Country Living

One of Westchester's oldest towns, Bedford has long attracted those looking for a taste of country living. The town is comprised of three distinct hamlets, Bedford Hills, Bedford Village, and Katonah, each offering a strong sense of community with small town charm.

Population

17,906

Established

1680

Size

39.4 Miles

Parkland

10 parks

Opportunities in Bedford

While Bedford is known for its historic country estates, it is by no means a sleepy, small town. Its three hamlets feature charming main streets with locally owned shops and restaurants, not to mention the cultural opportunities in this small town. Bedford offers a small town life with big city features.

History

Founded in 1680, Bedford was once the County Seat of Westchester County and is home to the County's oldest government building. Each hamlet offers a glimpse into the different eras of this town's rich history. Bedford Village, with its Village Green, showcases 18th and 19th century buildings and Katonah, which was moved to its current location in the 1890's, is a glimpse to the Victorian era. Throughout Bedford you'll see reminders of its treasured past.

Parks & Recreation

With ten parks offering pools, playing fields, hiking trails, and lakes, you'll find Bedford residents enjoying the nature surrounding them. Horseback riding is also an important part of Bedford's landscape. For over 100 years residents have maintained a network of over 100 miles of trails for riders to walk, trot, or gallop through. It isn't uncommon to see horses along the back roads of Bedford.

Culture

Despite its reputation as a sleepy, small town, Bedford has many cultural opportunities for its residents. You can experience outdoor music festivals in the enchanted garden setting at Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah, or take in visual arts at the Katonah Museum of Art. Bedford Village is home to the recently renovated Bedford Playhouse, featuring family and independent films, along with talks from some of Bedford's famous residents.

Education

Bedford is made up of three distinct hamlets. Bedford Village and Bedford Hills attend Bedford Central Schools. Katonah residents attend Katonah-Lewisboro schools. A small section of Bedford attends Byram Hills Union Free Schools. There are also several private schools in Bedford.

Call Westchester Home

Whether you’re looking for an historic home on the countryside, a modern luxury apartment in a thriving downtown, or something in between, you’ll find it in Westchester.

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450 square miles and 45 cities, towns and villages.

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Relax at beaches, hike and bike trails, and enjoy other activities across 18,000 acres of parkland.

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Get to Grand Central Station in as little as 30 minutes.

Our Incentives

Westchester County’s various incentives help support startups, assist not-for-profits, and promote economic development through creating, attracting and retaining jobs, and more.

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Industrial Development Agency

Sales tax exemptions on new construction, expansion or renovation projects, or the acquisition of new equipment, and more help companies grow and prosper.

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Local Development Corporation

Since its inception in 2012, we’ve assisted not-for-profit organizations in securing tax-exempt bond financing benefits totaling over $400 million—at no cost or risk to the taxpayers of Westchester County.

Our Programs

Westchester County offers programs and services to assist and incentivize businesses.

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Element 46 Incubator

The new Element 46 Incubator program kicked off in 2019 to inspire and support entrepreneurial talent and the development of new businesses in the County. Nearly a hundred business leaders will serve as mentors to startups, offering their expertise, time, and support.

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Minority and Women-Owned Business Program

Westchester works to encourage, promote and increase participation of business enterprises owned and controlled by persons of color or women.

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Opportunity Zones

This new community investment tool established by Congress in 2017 encourages long-term investments in low-income urban and rural communities nationwide.

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Service-Disabled Veteran - Owned Business Program

Westchester encourages and supports eligible SDVOBs to play a greater role in the state's economy by increasing their participation in New York State's contracting opportunities.

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Disadvantaged Business Program

This federally regulated program provides a vehicle for increasing the participation by small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

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