Bedford sits along the Bedford Basin just outside Halifax. You get coastal living with water views and a relaxed waterfront feel, but you are still only minutes from the city. That combination is one of the reasons many people looking to move to the Halifax area start by looking at Bedford.The community has grown steadily over the years and attracts a mix of young families and professionals who work throughout the Halifax region.Housing options reflect that growth. You will find everything from older homes on larger lots with mature trees to newer townhouses and condos in developments like Bedford West. This variety makes Bedford a good fit for different needs while still keeping you close to Halifax.
Life Along the Bedford Basin
The Bedford Basin plays a big role in the character of the community. The drive along the Bedford Highway is scenic with views across the water. Many locals will tell you that the drive along the Bedford Highway, especially on a clear evening when the basin is calm, is one of the nicest drives in the Halifax area.
The Bedford Waterfront Boardwalk runs along the shoreline and connects to DeWolf Park. In the summer the park becomes a busy waterfront spot. Families use the splash pad, people walk or bike along the boardwalk, and others sit near the water with a picnic.There is always activity on the basin. Sailboats, recreational boats, kayaks, and the occasional naval or Coast Guard vessel pass through on their way to or from Halifax Harbour.The Bedford Yacht Club is also located along the basin and has long been part of the community. The club offers learn to sail programs for both children and adults and hosts sailing activities throughout the season.Bedford also hosts several community events during the year including Bedford Days in the summer and the Bedford Christmas Parade in the winter.
Schools and Community Life
Bedford is known as a family friendly community with several well regarded schools serving the area. These include Basinview Drive Community School, Bedford South School, Rocky Lake Junior High, and Charles P. Allen High School. All are part of the Halifax Regional Centre for Education.With so many families living in Bedford, there are plenty of recreation options nearby to keep even the most active people busy.The Bedford Hammonds Plains Community Centre runs programs throughout the year. Families often use the facility for youth basketball, after school programs, fitness classes, yoga, and seasonal camps for kids.For hockey and skating, the Greenfoot Energy Centre in Bedford is a major hub for ice sports. Local minor hockey teams and skating programs use the arena throughout the season.
Residents are also close to the Canada Games Centre in nearby Clayton Park. The facility includes a large swimming pool, fitness centre, indoor running track, gymnasiums, and a wide range of programs including swimming lessons, fitness classes, and youth recreation programs.Between school sports, community programs, and nearby recreation facilities, there are plenty of ways for kids and adults to stay active throughout the year.
Shopping and Everyday Convenience
Bedford makes everyday errands fairly easy. Sunnyside Mall and Bedford Place Mall are both located right in the community and offer grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and other day to day services. The Sobeys in Mill Cove is a regular stop for many residents.For larger shopping trips, many people head to Bayers Lake Business Park, which is only a short drive away. The area has a wide mix of big box stores including Costco, Walmart, Canadian Tire, Home Depot, and Winners, along with many restaurants and services.From Bedford it is also easy to zip over to Dartmouth Crossing, another major shopping area with stores like IKEA, Costco, Chapters, and Cineplex, along with a wide range of retail shops and restaurants.Bedford also has several well known local dining spots including Il Mercato, Sushi Nami, the well known Chicken Burger drive in, and breakfast favourite Izzy’s Bagels.Between the shopping in Bedford itself and the nearby retail areas in Bayers Lake and Dartmouth Crossing, most residents find they rarely have to go far to get what they need.
Commuting From Bedford
One of Bedford’s biggest advantages is its location. From here it is easy to reach many parts of the Halifax region.The Bedford Highway leads toward downtown Halifax and is a common route for many residents commuting into the city. A lot of the drive runs right along the basin, which makes the commute a little more enjoyable than most.Bedford also has easy access to several major highways. Highway 102 connects the community with downtown Halifax and Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Highway 101 heads toward the Annapolis Valley. Highway 103 can be reached through Halifax for travel toward the South Shore.
Public transit is also available. Halifax Transit runs several bus routes through Bedford that connect residents with downtown Halifax and other parts of the municipality.
Why People Choose Bedford
Bedford has a balance that can be hard to find elsewhere in the Halifax area. You are close enough to the city for work and everyday conveniences, but the community still feels a little more relaxed.Between the waterfront, established neighbourhoods, newer developments, and easy highway access, it is easy to see why Bedford continues to attract so many people moving to the Halifax region.For many residents, it is the combination of coastal views, strong schools, and convenient access to the city that makes Bedford such an appealing place to call home.If you are thinking about moving to the Halifax area or would like to learn more about homes in Bedford, the Thomas Group would be happy to help. Feel free to reach out anytime with questions about the community or the local real estate market.