Let the numbers do the talking.
Beacon Hill, MA vs New Bedford, MA
Beacon Hill, MA vs New Bedford, MA: What the data shows
Beacon Hill, MA is in Beacon Hill, MA while New Bedford, MA is in New Bedford, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, New Bedford, MA is the more affordable option at $280,000 median — $1,393,800 less than Beacon Hill, MA's $1,673,800. WYLT rates Beacon Hill, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and New Bedford, MA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Beacon Hill, MA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Beacon Hill, MA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. New Bedford, MA has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Beacon Hill, MA has Low flood risk and New Bedford, MA has Low flood risk.
Beacon Hill, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Beacon Hill, MA scores 100/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus New Bedford, MA's 22/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Beacon Hill, MA has the higher school rating — Beacon Hill, MA rates 7.5/10 and New Bedford, MA rates 7.1/10.
| Category | Beacon Hill, MA | New Bedford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Think twice |
| Median Price | $1.67M | $280K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $170K ✓ Higher income | $52K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 100/100 ✓ More walkable | 22/100 |
| Transit Score | 60/100 ✓ Better transit | 17/100 |
| Bike Score | 65/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 4 min ✓ Shorter commute | 76 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.1/10 |
| Best for | High‑earning professionalsRemote workers who value downtown proximityRetirees seeking low crime and walkability | budget familiesremote workersseaside lovers |
Bottom line
For high-earning professionals and academics who value top-notch schools and proximity to Boston, Beacon Hill is the clear choice. For budget-friendly families and retirees who prioritize affordability and a beach lifestyle, New Bedford might be a better fit, but they should be aware of the trade-offs with commute time and crime rates. Ultimately, individuals should weigh their priorities carefully before deciding between these two distinctly different neighborhoods.
Share this comparison