Bedford, New Hampshire
Hillsborough County · Merrimack Valley

Bedford

Where New England elegance meets modern convenience in the heart of the Merrimack Valley.

Population23,322
CountyHillsborough
RegionMerrimack Valley

About Bedford

Nestled in the heart of southern New Hampshire, Bedford stands as one of the state's most desirable communities, where New England charm meets modern convenience. This affluent town of rolling hills and mature neighborhoods has evolved from its agricultural roots into a sophisticated suburb that attracts families and professionals seeking the perfect balance of small-town character and metropolitan accessibility. Historic stone walls wind through established neighborhoods, while the town center maintains its quintessential New England appeal with the iconic Bedford Village Inn anchoring the community's social and cultural life. Bedford's strategic location places residents just minutes from Manchester's urban amenities while maintaining the peaceful, tree-lined streets that define quality suburban living. The town takes pride in its excellent schools, well-maintained public spaces, and strong sense of community that manifests in everything from the popular Farmer's Market to the annual Old Home Day celebration. With easy access to major highways and a landscape dotted with conservation areas, Bedford offers the rare combination of convenience and natural beauty that makes it a standout destination in the Merrimack Valley.

Why Bedford?

  • Consistently ranked among New Hampshire's top communities for quality of life and education
  • Prime location with easy access to Manchester, Boston, and the White Mountains
  • Exceptional public schools that regularly receive state and national recognition
  • Beautiful mix of historic charm and modern amenities, anchored by the renowned Bedford Village Inn
  • Abundant green spaces and conservation areas that preserve the town's natural character

Quick Facts

Population
23,322
County
Hillsborough
Region
Merrimack Valley
School District
SAU 25

Real Estate

Median Home Price
$500,000
Property Taxes
NH has no income or sales tax

Property taxes fund local services and schools

View Listings in Bedford

Things To Do

Bedford Village Inn

year-round

This historic inn and restaurant complex serves as Bedford's social hub, offering fine dining, special events, and beautiful grounds. The property features multiple restaurants, boutique shopping, and hosts everything from weddings to community gatherings.

Town Common and Farmer's Market

summer

The heart of Bedford's community life, featuring a weekly farmer's market with local vendors, fresh produce, and artisan goods. The common area hosts various community events and provides a perfect spot for picnicking and people-watching.

Historic Walking Tour

year-round

Explore Bedford's rich history through self-guided tours of historic homes, churches, and landmarks dating back to the 1700s. The tour includes stops at the Benedictine Monastery and various colonial-era structures that tell the story of the town's evolution.

Bedford Library Programs

year-round

The modern Bedford Public Library offers extensive programming for all ages, from children's story times to adult lecture series. The facility serves as a community gathering place with events, book clubs, and educational workshops throughout the year.

Old Home Day Festival

summer

Bedford's annual community celebration features local vendors, live music, food trucks, and family activities. This beloved tradition brings together residents and visitors for a day of small-town festivities and community spirit.

Antique Shopping

year-round

Browse unique finds at local antique shops and boutiques scattered throughout the town center. Bedford's proximity to New England's antique trail makes it a destination for collectors and casual browsers alike.

Outdoor Recreation

Pulpit Rock Conservation Area

year-round

This 315-acre conservation area offers hiking trails through diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, and open meadows. The trails provide excellent opportunities for bird watching, nature photography, and peaceful walks just minutes from town center.

Moore's Pond

summer

A popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and peaceful contemplation surrounded by conservation land. The pond area features walking paths and serves as a beautiful natural retreat within the town's borders.

Joppa Hill Farm

year-round

This working farm and event venue offers seasonal activities, farm tours, and beautiful walking trails through working agricultural land. Visitors can experience authentic New England farm life while enjoying the scenic rural landscape.

Rail Trail Access

year-round

Connect to the regional rail trail system for walking, jogging, and cycling on converted railroad beds. The trails provide safe, car-free recreation and connect Bedford to neighboring communities through scenic corridors.

Dining & Entertainment

Bedford Village Inn

This acclaimed fine dining establishment offers upscale American cuisine in an elegant historic setting with multiple dining rooms and seasonal menus. The inn's reputation extends throughout New England for its exceptional food, wine selection, and romantic atmosphere.

Cotton Restaurant

Located within the Bedford Village Inn complex, Cotton offers a more casual dining experience with contemporary American fare and craft cocktails. The restaurant features a welcoming atmosphere perfect for both business lunches and family dinners.

The Foundry Restaurant

A popular local gathering spot known for its diverse menu, craft beer selection, and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves everything from hearty comfort food to lighter contemporary dishes in a relaxed setting.

Moe's Italian Sandwiches

A beloved local institution serving authentic Italian sandwiches, subs, and prepared foods for over three decades. This family-owned establishment is famous for its generous portions and old-school Italian-American flavors.

Market Basket Cafe

Located within the popular grocery chain, this cafe offers fresh prepared foods, coffee, and quick meals for busy residents. It's become a convenient meeting spot and grab-and-go destination for the community.

