Bedford 81 Exceptional
Bedford Livability #122 ranked city in Pennsylvania#1,108 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Bedford

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

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What's it like Living in Bedford?

Bedford is a small city located in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has a population of 2,703 people. At 96%, the majority of the Bedford population is White; this is followed by 4% Black and 0% Asian. Bedford is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 49, which is well beyond the United States median age average. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Bedford. With an average one way commute time of only 15 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Bedford can be a good experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Pennsylvania, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Bedford and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, education and other important metrics.

Bedford, PA receives 80/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #114 in Pennsylvania and #1,277 in the USA. Based on this score, Bedford would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Bedford also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Bedford ranks well for amenities (B), crime (A-), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (B-).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Bedford, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Bedford undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Bedford, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 0.82% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Bedford can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Bedford is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Bedford come in at $144,700, which is 13.7% lower than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Bedford, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 6.5% lower than the Pennsylvania average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Bedford

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Bedford?

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Compare Bedford, PA Livability

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      Bedford transportation information

      Statistic Bedford Pennsylvania National
      Average one way commute15min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work87.7%76.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.4%8.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%5.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.7%3.8%2.8%
      Working from home4.1%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Bedford, PA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).