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.
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.
Located in the state of Pennsylvania, Bedford is a small city with a population of 2,799 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Bedford is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and 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.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Bedford, Pennsylvania could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. 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 amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, employment and other important metrics.
Bedford, PA receives 81 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #122 in Pennsylvania and #1,108 in the USA. Based on this score, Bedford would be considered a very livable city! Bedford is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Bedford ranks well for amenities (B), crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A).
If you're living in Bedford, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Bedford an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Bedford gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 106 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Bedford, the unemployment rate stands at 0.9%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Bedford market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Bedford meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Bedford. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Bedford are simply unattainable. The median home price for Bedford homes is $267,440, which is 9.8% lower than the Pennsylvania average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Bedford, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 2.7% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Bedford | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 87.7% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.4% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.7% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.1% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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