Yesterday's Values are alive and well in Bedford. Bedford Community School District is NCA accredited offering a rigorous acedemic program as well as vocational and technical classes. Bedford students consistently score in the top ten percent nationally in ACT and SAT college entrance exams. Other regional colleges are Creighton University, Drake University, University of Iowa, Iowa State, University of Nebraska, and local community colleges including Iowa Western Community College at Clarinda and Southwestern Community College at Creston. Bedford is nationally recognized for its excellent pheasant, quail, and deer hunting.
Numerous area lakes and ponds offer year-round fishing, camping, and boating opportunities.
Golfing is available at the Bedford Country Club or at eleven other reagional courses. Tennis, volleyball, basketball, and swimming facilities are available at local Bibbins Park. Bedford hosts many annual events and festivals including the Antique Flea Market, Arts in the Alley, Crafts in the Courtyard, a Victorian Courthouse Christmas, Taylor County Fair, 4th of July Celebration and 10k Red Brick Run. Bedford Manor provides personal care for the elderly. Dental and optometric services are available as well.