Living in the Limestone Capital of the World in Bedford
Surrounded by quarries, Bedford deems itself as the Limestone Capital of the World. “That’s our claim to fame,” says Joyce Shepherd, a librarian with the Lawrence County Museum of History. “They’ve been doing limestone here since the 1890s.” Limestone quarried from Bedford has gone over to build the Pentagon, the National Cathedral and the Empire State Building, as well as buildings around Bedford. While companies like Indiana Limestone and Stone City Products keep the limestone industry alive in Bedford, life here isn’t just about stone. As the biggest city in the county, Bedford offers plenty of amenities for its over 13,000 residents and others across Lawrence County.
Indiana Limestone blocks are carefully extracted from their historic quarries.
The historic limestone quarries of Bedford have supplied stone to famous sites across America.
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Bedford limestone used to build downtown's shops and restaurants
In the center of downtown, Courthouse Square offers restaurants, boutiques and shops in the historic limestone buildings. In the center, the courthouse gives the square its name, towering over the rest of the buildings in the seat of Lawrence County. Town Fair Center on the western side of town offers supermarkets, box stores and fast-food chains along James Avenue and Becky Skillman Way.
Downtown Bedford is lined with local shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
Town Fair Center has variety of retail options like Dunham's Sports.
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Golfing and swimming at Bedford's local parks
On the far eastern side of Bedford, Otis Park Golf Course features more limestone monuments alongside its golf, disc golf and soccer amenities. The big limestone bandshell hosts local concerts and people can walk over the creek on the stone bridge. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the John Lowery Municipal Pool opens at Thorton Park. The park also offers a playground and a skatepark. Cutting across the city, Milwaukee Road Transportation Trailway is a 10-mile rail trail for walking and biking.
Otis Park Golf Course comprises over 6,400 yards of rolling hills and challenging slopes.
The Bandshell near Otis Park is an impressive stone structure in Bedford.
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New and historic homes around Bedford
Bedford’s median housing price is $200,000, which is far lower than the median value for the rest of the country. Homes range from historic traditional homes and American Foursquares built at the turn of the century to more contemporary bungalows and ranch-style homes. According to FBI data, property crime and violent crime levels in Bedford are typically lower than those at the national and state level.
Bedford’s median housing price is $200,000.
Homes range from historic traditional homes and American Foursquares to Bungalows.
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Bedford's public school district shared with the county
Rated a B-minus from Niche, North Lawrence Community Schools includes five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school.
The student population of Bedford Middle School is 562 and the school serves 7-8.
The student population of Parkview Elementary School is 513 and the school serves PK-6.
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Celebrating Bedford's limestone history
On the last weekend of every June, the Limestone Heritage Festival is the finale of Limestone Month. Celebrations include a parade, local vendors, concerts and live limestone carvings, all ending in a fireworks show. For the first Saturday in December, Bedford Christmas Around the Square features a Christmas market in Courthouse Square with free pictures with Santa and live reindeer. Also in Courthouse Square, the Bedford Farmers Market takes place on Sunday mornings, showcasing local vendors and producers.
Getting around Bedford and Lawrence County
16th Street runs through the center of Bedford, linking people with downtown and the west side’s shopping centers. Highway 50 and Indiana Route 37 extend from Bedford, connecting the city with the rest of the county. Train tracks cut through the city, stopping at the factories and warehouses. Residents may hear the trains as they pass through. Bedford usually sees snow in the winter, so the city routinely plows and salts the roads. In the spring, the city conducts regular street cleaning to clear leftover salt.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
Photography Contributed By
Cory Cornelius
Video By
Francesco Basti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Darren Gilmore,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Bedford, IN sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Bedford, IN over the last 12 months is $199,900, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this well-maintained brick ranch in the sought-after location between Bedford and Bloomington, just minutes from State Road 37. Situated on 3.25 acres, this property offers a great combination of convenience, space, and privacy. The 1,268-square-foot home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and an attached 2-car garage. Outside, you'll find two outbuildings providing plenty of
Located in the sought-after Stone Crest Golf Community, this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 2-bath home combines modern style, an exceptional floor plan and impressive storage. The striking exterior features white LP siding with bold black accents for crisp, timeless curb appeal. Inside, 10-foot ceilings throughout much of the home and beautiful LVP flooring create a bright, cohesive feel. The
Nestled in the highly desirable Stonecrest neighborhood, this brand-new construction home offers 2,700 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space filled with luxurious upgrades. The open-concept floor plan features 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, creating the perfect balance of comfort and functionality. The spacious primary suite is conveniently located just off the main entertaining area
48 acres forsale near Bedford, Indiana on a paved road, wrapped around a beautiful 8 acre watershed lake that feels made for long weekends and late night campfire stories. Rugged enough to hunt, gentle enough to pasture horses or run a few cattle, and set up for just about every kind of outdoor fun you can dream up. The lake is the centerpiece - clear water, fishy banks, and even a private
4-bedroom home located in Judah, quick access to Highway 37 offers generous living space, including a finished walk-out basement ideal for entertaining, a home office, or guest accommodations. Recent 2025 upgrades include brand-new kitchen appliances, new flooring throughout, fresh interior paint, and a durable new metal roof. Inviting gas insert fireplace in the living room always keeps you
48 acres for sale near Bedford, Indiana on a paved road, wrapped around a beautiful 8 acre watershed lake that feels made for long weekends and late night campfire stories. Rugged enough to hunt, gentle enough to pasture horses or run a few cattle, and set up for just about every kind of outdoor fun you can dream up. The lake is the centerpiece – clear water, fishy banks, and even a private
Rare buildable lot just north of the property 715 25th St. This lot would make the perfect single family home location and is close to everything Bedford has to offer. This lot is zoned R3, which offers other possibilities aside from just building a single family home.
