Massachusetts / County

Moving to New Bedford, MA

Thinking of making a move to New Bedford, MA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to New Bedford, MA

Considering a move to New Bedford, MA? This welcoming community of 101,079 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $349,000 and average rents near $1,280. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore New Bedford's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - New Bedford, MA

New Bedford has a population of 101,079 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 65% White, 8% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 31% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
101,079
Density
4,800 per sq mi
Median Age
37.9
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
31.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
65.0%
Black
7.9%
Asian
1.5%
Others
25.6%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in New Bedford, MA?

The cost of living in New Bedford is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 109.5. Median home values are around $349,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,280. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$349,000
Gross Rent
$1,280
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,700
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$570
State Taxes
Low: 5.0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
109.5
Grocery
106.2
Housing
98.7
Utilities
109.1
Transportation
113.3
Health Care
112.4
Miscellaneous
105.9

Crime

Is New Bedford, MA a safe place to live?

New Bedford is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 527 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 42. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Massachusetts.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
527
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,356
Crime Index
2,883
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 190
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 42

Weather

What is the weather like in New Bedford, MA year-round?

New Bedford experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 80°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
80°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
49.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $51,600 and a low poverty rate of 19.5%. Over 78% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 17% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$28,800
Household Income
$51,600
Family Income
$61,300
Per Capita Income
$26,100
Income Male
$36,200
Income Female
$30,900
Poverty Rate
19.5%
Non English Speakers
31.0%
Rent
$1,280
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
Public Transport Usage
3.1%
Commute Time
23.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
77.5%
Bachelors or More
17.2%

Education

How are the schools in New Bedford, MA?

New Bedford offers quality education options, with public schools like Keith Middle School and New Bedford High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Bristol Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Keith Middle School
Street
225 Hathaway Blvd
Phone
508-997-4511
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
13.5
Name
New Bedford High School
Street
230 Hathaway Blvd
Phone
508-997-4511
Students
2,900
Student Teacher Ratio
16.4

Private Schools

Name
Holy Family Holy Name School
Street
91 Summer St
Phone
508-993-3547
Students
300

Colleges

Name
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
City
Dartmouth
State
MA
Distance
6 miles
Students
8,500
Name
Bristol Community College
City
Fall River
State
MA
Distance
15 miles
Students
10,000

Healthcare

New Bedford residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like St. Luke's Hospital and Southcoast Health - Charlton Memorial Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.5 per 1,000 people and 94.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
St. Luke's Hospital
Address
101 Page St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone
(508) 997-1515
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Southcoast Health - Charlton Memorial Hospital
Address
363 Highland Ave, Fall River, MA 02720
Phone
(508) 679-3131
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage
94.6%
Health Care Index
77.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in New Bedford, MA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $349,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 40%. The market has seen a 7.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.7%. New Bedford offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$349,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,280
Owner Occupied Rate
39.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
7.2%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of New Bedford handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in New Bedford. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Massachusetts
Department
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address
212 Theodore H. Rice Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone
1-857-368-8000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to New Bedford, MA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to New Bedford, review the core fields on this page: population 101,079, median home value $349,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,280, commute time 23.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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