Question 1

Is Jamaica Plain, MA or New Bedford, MA cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

New Bedford, MA is cheaper. The median home price in Jamaica Plain, MA is approximately $729,600 and in New Bedford, MA it is approximately $280,000 — a difference of $449,600.

Question 2

Is Jamaica Plain, MA or New Bedford, MA safer?

Accepted Answer

Jamaica Plain, MA scores higher on safety. Jamaica Plain, MA has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated Moderate. New Bedford, MA has violent crime rated High and property crime rated High.

Question 3

Is Jamaica Plain, MA or New Bedford, MA more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Jamaica Plain, MA is more walkable. Jamaica Plain, MA has a Walk Score of 67/100 and New Bedford, MA has a Walk Score of 22/100.

Question 4

Which has better schools, Jamaica Plain, MA or New Bedford, MA?

Accepted Answer

Jamaica Plain, MA has higher-rated schools. Jamaica Plain, MA has a school rating of 7.6/10 and New Bedford, MA has a rating of 7.1/10.

Question 5

Should I live in Jamaica Plain, MA or New Bedford, MA?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Jamaica Plain, MA	New Bedford, MA
Housing
Verdict	Good for now	Think twice
Median Price	$730K	$280K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$2K	$1K ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$115K ✓ Higher income	$52K
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	67/100 ✓ More walkable	22/100
Transit Score	33/100 ✓ Better transit	17/100
Bike Score	40/100 ✓ More bikeable	N/A
Commute	16 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	7.6/10 ✓ Better schools	7.1/10
Best for	Young professionalsFamilies with childrenPet owners	budget familiesremote workersseaside lovers

Jamaica Plain, MA vs New Bedford, MA

Bottom line