Why Live in Bedford
Bedford, Indiana, known as the Limestone Capital of the World, boasts a rich history of limestone quarrying dating back to the 1890s. This limestone has been used in iconic structures such as the Pentagon and the Empire State Building. The city, with a population of over 13,000, offers various amenities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. Downtown Bedford features Courthouse Square, where historic limestone buildings house restaurants, boutiques, and shops. The Town Fair Center on the western side provides supermarkets, box stores, and fast-food chains. Recreational options include Otis Park Golf Course, which offers golf, disc golf, and soccer facilities, and the John Lowery Municipal Pool at Thorton Park, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Milwaukee Road Transportation Trailway, a 10-mile rail trail, is ideal for walking and biking. Housing in Bedford ranges from historic traditional homes and American Foursquares to contemporary bungalows and ranch-style homes, with a median price of $200,000, significantly lower than the national average. The city has lower crime rates compared to national and state levels. Bedford's public school district, North Lawrence Community Schools, serves the county with five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Annual events like the Limestone Heritage Festival in June and Christmas Around the Square in December celebrate the city's heritage and community spirit. Major roads such as 16th Street, Highway 50, and Indiana Route 37 facilitate easy access within Bedford and to surrounding areas. Residents may hear trains passing through the city, and regular street maintenance ensures clear roads during winter and spring.