New York Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Bedford, New York

Population: 18,133

Located in Westchester County

The Bedford Oak has stood as a symbol of the Town of Bedford's strength, beauty and heritage, predating, some think, even the beginning of the Town itself.

Bedford gets its name from a white oak, with branches spanning approximately 130 feet and a girth more than 23 feet, it is thought by some to have been 200 years old when the 22 men from Stamford purchased the Hopp Ground from the Indians in 1680.

The Town of Bedford, with its 39.3 square miles encompassing the hamlets of Bedford Village, Bedford Hills and Katonah, is situated in northern Westchester County with 18,133 residents.

Once known as Bedford Station when the railroad was built in 1847, Bedford Hills extends from its bustling business center at the railroad station to farms and estates as it spreads eastward along Harris, Babbitt and Bedford Center roads and south along the busy Route 117 business corridor toward Mt. Kisco.

This hamlet is the site of the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, the largest women's prison in New York State. Bedford Hills is also the seat of Town government and home to the Town House, built in 1927, and several other Town buildings where the Police Department and Town offices are located.

Education:
Two public school districts serve the town of Bedford. The Bedford school district serves the southern two-thirds of the town including the hamlets of Bedford Village and Bedford Hills as well as the neighboring town of Pound Ridge and parts of New Castle. It has a high school, middle school and five elementary schools.

The Katonah-Lewisboro school district serves the northern one-third of the town including the hamlet of Katonah, the town of Lewisboro, and portions of the towns of Pound Ridge and North Salem. It has a high school, middle school, and four elementary schools. This School System offers a Continuing Education program for adults.

Shopping:
For those who tire of large malls with blister-packaged merchandise, the three hamlets - Bedford Village, Bedford Hills, and Katonah - abound with locally owned shops and galleries where one can find high quality items and personal service. Here are some of special interest:

Jewel Corner, found in the Arcade Building in Bedford Village is a full service jeweler offering repairs and special orders.

Small Joys, in Bedford Village, this store offers gifts for bride, baby, home and you - all carefully selected. Tucked away on Court Road, it's definitely worth a visit.

Richard Oliver House, in Bedford Village: Although you can't tell from the name, The Richard Oliver House on Court Road sells exceptional clothing for women and children, as well as unique accessories, gifts, classic toys and children's books. The shop has become a Bedford tradition, serving the community for over 50 years.

Jagger's Camp and Trail, located in Bedford Hills has an extensive selection of sport clothing, hiking and camping supplies including Patagonia, Old Town, and The North Face brands.

Transportation:
Bedford is 45 miles north of New York City, and 14 miles north of White Plains. It can be reached by the Saw Mill River Parkway and Interstate 684.

Bedford is also served by the Harlem Division of the Metro North Railroad. Train travel on Metro North between Bedford and New York City takes approximately one hour.

In addition, in White Plains, the Westchester County Airport offers flights to cities such as Boston, Washington DC, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis and other destinations.