New Bedford, Massachusetts
Learn More About the Fall River, Massachusetts Community
NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS
ZIP CODES
02740, 02744, 02745, 02746
HISTORY
FUN FACT: Did you know New Bedford was the WORLD’S MOST IMPORTANT whaling port?
First settled in 1652, New Bedford, MA quickly became a household name with the boom of the whaling industry. When oil resources depleted, the city grew into a textile machine during the Industrial Revolution. To this day, many of the original mill textile buildings have been converted into high-end loft apartments.
POPULATION SIZE
95,239 (2019 Census)
TRANSPORTATION
Access to Interstate 195
Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA Busses)
Port of New Bedford Ferry Services (SeaStreak)
South Coast Rail’s MBTA Commuter Rail (to Boston)
SCHOOLS
The historic New Bedford High School is the city’s only public high school. If you’re looking for an alternative, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School offers students across Bristol County an opportunity to gain a trade as well as a diploma.
“The city operates two alternative junior-senior high schools, Whaling City Alternative School, out of the original Greater New Bedford Vocational High School building, and Trinity Day Academy. There are also two charter schools, the Global Learning Charter Public School [and] the Alma del Mar Charter School” (Wikipedia).
COLLEGES
New Bedford, MA is host to UMass Dartmouth’s marine campus. However, the main campus in Dartmouth, MA is only a 10-15 minute drive away.
Bristol Community College is a 2 year college offering hundreds of certificate, trade, GED, and associate degree options. BCC also offers unique programs for those with special accommodations or in low-income households.
Fisher College’s neighborhood campus is also located in New Bedford, MA.
CULTURE/EVENTS
New Bedford’s residents are often deep-rooted in Portuguese culture. With the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament hosted annually, you’ll get to taste test all the local favorites!
However, Portuguese isn’t the only culture found here. In fact, the city is extremely diverse. Just by exploring a new corner of the block, you can find an Asian buffet or Italian hot-spot. The New Bedford Folk Festival, the Jazzfest, Working Waterfront Festival also offer family friendly fun!
POINTS OF INTEREST
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
LOCAL RESOURCES
New Bedford’s Water Department
New Bedford’s Building Department + Permits
