Why is Bedford Such a Nice Place to Live in?
A riverside market town offering an easy commute into London, there is a lot about Bedford that would appeal to a professional, working in the capital, looking for a nice place to raise a family or a place to live that doesn’t come with the extortionate price tag of a London property.
Named one of the best places to live in the east of England by the Times, in their 2026 rankings, the market town is more than just a quieter alternative for those looking to live near the capital but not in it.
Below we delve deeper into what makes Bedford such a special place to call home.
What is Bedford famous for?
Known for its excellent views of the River Ouse, with the river running alongside the town, Bedford famously hosts an annual river festival which has quickly become one of the largest free outdoor events in the country. With its various food stalls and exciting boat races, the festival is an eagerly awaited event in many a person’s calendar.
A town with an undoubtedly more relaxed pace than some of its neighbours, Bedford foregoes the bright lights and frantic feel of its neighbours for a more stripped back community feel.
The likes of Stephen Colbert and John Oliver have lovingly referred to Bedford’s “special brand of ordinary” in television specials, and there is no denying the town has a simple but wholesome feel that lends itself well to those who thrive in towns with well-connected communities.
Highlights of the town include the Bedford Corn Exchange, where many of the big community meetings take place, as well as a whole variety of performances.
What is Bedford like to live in?
Bedford offers a convenient lifestyle, with the town boasting two train stations, around 80 schools to choose from (catering to all age groups – including some sixth form colleges) and hosts one of the University of Bedfordshire’s campuses.
A direct service from the town’s main station, Bedford Station, can take as little as 40 minutes to get you into London St Pancras. The town is also connected to the likes of Gatwick Airport and Brighton via the Thameslink.
The largest cinema in Bedford can be found in its town centre. The Vue Cinema in Bedford can be found at Riverside Square. The town’s main shopping centre is the Harpur Centre, which is also situated in the heart of Bedford’s town centre.
Bedford also has all the major supermarkets, including a Tesco Superstore, a Waitrose, a Sainsbury’s, and a Co-op, amongst others.
Our new development in Bedford – Biddenham Park – is situated within walking distance of the town centre, a little over half an hour’s walk away from the heart of town (or a 7-minute drive away).
Biddenham Park boasts a beautiful collection of 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes – each skilfully built using quality materials.
If you would like to find out more about our development in Bedford, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team, who will be able to arrange a viewing for you and answer any questions you may have.