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Bedford, NH

Frequently asked questions

Bedford, NH

Bedford is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 23,322, reflecting a growth of 10% from 2010. Bedford is a suburb of Manchester, New Hampshire's largest city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.1 square miles (85.6 km²), of which 32.8 square miles (84.9 km²) are land and 0.3 square miles (0.7 km²) are water, comprising 0.85% of the town. The largest body of water other than the Merrimack River is Sebbins Pond, which is connected to smaller, neighboring bodies of water by Sebbins Brook.

A rock formation called Pulpit Rock (originally the Devil's Pulpit) is located in the northwestern part of the town on New Boston Road and is the feature of the town-owned Pulpit Rock Conservation Area. The highest point in Bedford is Holbrook Hill, at 845 feet (258 m) above sea level, located in the extreme northwestern corner of town. Bedford lies fully within the Merrimack River watershed.

In 1733, the Province of Massachusetts Bay established Bedford as "Narragansett, No. 5" for the benefit of soldiers who fought against the Narragansett people in Rhode Island. The area was also known as "Souhegan East". The settlement was incorporated as "Bedford" in 1750, and was named for John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford. Lord Russell, a close friend of Governor Benning Wentworth, was the Secretary of State for the Southern Department from 1748 to 1751, and his first wife, Diana Spencer, was cousin of the influential Duke of Marlborough.

The first English settlers in Bedford were Robert and James Walker III. A monument dated 1737 stands on what is now known as Station Road (adjacent to Hawthorne Drive), marking the first settlement. Bedford's first moderator was Mayor John Goffe, son of the Colonel John Goffe after whom Goffstown was named.

In 1874, Bedford was served by the Concord Railroad, and service by the Manchester and Ashburnham Railroad was being planned.

Like much of southeastern New Hampshire, Bedford grew rapidly in the second half of the 20th century. The 2000 population of 18,274 was over eight times the population in 1950 of 2,176. Every decade in that period had a substantial rate of growth, ranging from 33 percent between 1980 and 1990 to a 67 percent increase between 1950 and 1960. As of the 2020 census, Bedford was the 11th largest municipality in the state, with a population of 23,322.

Healthcare is a major industry in Bedford, with several medical facilities, health and wellness centers catering to the community's needs. The Elliot Hospital Urgent Care at Bedford provides convenient access to urgent medical services, ensuring residents receive prompt and quality care when needed. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Bedford Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Hotworx, Fuel  and Elite Personal Training and Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Bedford, such as the Bedford Heritage Trail and Earl Legacy Park Ski Trails. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Bedford, NH are Educational Farm At Joppa Hill, NH Sportsplex, and Benedictine Park.

Population: 23,580 (2023). ZIP code: 03110. Area code: 603. Elevation: 308 ft (94 m). Area: 33.1 sq mi (85.6 km²).

FAQs

Is Bedford, NH a good place to live?

Bedford is in Hillsborough County and is one of the best places to live in New Hampshire. Living in Bedford offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Bedford there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families live in Bedford and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Bedford are highly rated.

What is the average income in Bedford, NH?

There are a total of 7,917 households in Bedford, each made up of around 3 members. Family establishments represent 80.27% of these Bedford households, while non-family units account for the remaining 19.73%. Additionally, 41.76% of households have children and 58.24% of households are without children. The average annual household income in Bedford is $188,622, while the median household income sits at $151,850 per year.

What is the crime rate in Bedford, NH?

With a crime rate for both violent and property crime combined of 6 per 1,000 residents, the crime rate in Bedford is one of the lower rates in America among communities of all sizes (lower than 71% of America's communities). One's chance of becoming a victim of crime in Bedford is one in 181. With a one in 181 chance of becoming a victim of crime, residents of Bedford can feel assured of their safety and security within the community.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Bedford

Elliot Hospital Urgent Care 

Bedford Parks and Recreation Department 

Hotworx

Fuel  

Elite Personal Training and Fitness

Bedford Heritage Trail 

Earl Legacy Park Ski Trails

Educational Farm At Joppa Hill

NH Sportsplex

Benedictine Park

Niche

Point2Homes

NeighborhoodScout

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