Let the numbers do the talking.
Boston, MA vs New Bedford, MA
Boston, MA vs New Bedford, MA: What the data shows
Boston, MA is in Boston, 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 — $1,181,100 less than Boston, MA's $1,461,100. WYLT rates Boston, MA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and New Bedford, MA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Boston, MA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Boston, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. New Bedford, MA has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Boston, MA has Low flood risk and New Bedford, MA has Low flood risk.
Boston, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Boston, MA scores 100/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus New Bedford, MA's 22/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Boston, MA has the higher school rating — Boston, MA rates 7.5/10 and New Bedford, MA rates 7.1/10.
| Category | Boston, MA | New Bedford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Think twice |
| Median Price | $1.46M | $280K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $132K ✓ Higher income | $52K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 100/100 ✓ More walkable | 22/100 |
| Transit Score | 70/100 ✓ Better transit | 17/100 |
| Bike Score | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 6 min ✓ Shorter commute | 76 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.1/10 |
| Best for | Young professionalsStudentsFamilies with school‑goers | budget familiesremote workersseaside lovers |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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