Bedford, New Hampshire
Hillsborough County · Merrimack Valley

Bedford

Home of Segway Inventor Dean Kamen and Pulpit Rock Gorge

About Bedford

Bedford consistently ranks among New Hampshire's most desirable suburbs, with top-rated public schools, low crime, and a median household income well above the state average. The town was originally granted as "Narragansett No. 5" in 1733 to veterans of the Narragansett War and incorporated under its current name in 1750, honoring the Duke of Bedford. Route 101 cuts east-west through town and serves as the commercial spine, lined with corporate offices, medical practices, and retail — while the residential neighborhoods north and south of it stay noticeably quieter. Despite its affluent reputation, Bedford retains some rural character on its western side, with conservation land and working farms giving way to the Merrimack River. The Pulpit Rock Conservation Area offers residents hiking trails through mixed hardwood and conifer forests, leading to a granite outcropping with scenic views. Managed by the Bedford Land Trust, it's one of several conservation areas that help maintain the town's balance between suburban development and natural spaces. Bedford High School was the first in the state to offer the International Baccalaureate program, and its boys' tennis team won eleven consecutive state championships from 2010 to 2021. Notable residents include Late Night host Seth Meyers and Segway inventor Dean Kamen, both products of the town's strong school system. The combination of excellent schools, outdoor recreation opportunities, and proximity to Manchester makes Bedford a draw for families looking for suburban comfort without losing access to nature.

Why Bedford?

  • Bedford School District (SAU 25) consistently ranks among New Hampshire's top-performing districts, with Riddle Brook School ranked in the top 1% of state elementary schools
  • Under 10 miles to Manchester and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, with Boston reachable in about an hour via Route 101 and I-293
  • Typical home values around $665,000 with no state income or sales tax, partially offsetting a $15.81 per $1,000 property tax rate
  • Over 500 acres of conservation land including the 338-acre Pulpit Rock Conservation Area and 190-acre Joppa Hill Conservation Area with public trails
  • Active local economy anchored by employers like PCI Pharma Services, Safran Optics 1, Ferrotec, and Sunrise Labs on the Constitution Drive corridor

Quick Facts

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

Weather in Bedford

56°F

Partly Cloudy

Today

57 / 34

Sat

58 / 33

Sun

58 / 39

Map

Living in Bedford

What you need to know about making Bedford your home.

Major Employers

PCI Pharma ServicesSafran Optics 1Ferrotec USA CorporationSunrise Labs / Suntra MedTechEckman ConstructionLiberty Mutual InsuranceBANKW StaffingBedford Ambulatory Surgical CenterSERESCBedford School District / SAU 25

Schools & Education

Bedford is served by SAU 25, one of New Hampshire's top-performing districts with six public schools. Riddle Brook School is ranked in the top 1% statewide.

Cost of Living

Bedford's cost of living runs approximately 11-17% above the national average, driven primarily by housing costs. New Hampshire's lack of state income and sales tax partially offsets higher property taxes.

Real Estate

$665,000 median home price

$15.81 per $1,000 property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Bedford

Commute Times

1 hr
Boston, MA
25 min
Nashua, NH
30 min
Concord, NH
10 min
Manchester, NH
55 min
Portsmouth, NH

School District

School district

Bedford School District(SAU 25)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website
Memorial School
PK-4Elementary
Peter Woodbury School
K-4Elementary
Riddle Brook School
K-4Elementary
McKelvie Intermediate School
5-6intermediate
Ross A. Lurgio Middle School
7-8Middle School
Bedford High SchoolBulldogs
9-12High School

Parks & Public Spaces

Pulpit Rock Conservation AreaConservation Area

Hidden Gems in Bedford

Beyond the well-known attractions, Bedford has spots that locals love and visitors rarely find.

Pulpit Rock Conservation Area

spring

A 338-acre natural treasure featuring a dramatic glacial gorge with cascading waterfalls, moss-covered rocky outcroppings, and the remnants of historic Gage's Mill. The Ravine Trail drops you into a hidden canyon where Pulpit Brook tumbles over small waterfalls - the sound of rushing water echoes off the stone walls. The waterfalls are best after rain or during spring thaw when the brook runs high.

Bedford Heritage Trail - Eagle Park

spring

A quiet riverfront trail along the Merrimack where bald eagles roost in winter. The trail features a secluded picnic area with views of the river and railroad bridge, plus Eagle Park - a small wooded section specifically designated as winter habitat for American Bald Eagles. The trail is closed December through March to protect nesting eagles, making spring reopening special for birders.

Benedictine Park

year-round

Former farmland of Lithuanian Benedictine nuns who fled Europe in 1944, this 28-acre hilltop park offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The Perimeter Trail follows old field edges while the Cobb Trail descends through woods to Riddle Brook. A granite memorial bench honors the park's founder, and you can still sense the peaceful monastic history in the open meadows.

Educational Farm at Joppa Hill

year-round

A working 35-acre farm that serves as both agricultural education center and trailhead to 312 acres of conservation land spanning Bedford and Amherst. Beyond the farm animals and honor-system farm stand, hiking trails lead through old farm roads to a beaver pond and connect to the larger Pulpit Rock trail system. The smell of hay and livestock mingles with pine forest as you explore this agricultural-wilderness interface.

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.