Living in Bedford – 8 Reasons to Consider Moving There
Are you thinking of living in Bedford?
Sitting alongside the River Ouse, Bedford provides a quaint riverside location for its residents.
Unsurprisingly, Bedford is the county town of Bedfordshire (the name may have given this away!)
Bedford enjoys a vast history dating back to the 9th century!
Reminders of this broad history can be found throughout the town.
No place highlights this more than the ruins of Bedford Castle.
Here residents can enjoy all-encompassing views of the stunning river.
Bedford affords residents a wonderful community as well as a host of fantastic amenities.
The town is home to an eclectic range of communities.
A range of different influences ensures that Bedford is a diverse town with a cosmopolitan culture.
This diversity is celebrated throughout the region, with a seemingly endless choice of international cuisine to be enjoyed!
Located just 50 miles from London, Bedford is also very popular with commuters.
Residents of the town are offered easy access to the capital as well as all the amenities of a big city on their doorstep.
Furthermore, the town is bordered by some breathtaking Bedfordshire countryside.
A balance of rural and urban features ensures that living in Bedford is appealing to all.
We aim to put the spotlight on Bedford, highlighting everything that is great in the area.
So, if you are thinking of living in Bedford, these are our top 8 reasons to consider moving there.
Table of Contents
Best Area in Bedford
Bedford was previously voted as the second-best place to live in the East of England by the Sunday Times!
Their review highlighted the importance of the Castle Quarter.
With this region of Bedford being championed, it is only fitting to explore what makes it great.
Located by the stunning River Ouse, the Castle Quarter provides residents with a range of top-notch amenities.
As well as its proximity to the river, the area is also served by Russel Park.
Both factors combine, giving locals easy access to the great outdoors!
The Castle Quarter is very popular with families.
Whilst this popularity is certainly boosted by the proximity to Russel Park, it is also increased due to the local primary school.
With an ‘Outstanding’ report from Ofsted, Castle Newnham Primary School is a huge draw.
The cosmopolitan spirit of Bedford is thriving in the Castle Quarter.
The community here are afforded several fantastic local eateries and businesses.
Italian food and culture are particularly well-celebrated in the area.
The charming Italian bistro, 2likeusbistro, is a favourite amongst locals.
Offering delicious Italian cuisine and the best service, it is certainly worth the visit!
You will also be glad to hear the Castle Quarter is home to a host of pubs.
The Devonshire Arms, The White Horse and The Embankment (to name a few) offer their own unique charm.
You are sure to find your perfect local when moving to the area!
The area also hosts numerous events throughout the year.
The Bedford River Festival, held every two years, is the second-largest outdoor festival in the UK!
It is second only to the Notting Hill Carnival.
This is always an enjoyable day out with lots of fun to be had.
Bedford Property Prices
With Bedford’s growing reputation, it is no surprise the town is becoming an increasingly popular location.
According to Zoopla, average house prices in Bedford are sitting at £337,370.
Although the boosted interest in the town means other nearby areas are more affordable, Bedford offers residents a range of buying options and services that cannot be found elsewhere.
The average price also represents fantastic value, especially when equated to nearby London.
Commuting from Bedford is a viable option.
This means buyers can save a lot of money when moving to the area.
Considering buying a terraced home? These tend to be some of the cheapest properties in the area, perfect for first time buyers!
Flats are another great choice for those looking to get on the property ladder, with plenty of stock available.
If you are thinking of living in Bedford, be sure to keep an eye on these prices here.
There is a lot of change to come in the market and keeping up to date can help ensure you get the best deal.
Working in Bedford
Bedford’s vast history has meant that various industries have indicated the local economy.
In the past, Bedford’s economy has been centred around wool, brewing, and engineering during the Victorian period.
Today, there is a much broader economy.
Bedford’s largest employers include Asda Distribution, Argos Distribution, Unilever and Capita Children’s Services.
New industries continue to flood into Bedford, with Aldi establishing their own distribution centre in the town!
Other popular sectors include Finance, ICT, and manufacturing.
It is evident that Bedford offers a range of jobs in different industries.
It is no surprise then that Bedford boasts some fantastic employment figures.
There are a range of excellent job opportunities and industries to investigate if you are thinking of living in Bedford.
Transport Links
Bedfordshire is well regarded as an excellent commuter county.
Popular locations such as Luton Biggleswade, and Leighton Buzzard are all renowned for their excellent links to London.
Whilst a little further north than these locations, Bedford is another great option.
Commuters thinking of living in Bedford are very well catered for.
With a potential journey time of under 40 minutes, Bedford is well-linked to the capital.
The town is home to two stations, with the larger Bedford (Midland) offering Thameslink rail services all the way to Brighton!
Commuters have a choice of around six trains per hour to London.
This means if you miss one train it is never too long of a wait for the next!
Trains to London arrive at London St Pancras International, making further commuting exceeding easy.
