Is Bedford a Good Place to Live

If you're considering relocating for work, raising a family or investing in property, Bedford is one of the UK's quietly rising stars. Situated on the River Great Ouse, this historic market town in Bedfordshire combines excellent transport links, good schools and growing business opportunities, all within commuting distance of London and Cambridge.

From house prices and safety to education, business and future developments, this guide explores whether Bedford is a good place to live and why it continues to attract both residents and employers.

Property Prices and Affordability

Bedford offers comparatively affordable housing, especially when viewed against nearby locations like St Albans, Milton Keynes and London commuter hotspots.

As of 2024, the average house price in Bedford is approximately £327,000, according to Land Registry data. This is significantly lower than the average in Hertfordshire (£469,000), Cambridgeshire (£379,000) and much of Greater London (over £500,000).

You can still find:

• Victorian terraces from around £240,000

• Semi-detached family homes for £300,000 to £400,000

• Detached homes or larger plots from £450,000 upwards

Rental prices are also competitive, with a typical two-bedroom flat letting for around £900 to £1,100 per month.

With demand driven by both local growth and commuters, Bedford presents a strong balance between value and accessibility.

Crime and Safety

Safety is an important factor for anyone relocating. According to official police data, Bedford's crime rate stands at 96 crimes per 1,000 people, slightly above the national average but significantly lower than many urban areas of similar size.

Neighbourhoods like Brickhill, Biddenham, Great Denham and Putnoe have some of the lowest reported crime levels in the area, while the town centre and Midland Road corridor have higher volumes typical of a busy central hub.

For comparison, areas in Luton and parts of Northamptonshire report higher rates of antisocial behaviour and property crime. Bedford sits in a safer mid-range bracket, making it a viable choice for families and professionals alike.

Education and Schools

Bedford has long had a strong reputation for education. The town is home to both state and independent schools, with options to suit all needs and budgets.

State schools include several Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ primaries and secondaries such as:

• Biddenham International School

• Castle Newnham School

• Goldington Academy

• Bedford Free School

On the independent side, Bedford is home to the prestigious Bedford School, Bedford Modern School, and Bedford Girls’ School, all of which have long-standing reputations for academic excellence and extra-curricular opportunities.

The University of Bedfordshire also has a campus in the town, providing further education, research and local job creation.

Transport Links and Connectivity

One of Bedford’s strongest assets is its connectivity. The town sits on the Midland Main Line, with fast trains to London St Pancras in just 38 to 50 minutes. Services are frequent and reliable, making it ideal for commuters working in the capital.

Bedford also has easy road access via:

• The A6, running north to south

• The A421, linking to Milton Keynes and the M1

• The A1, accessible within 15 minutes

Plans are progressing for the East West Rail line, which will eventually link Oxford and Cambridge via Bedford, placing the town at the heart of one of the UK’s most important emerging infrastructure corridors. This is expected to boost property demand, connectivity and local economic growth.

Business and Employment Opportunities

Bedford’s business environment has grown steadily in recent years, attracting companies across sectors such as logistics, engineering, construction and professional services.

Notable employers and businesses based in or around Bedford include:

• Charles Wells Brewery

• 3M UK (engineering and manufacturing)

• Unipart Rail

• W H Allen (Amarinth)

• Autoglass HQ

• Millbrook Proving Ground (automotive testing, just outside Bedford)

Bedford also supports a strong ecosystem of small and medium-sized enterprises, with active business parks in Priory, Elms Farm and Bromham Road, and a rising number of digital, marketing and professional service firms.

The presence of Bedford Heights and Bedford i-Lab offers serviced offices, co-working and innovation space for start-ups and remote teams.

Future Growth: Universal Studios Near Bedford

One of the most exciting recent developments is the confirmed plan for a Universal Studios theme park near Bedford, expected to be one of the largest in Europe. The proposed site at Stewartby, between Bedford and Ampthill, is projected to generate thousands of jobs and significant investment in local infrastructure, hospitality and transport.

The impact on Bedford’s economy, property market and national profile is likely to be substantial. Businesses in Bedford are already positioning themselves to take advantage of the opportunities this brings, from increased tourism to demand for local suppliers and skilled labour.

This development marks Bedford as a future-facing town with national significance.

Lifestyle, Green Space and Culture

Bedford combines the convenience of a town with easy access to nature. Residents enjoy:

• Bedford Park and the Embankment for riverside walks, running and cycling

• Priory Country Park, a Green Flag award-winning space with lakes and nature trails

• A lively food scene including local independents, market stalls and riverside dining

• Annual events such as the Bedford River Festival, Bedfringe and Christmas on the Square

Culturally, the town offers The Quarry Theatre, The Higgins Bedford art and history gallery, and local music venues like Esquires, supporting a strong creative and music scene.

Summary: Is Bedford a Good Place to Live?

Yes, Bedford is a great place to live, especially for families, professionals, and entrepreneurs looking for affordability, connectivity and long-term growth. It offers:

• House prices well below the South East average

• Excellent rail and road connections to London, Cambridge and Milton Keynes

• A diverse local economy and expanding business base

• Strong schools and private education options

• Green space, culture and an emerging reputation as a lifestyle destination

With the arrival of Universal Studios nearby and the East West Rail on the horizon, Bedford is poised for further growth. For individuals and businesses alike, it offers a rare combination of value, opportunity and community that makes it well worth considering.