Local area guide

Living in Bedford

Thinking about moving to Bedford? Discover why it's a great place to live, fun things to do here, what the local schools and transport connections are like - and of course the most important thing of all: how much houses cost to buy.

Your guide to moving to Bedford

Why Bedford is a good place to live

Situated in the heart of the UK, Bedford provides a charming blend of urban activity and rural tranquillity. This riverside town is an inviting place to live, bonded by good transport links to London and other major cities. Brimming with beautifully designed Victorian architecture in the Prime Ministers area and Castle Quarter to large standalone homes surrounded by nature in nearby villages, Bedford has a wide range of stunning properties.

An enticing aspect of living in Bedford is the fusion of flavours at the cafes and dining spots, all offering a diverse range of international cuisines ready to tantalise your tastebuds. The dynamic mixture of independent shops makes for perfect post-meal retail therapy. And if you're seeking a lacing of culture with your move, Bedford offers that too, giving a rich historical experience with iconic architecture, mature parks and intriguing local museums.

What's Bedford famous for?

Bedford proudly wears its crown as the home to the legendary Bedford River Festival - often hailed as the second most significant outdoor event in England. This festival, embedded deep within the town's history and culture, attracts people from all walks of life.

The town is rooted firmly in its historical past that dates back to the 9th Century. Even today, you can see traces of its history in iconic structures like the Bedford Castle. In addition to this, the town boasts about the rich Italian culture in the Castle Quarter, famous for its authentic Italian restaurants and businesses.

Things to do in Bedford

Living in Bedford ensures you'll never run out of things to do. For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, walk through Bedford's history by visiting Russell Park or the Higgins Bedford Art Gallery and Museum, or simply strolling through Castle Quarter. Bedford's several museums like the Panacea Museum provide a glimpse into the town's colourful past.

For those keen on exploring local cuisine, Bedford has a variety of great pubs such as The Devonshire Arms and The Embankment, and local restaurants that guarantee an abundant range of flavours. Hop on a trip aboard the John Bunyan Boat along the River Ouse or discover the riveting ethos of Bedford by walking along the Bedford Green Wheel. A trip to Bedford is incomplete without indulging in some shopping at the Harpur Centre or browsing through various markets and unique shops within the town.

We have used a bespoke generative AI model to help us research and create our area guides. All of our content is reviewed, and edited where needed, by our trusted team of Zoopla content editors.

Average asking prices in Bedford today

We update our average asking prices every day using data from millions of properties for sale.

Terraced

Avg. asking price

£300,000

174 properties for sale

Detached

Avg. asking price

£515,000

408 properties for sale

Semi-detached

Avg. asking price

£355,000

225 properties for sale

Flats

Avg. asking price

£180,000

199 properties for sale

Properties currently for sale in Bedford

Whether you're looking to buy a family home or a beautiful apartment, we've got you covered.

Transport in Bedford

Find the nearest train stations and other transport links in Bedford.

Local connections

Bedford St Johns
National Rail
0.5 miles / 0.8 km
Bedford
National Rail
0.5 miles / 0.8 km
Kempston Hardwick
National Rail
3.4 miles / 5.5 km
Stewartby
National Rail
5.2 miles / 8.4 km
Millbrook (Bedfordshire)
National Rail
6.3 miles / 10.1 km
Lidlington
National Rail
7.6 miles / 12.2 km

Schools in Bedford

Discover local primary schools, secondary schools and sixth form colleges in Bedford.

Education in Bedford

Bedford College
Ages: 16 - 99 years old
Bedford Free School
Ages: 11 - 16 years old
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (2020)
Priory Primary School
Ages: 3 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (2014)
Bedford Girls' School
Ages: 7 - 18 years old
Bedford School
Ages: 7 - 19 years old
Polam School
Ages: 1 - 9 years old

Local pubs in Bedford

In partnership with
useyourlocal