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New Bedford, Massachusetts

Information and resources for the community of New Bedford, MA.

New Bedford anchors the SouthCoast with history, natural beauty, and a diversity of cultures and amenities.

Once the richest city in the world - and prominently featured in Melville’s Moby Dick - this former whaling capital is still the #1 fishing port in the United States. (That’s right, Alaska!) New Bedford’s Downtown feels like a true city – modern, distinct, and vibrant. And yet the Seaport Cultural District, nestled between the port and the downtown, is a walk back in time - its historic architecture and cobblestone streets lead to the New Bedford Whaling National Park and the Whaling Museum, the heart of the city’s historical heritage. Come for this taste of history – one of the few urban National Historic Parks in the country. Stay for the arts festivals, such as AHA!, the local breweries, and the incredible seafood and Portuguese fare. New Bedford is one of the region’s – and the nation’s – true gems.

By the Numbers

Residents

Population: 95,117

Population Change: %

Median Age: 37.4

Poverty Level: 21.1%

Avg. Household Size: 2.37

Median Household Income: $43,989

Housing

Percent Cost Burden: 40.5%

Average Age Built: 1948

Ownership Rate: 36.8%

Seasonal Units: 0

Average Sale Price: $220,000

Subsidized Housing Inventory: 11.99%

Industry

Top Three Industries:

Health Care and Social Assistance
Manufacturing
Retail Trade

Average Annual Wage: 955

Average Commute Time: 25.3 minutes

Transportation

Miles of Sidewalk: 365.3

Chapter 90 Funding: $2,080,771

Regional Transit Authority (RTA): SRTA

Available Public Transit Services:

Fixed Route Bus Service
Demand Response Service for persons with a disability
Wareham-New Bedford Connection

Environment

Number of Culverts: 85