Bedford is a small city that has maintained its historic charm for over 190 years. Just 16 miles southwest of downtown Cleveland, this community is highly attractive to those who enjoy a quiet life. Longtime residents, including Debra Moore, Realtor with Howard Hanna, can attest to the attraction. “People stay because it’s an inviting community, and when they leave often, times journey back,” Moore says. “It must be good if people are returning after years of being away.”
Bedford residents have easy access to an assortment of everyday amenities.
Broadway Avenue takes you through Bedford's historic downtown.
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Bedford Town Square
Downtown Bedford is the pulse of this community, featuring locally loved mom-and-pop shops and a historic town center. The Bedford Town Square is the community’s gathering place for events. Residents enjoy visiting the square year-round, as it’s brightly lit with Christmas décor every winter and brimming with activity every summer. It’s surrounded by historical landmarks, including Bedford Baptist Church, which has been around since 1893 and is now the Bedford Community Center. “We use the old church for all sorts of concerts and plays,” says Mayor Stan Koci.
At the edge of the park, the Bedford Train Depot has been around since the 1840s and serves as a reminder of Bedford’s railroad roots. The Bedford Historical Society & Museum also overlooks the square. Founded in 1955, the museum collects, preserves, and teaches the history of Bedford while also hosting a slew of events.
Downtown Bedford features local restaurants and shops, including Spirit Apotheosis.
Some of the landmarks in Bedford's Town Square are on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Shopping and dining on Broadway
Along Broadway, historical landmarks like Hezekiah Dunham House and Holsey Gates House showcase Bedford’s longstanding history, but there’s a variety of locally owned shops and diners too. From breakfast staples at The Coffee Cup, to tasty tacos at Los Gallos Mexican Restaurant, residents enjoy having top-notch dining at their doorsteps. There are also numerous unique shops, like Endless Solez, The Vinyl Groove Records and The Broadway Cyclery. For everyday needs, residents commute 7 miles southwest to shop at box stores in Macedonia.
Bedford locals often find themselves at The Coffee Cup for breakfast and lunch.
Los Gallos, in Bedford, is known for their unique and vibrant margaritas.
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Annual events in Bedford
The annual Strawberry Festival and Car Show hosted by the Bedford Historical Society kick off summer for a weekend of entertainment. “A lot of people go to the festival,” Moore says. Here, local artisans and food vendors provide handcrafted goods to the background of live music from local performers. The Car Show typically occurs on Saturdays and features a collection of vintage cars. But according to Moore, that isn’t all the community has to offer. The Music in the Park series at Hutchinson Park is a fan favorite among locals, and the city’s Memorial Day Parade dates back over 150 years.
A wide range of housing styles
The well-loved homes of Bedford are a mix of architectural styles. “Most of our streets are not cookie-cutter,” says Koci. “Most of the streets you go down, there are no two houses that look the same.” Housing styles include brick bungalows, Tudors, split levels and colonials, and prices range from $30,000 to $500,000. Moore says, “It’s an affordable area for first-time and forever home buyers.” Koci echoes Moore, saying, “The housing prices are some of the lowest in Ohio.”
Bungalows in Bedford often have covered front porches that are adorned with wooden spindles.
Colonial-inspired homes give Bedford its warmth and charm.
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Bedford City School District
Bedford City School District serves the students of this community and has a C rating on Niche. Kindergarten through second graders attend Glendale Primary School while third through fifth graders attend Carlywood Intermediate School, both of which have C ratings on Niche. The next step is Heskett Middle School, which has a C-minus and serves the city’s sixth through eighth graders. Most students finish their primary education at Bedford High School, which also has a C rating and has served the community since 1954. The high school is mostly known for its football team, the Bearcats. “Our high school football program has pushed out 7 NFL players, which is crazy for such a small town,” says Koci. He adds that the city is also building four new schools over the next three years.
Heskett Middle School enrolls students from sixth through eighth grade.
Students are challenged to excel at Carylwood Intermediate School.
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Outdoor rec at Bedford Reservation
For residents looking to explore the great outdoors and breathe in some fresh air, Bedford Reservation does not disappoint. The hallmarked National Natural Landmark in Tinker’s Creek features rushing waterfalls and abundant fauna to marvel at during a hike, bike ride and horseback. Shawnee Hills Golf Course in Bedford Reservation has a 27-hole course and a driving range.
Bedford's Viaduct Park offers stunning views of the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek.
The Hemlock Trail at the Bedford Reservation features bluebells that bloom in the spring.
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Interstate 480 and bus routes
While most residents own at least one car, Bedford is walkable, bikeable and features ample stops for RTA route 19A, which goes directly into Downtown Cleveland. Driving is made simple with Interstate 480 nearby. “We’re 30 minutes or less from just about anything,” says Koci. “We’re only 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland, 30 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes form Akron. The freeway access is very convenient.”
The city is making strides toward improving walkability after being awarded a Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative planning grant from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency to review and improve transportation around Bedford’s Historic District to other Bedford areas.
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