Home > Real Estate Resources for Southern New Hampshire > Town in the Spotlight: Bedford, New Hampshire
The town of Bedford, New Hampshire is a suburb of Manchester, the largest city in the state. It is viewed as an upscale residential neighborhood. As such most of the real estate within the town is residentially zoned, although many major retailers (such as Macy's, Target and Lowes) have locations within the town.
Like much of southeastern New Hampshire Bedford has grown rapidly since the 1960's. Not only in terms of population, but economic growth as well.
Education is very important to the community at large. Bedford overwhelmingly votes to support the school budget annually and has recently built the town's first high school. In previous years school age residents of the town shared a high school with Manchester.
According to the United States Census in 2000, Bedford has one of the highest average personal incomes in the state, with the median income for a household at roughly $84,000.
Furthermore, 41.9% of households in the township had children under the age of 18.
Bedford is also situated on the historical Merrimack River, which has many historical landmarks along its banks.
Education
The town as a whole strongly supports public education and votes strongly in favor of the annual school budget. There are six public schools that serve residents.
Memorial, Peterwoodbury and Riddle Brook accommodate students K through grade 4. KcKelvie Intermediate accommodates students grade 5 and 6 while Lurgio Middle School accommodates grades 8 and 9. Bedford High School accommodates grades 9 through 12. Ninety two percent of adult residents are high school graduates.
There are several nearby colleges as well. Notably Saint Anselm College, University of New Hampshire (UNH), Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Manchester Community College. Nearly fifty percent of adult residents have a bachelors degree or higher as of the 2000 U.S. Census.
The town also makes a library available to its citizens, which holds regular discussion groups and events.
Property Taxes
As of 2008 the tax rate for residential property is $18.95 per $1,000 of assessed value. A home assessed at $300,000 would be taxed $5,685 annually.
Attractions Near Bedford
Southern New Hampshire has a lot of interesting and historical attractions located a short drive from Bedford.
- Christa McAuliffe Planetarium: The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium is New England's most technologically advanced planetarium theater. Located north of the town in Concord, New Hampshire it offers fun educational activities for youth and adults.
- Currier Museum of Art: Including works by Picasso, Monet, O'Keefe and Wyeth the Currier Museum of Art is located nearby in Manchester. The gallery has exhibitions and tours throughout the year.
- Charmingfare Farm: Located nearby in Candia Charmingfare Farm offers horseback rides, a pumpkin festival and Easter egg hunts.