Local Businesses

Auto Care Plus Tire & Service

Auto Care Plus Tire & Service

Auto & Transportation
4.7 (410)
738 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack, NH 03054, USA
(603) 288-1698
Visit website
Bagel Cafe

Bagel Cafe

Food & Drink
4.6 (726)
19 S River Rd, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 644-5555
Visit website
Bedford Kilton Rd Hannaford

Bedford Kilton Rd Hannaford

Food & Drink
4.5 (1,334)
7 Kilton Rd, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 625-5431
Visit website
Bedford Market Place

Bedford Market Place

Shopping
4.4 (724)
Great Rd, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
(833) 800-4343
Visit website
Bedford Village Inn & Restaurant

Bedford Village Inn & Restaurant

Food & Drink
4.5 (1,193)

Traditional setting for modern New England dining & a vast choice of wines, plus weekend brunch.

2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 472-2001
Visit website
Carrabba's Italian Grill

Carrabba's Italian Grill

Food & Drink
4.5 (2,065)

Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.

2 Upjohn St, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 641-0004
Visit website
ConvenientMD Urgent Care

ConvenientMD Urgent Care

Health & Wellness
4.6 (935)
3 Nashua Rd, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 472-6700
Visit website
Elliot Family Medicine at Bedford

Elliot Family Medicine at Bedford

Health & Wellness
4.7 (453)
25 Leavy Drive, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 472-7233
Visit website
Flight Coffee Company

Flight Coffee Company

Food & Drink
4.6 (471)
209 State Rte 101, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 836-6228
Visit website
HOTWORX Bedford, NH | Hot Yoga, Pilates & Barre Workouts

HOTWORX Bedford, NH | Hot Yoga, Pilates & Barre Workouts

Health & Wellness
5.0 (298)
5 Kilton Rd, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 272-6104
Visit website
KC's Rib Shack

KC's Rib Shack

Food & Drink
4.6 (3,619)

Various styles of BBQ & beer served in low-key digs decked in music memorabilia and license plates.

837 Second St, Manchester, NH 03102, USA
(603) 627-7427
Visit website
Kohl's

Kohl's

Shopping
4.2 (921)

Chain department store offering a wide selection of clothing, accessories & homewares.

81 S River Rd, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 668-4779
Visit website
Marshalls

Marshalls

Shopping
4.3 (754)

Retail chain offering brand-name clothing, accessories, shoes & housewares.

75 S River Rd, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 222-1800
Visit website
Murphy's Taproom & Carriage House

Murphy's Taproom & Carriage House

Food & Drink
4.0 (1,496)
393 State Rte 101, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 488-5975
Visit website
Precision Imports

Precision Imports

Auto & Transportation
4.9 (718)
183 Faltin Dr, Manchester, NH 03103, USA
(603) 624-1113
Visit website
Purple Finch Cafe

Purple Finch Cafe

Food & Drink
4.4 (1,204)

Bright modern coffeehouse with American breakfast & lunch fare in a casual, family-friendly space.

124 S River Rd, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 232-1953
Visit website

Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine Associates

Health & Wellness
5.0 (435)
160 S River Rd Suite 101A, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 216-0400
Visit website
T-BONES Great American Eatery

T-BONES Great American Eatery

Food & Drink
4.4 (1,941)

Family-friendly restaurant serving up a huge American menu, including many kids' options.

25 S River Rd, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 641-6100
Visit website
The Friendly Toast

The Friendly Toast

Food & Drink
4.3 (1,501)

Trendy hangout serving all-day breakfasts in quirky surroundings, with vegan options.

4 Main St, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 836-6238
Visit website
Tucker's

Tucker's

Food & Drink
4.7 (564)
95 S River Rd, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 413-6503
Visit website
VIP Tires & Service

VIP Tires & Service

Auto & Transportation
4.6 (798)
56 S River Rd, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
(603) 668-6040
Visit website

Living in Bedford

What you need to know about making Bedford your home.

Schools & Education

Bedford is served by the highly-regarded School Administrative Unit 25, consistently ranking among New Hampshire's top-performing districts with exceptional test scores and college preparation rates.

Cost of Living

Bedford ranks among New Hampshire's more expensive communities, with median home prices typically ranging from $500,000 to $800,000, reflecting the town's desirability and excellent schools. Property taxes are relatively high compared to state averages but are offset by New Hampshire's lack of state income or sales tax, and residents often find the investment worthwhile given the quality of services, schools, and maintained property values.

Major Employers

Fidelity InvestmentsDyn (Oracle)Elliot HospitalBAE SystemsLiberty MutualBedford School District

Commute Times

15 min
Manchester, NH
25 min
Nashua, NH
35 min
Concord, NH
75 min
Boston, MA
65 min
Portsmouth, NH

School Directory

Peter Woodbury School

ElementaryGrades K-2

McKelvie Intermediate School

ElementaryGrades 3-5

Bedford Middle School

Middle SchoolGrades 6-8

Bedford High School

Bulldogs · Division I
High SchoolGrades 9-12

St. Elizabeth Seton School

PrivateGrades PreK-8

School District

Bedford School District(SAU 25)

Stay in the loop on Bedford

Get weekly updates about events in Bedford and nearby — delivered free to your inbox.

Free weekly newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime.