Bedfordshire

Located in the East of England, Bedfordshire is a county known for its rural scenery and attractive market towns. A place where you can find some excellent schools and universities, as well as great entertainment facilities – like theatres and cinemas. The population currently stands at just over half a million residents who enjoy living in this thriving community!

4.53
Average Location Score

Excellent

66%

Very Good

21%

Average

10%

Disappointing

3%

Very Poor

0%

Best places to live in Bedfordshire

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

Bedfordshire Countryside

Where is Bedfordshire?

Bedfordshire is a county in the East of England. It has a population of around half a million people and occupies an area of approximately 1,600 km2. It is bordered by Cambridgeshire to the East, Northamptonshire to the South and West, Hertfordshire to the south-west and London (Greater London) to the southwest.

Areas in Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire is famous for its historic county town, Bedford. There are also numerous towns in this area that are popular with home buyers, including Ampthill, Biggleswade, Leighton Buzzard and Sandy.

Bedford – Bedford is the county town of Bedfordshire and one of the most popular destinations in the area for those looking to buy a home. With its excellent range of local amenities, good schools and strong transport links, Bedford is perfect for those who want to be close to everything they need.

Ampthill – situated in the north of Bedfordshire, Ampthill is home to a large number of businesses, has a thriving community and is popular with home buyers looking for a town with plenty of amenities.

Park in Bedford

Biggleswade – located in the east of Bedfordshire, Biggleswade is a market town that is attracting an increasing number of home buyers because of its good transport links and range of local amenities, making it a popular commuter town for those looking for easy access to the larger towns and cities in the area.

Leighton Buzzard – situated in the south of Bedfordshire, Leighton Buzzard is a very popular location for homebuyers because of its excellent transport links to London and other major UK cities. As well as being close to Luton Airport, this town has an incredibly rich history in aviation which continues today with the presence of local engineering firm Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group.

Sandy – located in the north of Bedfordshire, Sandy is a market town that is home to a number of small businesses and independent retailers. It also has good transport links to both Luton Airport and Cambridge, making it an ideal location for those looking for easy access to both urban and rural areas.

Universities in Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire is home to The University of Bedfordshire, which is primarily based in Luton and Bedford. It offers a range of courses, most notably within the field of engineering and technology.

The Bedford campus of The University of Bedfordshire also offers a number of teacher training courses, making it an attractive choice for those looking to start their teaching career.

Top Schools in Bedfordshire

Bedford Marina

There are a number of excellent schools located throughout Bedfordshire, many of which have been awarded ‘outstanding’ ratings by Ofsted. The most notable schools include:

Ranelagh School for girls – located in Leighton Buzzard, the Ranelagh School for girls is a highly respected independent school that offers excellent academic results

The Priory School – located in Bedford, The Priory School is a co-educational comprehensive school that has been awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted for its provision of secondary education

Biddenham International School – also located in Bedford, Biddenham International School is a co-educational day and boarding school which offers an international curriculum with a focus on English, Maths and Science

Queens’ College for boys – located in Bedford, Queens’ College offers a traditional all-boys education with the option of boarding. The school has been ranked as one of the top 100 co-educational independent schools for GCSE results by the Sunday Times

Population of Bedfordshire

As of the 2019 census, Bedfordshire has a population of 669,338, mostly centred around the county’s main towns and cities, such as Bedford and Leighton Buzzard. Bedfordshire is the tenth most populous county in England.

Reviews in Bedfordshire

Write a Review

The development is great.

Review Date Apr 2024

Location is great, parking is limited but there are other options for parking. Lots of bars and restaurants to explore but the people around town can display anti-social behaviour.

Please review your development:

The development is great. Gym facility is limited but functional. Generally clean and nicely designed. Parcel delivery is not secure though. Anyone with a code can access the store room where parcels are kept. Management is amazing and you can’t hear your neighbours which is a plus.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Parcel deliveries don’t go straight to your door. It’s not that secure.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

They are always prompt and helpful. They are easy to get hold of.

3
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
Read all Read less

Was this review helpful?

Report

Report

Best centrally located, modern and safe rental in Bedford

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Apr 2024

Brilliant location just off the high street and conveniently located next to Lidl as well all the local shopping outlets and eating joints. For those wanting access to public transport, the Bedford Bus Station is just 7 mins walk away. For nature lovers – the embankment is just 5 mins walk away whilst the Bedford park is 10 mins walking distance.
The only issue with this centrally located property is the loud noises or brawls on weekend nights.

Please review your development:

If you are one, looking for a centrally located, convenient and safe place to rent in Bedford. Don’t hesitate from having a look at this facility I am sure you will like it.

Two years back, we were new to town and wanted a centrally located safe and secure place to rent. One that had modern construction, with built in white goods for convenience. In addition you get the benefit of inhouse well equipped gym, yoga room and concierge. If you are on who worries on missing out taking delivery of parcels! there’s the parcel room where all your deliveries are kept safely under lock and key.

For pet lovers, this is good news, the facility is pet friendly. so look no further if you are new to town and looking to rent.
Its a safe living inside with peace of mind.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I had got to know about this place in the first instance of my search for rental, wouldnt have wasted time and effort looking at other properties

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

yes were promptly resolved. the residents service app is very useful

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
4
Management
Read all Read less

Was this review helpful?

Report

Report

Nice house and area, poor services too many issues in the house

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

Local shop only just opened nearly 18 months past original date, lack of communication from developers

Please review your development:

Property management poor
My washing machine has been broken since January, radiator needs moving to get to washing machine to be fixed been offered a £15 a week in launderette fees that I’ve not been paid
Defects in the house over 50 plus been reported nothing been done for months

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Nice area, people moan about motorcycles but I don’t hear them
Good community

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

With a poor response with nothing resolved at all, poor communication

3
Facilities
3
Design
4
Location
2
Value
1
Management
Read all Read less

Was this review helpful?

Report

Report

Manager Response

Dear Hayley,

Thank you for your review and honest feedback.

We’re sorry for the delays you are facing for your washing machine to be repaired. As you have outlined in your review, we had hoped this would be repaired sooner, however, this has flagged to us that due to the design/ layout of the kitchen, this is causing obstruction for the removal of the appliance and has meant that extra work is required to complete the repair. Although this has caused some issues for you, it has provided us with some valuable feedback for the spec of our houses which will be fedback to the relevant teams for our future homes. We can also see that you were of course told that we would reimburse you for your laundrette bills in the meantime – we’re just waiting for the receipts as requested on the maintenance portal in order for these refunds to be made. Typically we would wait for completion of the repair before issuing the reimbursement. Please continue to collate your receipts for your record, these will be required with the conclusion of the repair.

Since leaving this review, contractors have been chased and a member of the maintenance team should be able to update you very shortly. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Like the growing pace of community

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

It’s fast developing and shaping up as a community space. Transport needs to improve a bit but other facilities are brilliant.

Please review your development:

Design of the new builds are good, suits a modern comfortable living. Plenty of parking space, children playing parks are bing opened nearby, sports facilities coming up and best of the lot the cafe and convenience stores now open at an easy access. Only things left as essentials – a school and possibly a nearer GP service.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The schools being quite far for walking and the ever growing traffic congestion on local roads

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Mostly Answered in a short timeframe, there was an issue close to Christmas and it was handled with urgency, definitely commendable.

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
User submitted image of  Simple Life at Milard Grange, LU5
Read all Read less

Was this review helpful?

Report

Report

Manager Response

Thank you for your wonderful review Manjira!