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom gem, perfectly situated on a desirable corner lot near downtown Bedford! This rare opportunity offers modern upgrades, abundant space, and a fantastic location—all on nearly an acre of land. Step inside to a bright and inviting living room filled with natural light and charm. The brand-new kitchen features sleek stainless steel
Bi-level split on a full acre, tucked back off the road for privacy. 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room, roughly 3,000 sq ft of space to work with. This is a true AS IS sale, priced to reflect known foundation issues. Sellers have contractor quotes in hand for structural foundation repair plus a perimeter drain system with sump pump, and that documentation is available to serious buyers. The home has
Looking to expand your portfolio with a stable income-producing asset? This is one of 2 side by side buildings that have a total of 4 units each offering a comfortable and functional layout. Every unit features 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, living room, kitchen, utility room, 1 car attached garage, with electric heat pump and electric water heater. Nestled in a quiet setting with off street parking
Step onto the wonderful 16' x 8' covered porch . . . the perfect spot to relax and enjoy your morning coffee. This charming home features 2 bedrooms, a lovely kitchen, a comfortable living room, a formal dining room and a main level laundry for added convenience. A partial unfinished basement offers extra storage, while the spacious 60' x 180' yard provides plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors.
30 Acres Near Bedford – Build, Farm, Hunt Here is your chance to own 30± acres in Lawrence County near Bedford, Indiana, with paved-road frontage plus water and electric available. It is a great location to build a new home, put up a barn, and enjoy the country life while staying close to town. The property offers an awesome mix of woods and open ground, giving you plenty of flexibility. The open
This well-maintained three bedroom, two full bath home offers comfort, space, and updates throughout! Relax on the inviting 22 x 10 covered front porch or enjoy the 20 x 18 covered back porch. that is perfect for entertaining or quiet evenings at home. Major updates have already been taken care of including the furnace, central air, and water heater . . . all replaced within the last 5 years. The
Stunning 80 Acre property that boasts ample road frontage and endless possibilities for the next owner! Located in a peaceful area, this land offers a perfect blend of nature's beauty. The property features a charming old home, though it hasn't been occupied for years, its vintage appeal still stands strong. It needs TLC but offers a glimpse of a bygone era, with timeless architectural details
This 1,093 sq ft home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, a dining room, a laundry area, and a small office on the main level plus 820 sq ft in the unfinished basement ready for your ideas. Relax on the 14 x 7 covered front porch or the 14 x 14 back porch. With plenty of charm and lots of potential, this home needs some TLC but is priced to sell. Bring your vision and make it your own!
Property Id: 2841488 This remolded 2 bedroom with a balcony is on the second floor. So steps are required to get to your unit. This is a well built old building in Bedford just north of the Jail, view of downtown Bedford. We have done several improvements to the quality of this building. Since our purchase a few years ago. We are hands on and close to property. please do your
Available August 15th: One bedroom, one bath unit located centrally in Bedford, with easy access to IN37, shopping, restaurants and more! Spacious rooms, with neutral interior. This unit enjoys a lot of storage space! Lawncare and snow removal are included. Ample parking in front and back of building. Pets welcome with approvals and additional fees.Free ParkingMulti Unit
Beautifully maintained three bedroom, three bath ranch over basement in Bedford, Indiana. Located on just over an acre, is conveniently located just minutes to downtown, Otis Park, high school and more. Home offers spacious rooms, neutral interior and finished basement that includes a laundry room, den, workout room and more. Enjoy the benefits of solar energy and a backup generator! Back
This is a studio apartment with a kitchenette. Rent $625.00 Water, Sewer, Trash $45 Application fee $40. No pets, No felonies, must show proof of income equaling $1875.00 or more per month. Tenant responsible for electricity and internet. Recently renovated.
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