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.
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.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
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.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
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.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Bedford is a small-sized city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 6,790 people. 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. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Bedford, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 23 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Bedford, Virginia. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Bedford, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment, housing and more.
With a livability score of 73 out of 100, Bedford is ranked #4,652 in the United States and #151 in Virginia. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Bedford scores well for cost of living (A+), education (B+) and housing (B+) There are some categories that Bedford ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F) and employment (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
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 191 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
The unemployment rate in Bedford has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.6%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Bedford, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 76%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Bedford has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Bedford is real estate affordability. The median home price for Bedford homes is $270,413, which is 37.8% lower than the Virginia 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 4.6, which is 2.2% higher than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Bedford | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.4% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 14.9% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.4% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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