First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Bristol County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loansLiving in New Bedford, Massachusetts
New Bedford is a city in Bristol County on Buzzards Bay, at the mouth of the Acushnet River. Incorporated as a town in 1787 and as a city in 1847, it was one of the world's most important whaling ports during the first half of the 19th century and, at its economic peak in 1857, was described as the wealthiest city in North America per capita. The Port of New Bedford is a leading U.S. commercial fishing port.
New Bedford at a glance
- $10.95Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $4,653Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- BristolCounty
- 1847Year incorporated
New Bedford's zip code
New Bedford uses ZIP codes 02740 and 02744 through 02746.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown / waterfront | 02740 | The historic district around William and Union streets, with cobblestone paving, gas lamps, and the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park visitor center. |
Things to do in New Bedford, MA
Start with New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and New Bedford Whaling Museum, then 3 more below.
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
A National Park Service unit covering the city's waterfront historic district, with cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and a visitor center in the Old Third District Courthouse. The district includes the U.S. Customhouse and Seamen's Bethel, the seafarers' chapel featured in Moby-Dick.
New Bedford waterfront historic district
New Bedford Whaling Museum
A museum on the city's whaling history and maritime heritage, adjacent to the national historical park's visitor center.
New Bedford, MA
Fort Taber Park
A 47-acre city park at Clark's Point on Wharf Road that includes the Fort Rodman Military Reservation, a stone Civil War-era fort with gun batteries, a lighthouse, and a museum of military artifacts.
Wharf Road, Clark's Point, New Bedford, MA
Buttonwood Park Zoo
Established in 1894, the third-oldest zoo in New England, on a 7-acre campus with more than 250 animals across 83 species. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Buttonwood Park, New Bedford, MA 02740
Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
A Greek Revival mansion built in 1834 by architect Richard Upjohn and designated a National Historic Landmark, telling the story of three families connected to the city's whaling industry.
396 County Street, New Bedford, MA
Around the calendar
- JulyFeast of the Blessed SacramentAn annual Portuguese-American religious and cultural feast in the city's North End, described as the world's largest Luso-American celebration.
- AugustWorking Waterfront FestivalAn annual festival on the New Bedford waterfront celebrating the city's commercial fishing industry.
A little history
New Bedford was incorporated as a town on February 23, 1787, and as a city on March 18, 1847.
During the first half of the 19th century, New Bedford was one of the world's most important whaling ports, and at its economic peak in 1857 it was described as the wealthiest city in North America per capita.
Frederick Douglass lived in New Bedford from 1838 to 1841, and the city was a center of abolitionist activity before the Civil War.
Parks, trails and outdoors in New Bedford
New Bedford's outdoor recreation centers on its Buzzards Bay waterfront and city parks, including Fort Taber Park and Buttonwood Park.
- Fort Taber ParkA 47-acre waterfront park at Clark's Point with a Civil War-era fort, gun batteries, and a lighthouse.
- Buttonwood ParkThe city park surrounding the Buttonwood Park Zoo.
Walkability and getting around New Bedford
Downtown New Bedford's historic waterfront district has cobblestone streets and a walkable core around William and Union streets, but much of the rest of the city is built around driving.
Drive times
- Providence, RI
- New Bedford Regional Airport, about 3.5 miles10 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) runs fixed bus routes in New Bedford. MBTA Commuter Rail's South Coast Rail service began March 24, 2025, on the Fall River/New Bedford Line, with Church Street and New Bedford stations connecting to Boston's South Station; Phase 1 service uses diesel trains, with a projected trip of roughly 83-85 minutes.
New Bedford property taxes
New Bedford's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.95 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $21.80. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,095 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $4,653, on an average assessed value of $424,920.
New Bedford's FY2026 tax rates
$10.95per $1,000, residential
- Residential$10.95 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$21.80 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$424,920
- Average single-family tax bill$4,653
- Motor vehicle excise (statewide)$25 per $1,000 of value
Source: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
How the residential rate has changed
| Fiscal year | Residential rate |
|---|---|
| FY2022 | $15.54 |
| FY2023 | $14.29 |
| FY2024 | $12.00 |
| FY2025 | $11.31 |
| FY2026 | $10.95 |
Look up a New Bedford property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in New Bedford
What we check on a New Bedford purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, new commuter rail, coastal flood zones.
Check the flood zone first
New Bedford sits on Buzzards Bay at the mouth of the Acushnet River, and a hurricane barrier built across the harbor mouth in the 1960s protects the inner harbor; low-lying waterfront parcels outside the barrier can fall within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for New BedfordSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the New Bedford Fire Department before the sale closes.
South Coast Rail began serving New Bedford in March 2025
MBTA Commuter Rail's Fall River/New Bedford Line started service on March 24, 2025, with two New Bedford stations connecting to Boston's South Station. Buyers weighing a Boston commute should check current MBTA schedules and travel times for this new line.
Check FEMA flood maps near the harbor and Buzzards Bay
Parts of New Bedford's waterfront, outside the 1960s hurricane barrier, fall within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check the flood map before you make an offer on a property near the harbor or bay.
All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, and property and program requirements. MassHousing limits and eligibility are set by MassHousing and change from time to time.
Thinking about buying in New Bedford?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a New Bedford address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to New Bedford: utilities, trash and city hall
Who to call in New Bedford.
- Registry of Motor VehiclesUpdate your address with the RMV within 30 days. Excise tax goes to the city or town where the car is garaged.Mass. RMV
City Hall offices and contacts
New Bedford City Hall.
New Bedford, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in New Bedford, MA?
New Bedford's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.95 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $21.80. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in New Bedford?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $4,380 a year at $10.95 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does New Bedford have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $10.95 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $21.80.
What is the average single-family tax bill in New Bedford?
The average single-family tax bill in New Bedford was $4,653 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $424,920.
Is there commuter rail service to New Bedford?
Yes. MBTA Commuter Rail's South Coast Rail service, on the Fall River/New Bedford Line, began March 24, 2025, with Church Street and New Bedford stations connecting to Boston's South Station.
What ZIP codes does New Bedford use?
New Bedford uses ZIP codes 02740 and 02744 through 02746.
Is there bus service in New Bedford?
The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) runs fixed bus routes in New Bedford.
Does New Bedford have its own airport?
New Bedford Regional Airport is a municipally owned, Part 139 commercial-service airport about 3.5 miles northwest of downtown, served by Cape Air, and also home to general-aviation operators.
What is the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park?
It's a National Park Service unit covering the city's waterfront historic district, with cobblestone streets, gas lamps, the U.S. Customhouse, Seamen's Bethel, and a visitor center in the Old Third District Courthouse.
Towns near New Bedford
Neighbors of New Bedford, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- New Bedford, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- New Bedford Historic District - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- New Bedford Regional Airport - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- South Coast Rail - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Southeastern Regional Transit Authority - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Fort Taber Park - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Buttonwood Park Zoo - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Tax rates and average single-family value and tax bill: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
- Motor vehicle excise: M.G.L. c. 60A, $25 per $1,000 of value statewide.
- Walkability: Walk Score®, provided live by Walk Score.
- Checked September 25, 2026.