Bedford, NH

Bedford, NH

Bedford, NH Real Estate

Established in 1730 as Narragansett Number 5 for the benefit of soldiers who fought against the Narragansett Indians in Rhode Island, it was regranted first as Souhegan East, then as Bedford in 1750. The town was named for Lord John Russell, fourth Duke of Bedford, Secretary of State for the Southern Department (17481751), and a close friend of colonial governor Benning Wentworth.

Like much of southeastern New Hampshire, Bedford has grown very quickly over the last fifty years. The 2000 population of 18,274 was over eight times 1950's population of 2,176. Every decade has had a substantial rate of growth, ranging from 33 percent between 1980-1990 to a 67 percent increase between 1950-1960. The 2004 Census Bureau estimate for Bedford was 20,480 residents, which ranked 13th among New Hampshire's incorporated cities and towns.

Politically, Bedford votes solid Republican, not having elected a Democrat to the state legislature since 1932. While it is one of the more politically conservative towns in the state, it also votes overwhelmingly to support the school budget each year at the town election.

There are currently 4 schools in Bedford: Memorial, Peter Woodbury and Riddle Brook are neighborhood schools and accommodate grades K through 5. McKelvie Middle School accommodates grades 6 through 8. Bedford's high school students are tuitioned to Manchester West High School.

This school configuration and tuition agreement will change in the 2007-2008 school year because in 2005, Bedford voted 4,410-2,060 (a margin of 68%, compared to the 60% needed to pass) to build a middle school/high school campus. It will sit on a 40-acre lot and have an initial capacity of 1,900 students, with a core capacity of 2,300 students. Included will be an 800-seat auditorium and a gymnasium with a capacity of 3,000. It is expected to open September 2007.

When the campus is completed the school configuration will be: neighborhood schools Memorial, Riddle Brook, and Peter Woodbury, grades K-4; McKelvie, grades 5-6; the new Ross A. Lurgio Middle School, named for a Bedford School District administrator from 1975 to 2003, first as Director of Special Services and then as Assistant Superintendent, grades 7-8; and the new Bedford High School, grades 9-12.


Bedford, NH Website

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