If you are looking to commute to another location, trains from Bedford also extend to Bletchley, Nottingham, Luton, and Three Bridges.
Whilst driving to London on the A6 takes over an hour and a half, it is possible to commute via car to nearby regions.
Driving to Cambridge takes around 40 minutes, certainly a commutable distance.
Local roads connect Bedford with Milton Keynes, Luton, and Hitchin.
It is evident that Bedford has lots to offer commuters.
With far cheaper property prices, more and more people are looking to Bedford as a potential home.
So, if you are a commuter looking to move out of London, it is certainly worth considering living in Bedford.
Things to do
Working, commuting and everyday life can certainly take a toll.
If you are contemplating living in Bedford, you will be pleased to know there is lots of opportunity for leisure activities.
The John Bunyan Boat is a truly unique way of enjoying the area.
Boat trips along the River Ouse provide a relaxing and insightful view of the town.
The Higgins Bedford art gallery and museum is a cultural gem, housing an impressive collection of art, historical artefacts, and exhibitions.
It provides insight into the local history and showcases works by renowned artists.
Bedford is serviced by several fantastic parks.
Russell Park is a local favourite.
Located on the Bedford Embankment, the park is home to a café, play area and bowls green.
Residents can soak up some sun and enjoy the various festivals and events that are held throughout the year.
Cyclists are treated to the Bedford Green Wheel.
This ongoing development is establishing a network of paths and routes for cyclists and walkers.
Connecting parks, reserves, and the Bedfordshire countryside the Green Wheel is a jumping-off point for those looking to leisurely explore the town.
Education in Bedford
Bedford offers students an excellent range of local schools.
Schools in Bedford cater for students from primary school age all the way up to sixth form and college.
Primary education is dependent on the area children live in.
If a school serves the local catchment area of their home, children can get a place there.
Students are usually admitted to primary school when they turn 5.
Children will then transfer to a secondary school that serves the local catchment area when they turn 11.
All secondary schools in Bedford have a 6th form.
Pupils can choose to remain at the school until the age of 18 or 19.
The town and surrounding regions are home to around 118 schools and colleges.
With such a range of choices, it is important to know all the best schools!
6 primary schools in Bedford have achieved the desired ‘Outstanding’ review from Ofsted.
Carlton C of E Primary School, Sharnbrook Primary, Castle Newnham School and Kempston Rural Primary School have all received this merit and are tops picks in the town.
With regards to secondary schools, Bedford is home to 3 that have received an ‘Outstanding’ report from Ofsted.
These include Bedford Free School, St Thomas More Catholic School and St John’s School.
Bedford also offers higher education at the University of Bedfordshire.
The Bedford campus is a 20-minute walk from the town centre and is home to a Physical Education and Sport Science Centre which was used to train athletes in the 2012 Olympics!
Education is very well provided for in Bedford, with a range of institutions for all age groups.
If you are thinking of living in Bedford be sure to check out the local school’s results here.
Shopping in Bedford
Bedford offers shoppers a delightful array of choices.
Ranging from well-known retailers to independent stores and markets, Bedford has it all.
Bedford’s leading shopping centre, the Harpur Centre, is open seven days a week.
It is home to 36 stores across two levels.
Shops consist of all the big high street names including WHSmith, Primark and Boots.
The centre also offers free parking for shoppers on Sundays.
If you do not drive, the Harpur centre is very easy to get to.
It is a short walk of 10 minutes to the train station and has a bus stop metre from the entrance!
If you prefer a more unique shopping experience, Bedford has you covered.
Living in Bedford means you can frequent the many markets!
Both the Bedford Gourmet Market and Bedford Farmers’ Market offer the best local produce.
Other markets offer a range of items.
The Garden Market and Arts and Crafts Fair present a range of one-off items, whilst the Continental Market introduces produce from across Europe every June.
There are so many niche shops to find across Bedford.
The best way to explore the town is to have a wander.
Be sure to search the historic streets for your new favourite antique shop, gallery or coffee house, there are so many to find!
Explore Bedford’s History
With such a rich history, it is no surprise that Bedford is home to numerous museums!
If you are thinking of living in Bedford, what better way to get acquainted with your new home?
The top-rated museum on TripAdvisor is the Panacea Museum.
This fascinating museum explores the history of the unique religious community that created its own Garden of Eden in the centre of Bedford!
Experienced guides will explain the fascinating story of the Panacea Society throughout the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
Other museums to explore include the Higgins Bedford.
This offers the opportunity to enjoy the work of Cecil Higgins as well as other talented artists.
It also explores the wider history of Bedford and is full of fascinating information.
If you are considering living in Bedford, be sure to visit one of the many local museums and learn about this historic town.
Ready to Start Living in Bedford?
Are you thinking of living in Bedford?
Whether you want to enjoy the excellent commuter links, revel in the diverse community or soak up some of the town’s fascinating history, Bedford has something for all.
Offering a range of wonderful locations and an assortment of unique properties, there is certainly a home for you in Bedford!
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