these facets of Bedford can help you make an informed decision about whether this community is the right fit for your lifestyle and needs. We will explore the various factors that contribute to Bedford’s overall appeal as a place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Bedford?

Safety in Bedford presents a varied picture depending on the specific location. In Bedford, Ohio, the crime rate is reported at 51.00 per 1,000 residents, with residents considering the east side to be the safest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Bedford, OH, ranges from 1 in 15 in northern neighborhoods to 1 in 28 in the east (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Conversely, Bedford, Indiana, boasts an exceptionally low violent crime rate of 50 incidents per 100,000 people, making it one of the safest cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes). In Bedford, Indiana, violent crimes are 86% lower than the national average, with a 1 in 331 chance of becoming a victim of crime (as reported by AreaVibes).

Bedford, Texas, has a crime rate that is considerably higher than the national average, with a 1 in 60 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). In Bedford, Texas, the violent crime rate is approximately 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is about average for all communities in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living in Bedford

The cost of living in Bedford varies significantly by location. In Bedford, New Hampshire, living costs are 12% higher than the U.S. national average, with housing costs being 1.1% higher (as reported by Salary.com). A single person in Bedford, NH, can expect monthly expenses of around $2,780, while a family of four might spend approximately $6,123 per month (as reported by Salary.com).

Bedford, Indiana, offers a more affordable option, with a cost of living that is 7% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses in Bedford, IN, are 23% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 1% lower (as reported by Payscale).

For those considering Bedford, Ohio, the average monthly cost of living is approximately $1,911, placing it among the more expensive cities globally and nationally (as reported by Livingcost.org). This figure is higher than the U.S. national average and significantly higher than Pennsylvania’s state average for Bedford, PA, which is around $2,229 per month for a single person (as reported by Salary.com).

Housing Market and Rental Trends

Bedford’s housing market presents diverse opportunities and price points across its various locations. In Bedford, Indiana, the median listing price for a home is approximately $249,900, with a median rent of $1,200 per month (as reported by Zumper). The rental market in Bedford, IN, has seen an increase in listings year-over-year, with a 400% rise in available rentals (as reported by Zumper).

Bedford, Massachusetts, exhibits a much higher price range, with a median listing price of $998,000 and a median rent of $3,300 per month (as reported by Redfin). The rental market in Bedford, MA, shows a year-over-year rent trend that remains flat at 0%, indicating stability in rental costs (as reported by Redfin).

In Bedford, Pennsylvania, the median listing price is not explicitly stated, but the cost of living is noted as being 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Rent in Bedford, PA, is generally lower than in Bedford, MA, with housing costs being 51% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).

Job Market and Major Employers

Bedford’s employment landscape is shaped by a variety of industries and key employers, varying by region. In Bedford, UK, the unemployment rate was 4.2% in the year ending December 2023, an increase from the previous year (as reported by ONS). Major sectors in Bedford, UK, include logistics, advanced engineering, creative industries, and food and drink (as reported by Sharnbrook Academy).

Bedford County, Virginia, has an unemployment rate of 3.00% as of January 2024 (as reported by the United States Federal Reserve). Major employers in Bedford County, VA, include Centra – Bedford Memorial Hospital, Carilion Professional Services, and Cintas (as reported by Bedford County Economic Development).

Bedford County, Pennsylvania, has an unemployment rate of 5.10% as of the most recent data (as reported by YCharts). Key employers in Bedford County, PA, include Walmart Associates Inc., UPMC Bedford Corp., and New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company (as reported by Bedford County Economic Development).

Climate and Weather Patterns

The climate in Bedford experiences distinct seasonal variations. In Bedford, Indiana, temperatures typically range from 21°F to 85°F annually, with average precipitation of 49 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Summers can be uncomfortably humid from July to August in Bedford, IN (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Bedford, Pennsylvania, experiences a climate with significant temperature differences throughout the year. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 82°F, while January is the coldest, with an average low of 24°F (as reported by U.S. Climate Data). Bedford, PA, receives approximately 39 inches of rain and snowfall annually (as reported by U.S. Climate Data).

Bedford, New York, has warm and wet summers, with winters that are freezing and snowy. The temperature typically varies from 21°F to 82°F annually, and it is partly cloudy year-round (as reported by Weather.com). The wettest month in Bedford, NY, is October, with an average rainfall of 3.7 inches (as reported by Weather.com).

Education and School Ratings

Educational opportunities in Bedford are generally well-regarded, with varying performance levels by location. Bedford Public Schools in Massachusetts receive an overall Niche grade of A+, ranking as the #18 best school district out of 217 in the state (as reported by Niche). In this district, 71% of students are proficient in math and 70% in reading, according to state test scores (as reported by Niche).

Bedford Public Schools in Michigan are rated as above average, with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. According to state test scores, 42% of students are proficient in math and 52% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Bedford School District in Massachusetts ranks among the top 10% of all public school districts in the state for overall rank, math proficiency, and reading proficiency (as reported by Public School Review). The district’s graduation rate is 98% (as reported by Public School Review).

Demographics and Population

Bedford’s population and demographic makeup differ across its various locations. Bedford town in Massachusetts has a 2026 population of 15,269, with a median household income of $172,400 and a poverty rate of 5.46% (as reported by MacroTrends). The racial composition is primarily White (71.08%), followed by Asian (17.82%) (as reported by MacroTrends).

Bedford, Indiana, is home to a population of approximately 13,800 people, with 99.4% being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The vast majority of residents are White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for 48.1 times more than any other race or ethnicity (as reported by Data USA).

Bedford, UK, had an urban area population of 167,446 at the 2021 Census (as reported by Wikipedia). At the 2011 Census, the ethnic mix included 74.4% White, 4% mixed, and 15% Asian or Asian-British (as reported by Wikipedia). Bedford is known for having one of the largest concentrations of Italian immigrants in the United Kingdom (as reported by Wikipedia).