What’s it like living in Bedford?
The town of Bedford boasts a population of just over 153,000 and is known as one of the UK’s most diverse communities. It’s a lively town that welcomes a wide range of cultures, with approximately 57 different ethnic groups calling it home. Bedford offers a lively leisure, arts and cultural scene along with a growing selection of shops, cafes and restaurants – including over 300 independent establishments – making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors
Key Features of Bedford
- Riverfront Setting: The River Great Ouse flows through the town centre offering opportunities for leisure and enjoying the natural environment.
- Historical Significance: Bedford has a rich history, with notable sites including the ruins of a 13th-century castle and Victorian architecture, particularly along the Embankment and in the Bedford Park area.
- Shopping Variety: Bedford offers diverse shopping experiences, with independent stores in the town centre, regular markets (including a farmers market) and the Harpur Shopping Centre for well-known brands.
- Dining and Entertainment: The town features a range of restaurants, bars and clubs, providing options for evening activities.
- Location & Transport: Bedford benefits from being close to London, Birmingham, Cambridge and Northampton. Great for commuters! It also offers easy road access to Milton Keynes and the M1, as well as links to the A1 and A6.
- Education: Families will appreciate the selection of public and private schools in the area, suitable for all ages. Bedford and Cranfield Universities are also nearby.
- Popular Areas: If you’re a commuter, the Castle Road area is convenient. Consider Putnoe, Brickhill, Goldington and Devon Park for their good schools. Villages like Sharnbrook, Oakley, Renhold, Great Barford, Wilstead and Wootton are also popular, especially for families.
Affordability and Property Options
More Affordable Than London:
Property prices in Bedford are generally more affordable compared to the capital, offering greater value for money for your investment.
Diverse Housing Stock:
Bedford has a wide mix of housing stock, from Victorian and Edwardian terraces to modern housing developments and apartments. This caters to a broad range of budgets and style preferences.
Potential Growth:
Bedford is experiencing ongoing development and regeneration, suggesting potential for property appreciation in the future.
Best Places to Live in Bedford
Best for Families
Newnham: This area is known for its excellent schools, spacious homes and abundant green spaces like Bedford Park. Bromham: Just a short distance from Bedford, Bromham offers a blend of village life, excellent schools and easy access to Bedford’s amenities.
Best for City Commuters
Castle Quarter: This central location has superb train links to London, plus walkable distance to the town’s shops, restaurants and the riverside. Bedford Town Centre: Living directly in the centre grants you the maximum convenience with everything on your doorstep.
Best for a Village Feel
Great Barford: A lovely village setting along the River Great Ouse with attractive countryside.
Best for Affordability
Queens Park: Offering a mix of Victorian terraces and more modern homes, Queens Park is attractive to many budgets and has strong transport links. Kempston: This large town bordering Bedford offers a range of housing options with generally more affordable prices than central Bedford.
Things to consider before moving to Bedford
Traffic Congestion:
Like many towns, Bedford can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Certain roads in and around the town centre can get quite busy.
Limited Nightlife:
Although there are pubs, restaurants and some entertainment venues, Bedford doesn’t offer the same vibrant nightlife scene as larger cities. Those seeking a more buzzing nightlife might need to look to nearby Milton Keynes or London.
Varied Town Centre:
Bedford’s town centre has a mix of independent shops and bigger chains, but some areas are considered less appealing and can feel run down at times. There is ongoing work to improve the town centre.
Competition for Desirable Areas:
Popular areas like Castle Quarter and those with excellent school catchments may have a higher cost of living and competitive property markets.
Development and Construction:
With ongoing developments in and around Bedford, potential residents should be aware of short-term construction disruptions in certain areas.
Architectural Contrast:
The contrast between the historic appeal of the Castle Quarter along the river and the more modern sections of the town centre can certainly divide opinions.
Is Bedford at Risk of Flooding?
Flooding is a concern in certain parts of Bedford, particularly those near the River Great Ouse. During periods of heavy rainfall, areas close to the river are at higher risk of flooding. Bedford has a history of flooding, with some areas being more affected than others. To assess the flood risk for specific addresses in Bedford, you can use the flood risk maps provided by the Environment Agency. These maps are accessible through the following link: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/
While flood defenses are in place along the riverfront, they may not completely eliminate all risks. It’s essential to be prepared for potential flooding events. The Bedford Borough Council offers resources and information about flood preparedness. You can find more details on their website: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/
If you’re considering purchasing a property in Bedford, there are several steps you can take to mitigate flood risks:
- Use the Environment Agency map to understand the flood risk for the specific property you’re interested in.
- Ask the seller or estate agent about any history of flooding near the property.
- Ensure you can obtain adequate flood insurance for your chosen property to protect against potential damage.
Bedford Crime Overview
Bedford has a medium crime rating and ranks 13th out of 25 nearby areas. In 2023, there were 16,483 reported crimes, with a population of 185,225. Common crimes include violence, anti-social behaviour and public order offenses. Least common crimes are possession of weapons, robbery and theft from the person. High-crime wards include Castle (Bedford), Harpur and Cauldwell, while safer wards include Putnoe, Bromham and Biddenham and Oakley (Bedford). Bedford ranks 13th among nearby boroughs/local administrative districts for crime rate in 2023.
So what does this mean for potential homebuyers in Bedford?
- Decreasing Crime Trend: Bedford has experienced a 5.04% decrease in its crime rate compared to the previous year. This trend reflects ongoing efforts to maintain a secure environment for residents.
- Predominant Crime Type: It’s important to be aware that violence and sexual offences constitute 34% of reported crimes in Bedford. Potential homeowners are encouraged to research specific preventative measures and safety resources provided by Bedford Police.
- Safest Neighbourhoods: If safety is a priority for you, consider exploring Bedford’s wards with the lowest crime rates – Putnoe, Bromham and Biddenham and Oakley. These areas may offer a sense of security for individuals and families seeking peace of mind.
Conclusion
Living in Bedford offers a community experience with its diverse population and bustling town centre. While there are considerations like traffic congestion and limited nightlife, the town’s historical significance, varied housing options and potential for growth make it an attractive choice. However, it’s important to be aware of the risk of flooding in some areas and to consider crime rates when choosing where to live within Bedford.