Your Guide to Buying a Home in New Bedford, MA

Buying a Home in New Bedford, Massachusetts

New Bedford is located in Bristol County

"Around the World!" The crews of New Bedford's famous whaleships sang out this phrase as they embarked on voyages which took them to every corner of the globe in pursuit of whale oil. Herman Melville shipped out of New Bedford in 1841; the experience inspired him to write Moby-Dick.

Today, New Bedford is an authentic seaport city with a large fishing fleet and working waterfront. The seafaring traditions of its mariner forefathers still hold fast. As in Melville's day, the "Whaleman's Chapel," or Seamen's Bethel, looks ever seaward from atop cobblestoned Johnny Cake Hill. It remains an active house of worship. Across the street, the New Bedford Whaling Museum houses the world's largest collection of whaling artifacts, including a ship model so large, you can climb aboard! Both places stand in the heart of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, a 13-block area of the downtown adjacent to the waterfront. The Park preserves and celebrates the city's role as "Whaling Capital of the World" in 19th century America. The city was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad, well known for helping slaves on their trek to freedom. Frederick Douglass found his freedom and his voice in New Bedford.

New Bedford is also home port to the official vessel of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The 105-year-old Ernestina brings to life maritime history and education to students of all ages.

The County Street historic area features dozens of whaling era mansions that Melville imagined were raised up "from the bottom of the sea." The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum is one such mansion frozen in time. Visitors are transported back to 1834 and the opulence of New Bedford's golden age of whaling. Also located downtown is the Zeiterion Theatre, a meticulously restored Vaudeville Era theatre featuring original wall tapestries, massive chandeliers and Wurlitzer Organ. The Zeiterion is home to the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and also offers a wide array of stage entertainment from around the world.

The New Bedford Art Museum, located on City Hall Square, exhibits works from the vast 19th century art collection of the New Bedford Free Public Library as well as a board range of local and traveling exhibitions.

On nearby Bedford Street, the New Bedford Fire Museum features a large collection of 19th century fire apparatus housed in Old Station #4. Built in 1867 to accommodate horse-drawn "Steamers", #4 is the oldest active station in Massachusetts.

New Bedford also has many small shops and galleries. And numerous area restaurants feature New Bedford's legendary seafood and Portuguese cuisine. Finally, New Bedford offers a full calendar of fairs and festivals, including Summerfest, the traditional Blessing of the Fleet and the largest celebration of Portuguese culture in the nation, the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament.

New Bedford homes for sale typically range from $125,000 to $400,000.  New Bedford housing can start as low as $100,000 and go up as high as $500,000 plus. Land for sale in New Bedford averages from $50,000 to $150,000 for a lot or acre. Available homes in New Bedford include Single Family Homes, Multi Family Homes, New Construction, Waterfront Homes, Condos, Town homes, Lots, Acreage, Modular, Pre-Fab homes, New Developments, Golf Communities, Retirement Communities, Commercial Property, Historic Homes, Victorian and Rentals.