
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
Weather in Bedford
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
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 BedfordCommute Times
School District
School district
Bedford School District(SAU 25)
Grades served: PreK-12
Parks & Public Spaces
Events in Bedford
April Vacation Survival Kit (Ages 5-12)
Out on a Tangent
Foundation Event - Library Might close early
Junk Journaling
Manchester NH, Absolute Men are back in the building! Live and reloaded!
Backyard Brewing - Tyler Levs
Explore Bedford
Lexus of Manchester
Copper Door
Lindner Dental Associates

New Hampshire Orthopedic Center
MINI of Bedford

Trader Joe's
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