Located just 15 miles northwest of Boston, Massachusetts, the Town of Bedford is a historic town that Europeans first settled around 1640, after John Winthrop and Thomas Dudley’s 10-week voyage in 1630. In the 1800s, the city became a vacation spot because of its tranquil surroundings. Today, Bedford takes great pride in celebrating the heritage of all its residents. It’s a place where you say, “Hi,” to your neighbors and participate in parades. It’s a place where generations stay and grow. Perhaps it will be your next home.
What Makes Bedford Great
- Waterways: Bedford is located between the Shawsheen and Concord rivers. Prominent brooks—the Elm, Beaver, Pine, and Spring—run between the rivers, giving you lots of opportunities to splash, fish and explore.
- Tech growth: Bedford was once home to farms and agriculture industries. Today, it’s a leader in environmental products, computer technologies, and cutting-edge robotics. Lots of scientists live here.
- History: From the nomadic explorers to the Algonquian-speaking indigenous people who settled there to the European settlers who founded it, Bedford has a rich, diverse history that shaped it into what it is today.
- Bedford Flag: A mere 27-by-29 inches, the Bedford Flag is the oldest complete battle flag known to exist in the U.S. It dates back to 1775.
- Great schools: According to Niche, Bedford Public Schools are among the best in the state and have a strong commitment to special education.
- Small-town feel: With a population of barely more than 14,000 residents in 5,339 households, Bedford is ripe with town-supported activities and community organizations.
Bedford Weather
Bedford has the beauty of all four seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid with highs in the 70s and 80s. Winters are frigid with highs around 35°F and lows around 18°F. The payoff is a mild spring and spectacular leaf-peeping opportunities in the fall.
Neighborhoods in Bedford
Bedford has about 15 neighborhoods and subdivisions, including:
- Avalon
- Bedford Northeast
- Bedfordshire
- Central Bedford
- Concord Hook
- Concord Road
- Glenridge
- Hartwell Farms
- Heritage/Bedford Springs
- Masardis-Houlton-Woodland
- Revolutionary Ridge
- The Hood
- The Loop
- Wiggins Avenue
Average Housing Costs
At the time of publication, the Bedford’s median home price is $702,000 with home appreciation up by 7.9 percent. The average cost to rent is $2,339 per month.
Things to Do in Bedford
- Visit historical sites: Bedford has no shortage of historical sites to visit. View the Bedford Flag at the Bedford Free Public Library. Two Brothers Rocks is the site where Winthrop and Dudley placed two great stones to divide the property on which they sit. Great Meadows National Refuge is the site where early settlers harvested hay during the summer. Saltbox-style Job Lane House was built by the grandson of one of Bedford’s earliest settlers. Fitch Tavern is the historic meeting ground where Bedford Militia members gathered before going to battle in Concord.
- Hit the trails: Bedford has 18 trails. Some pass through Spring Brook Park, Hartwell Town Forest, conservation areas and the old reservoir.
Bedford, MA, is a great place to live. Check out our job opportunities in the area.