Question 1

Is New Bedford, MA or Newton, MA cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

New Bedford, MA is cheaper. The median home price in New Bedford, MA is approximately $280,000 and in Newton, MA it is approximately $971,700 — a difference of $691,700.

Question 2

Is New Bedford, MA or Newton, MA safer?

Accepted Answer

Newton, MA scores higher on safety. New Bedford, MA has violent crime rated High and property crime rated High. Newton, MA has violent crime rated Low and property crime rated Low.

Question 3

Is New Bedford, MA or Newton, MA more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Newton, MA is more walkable. New Bedford, MA has a Walk Score of 22/100 and Newton, MA has a Walk Score of 32/100.

Question 4

Which has better schools, New Bedford, MA or Newton, MA?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Should I live in New Bedford, MA or Newton, MA?

Accepted Answer

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

Category	New Bedford, MA	Newton, MA
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Settle here
Median Price	$280K ✓ Lower price	$972K
Median Rent	$1K ✓ Lower rent	$2K
Median Income	$52K	$134K ✓ Higher income
Price Volatility	Moderate	Low ✓ More stable
Getting Around
Walk Score	22/100	32/100 ✓ More walkable
Transit Score	17/100	44/100 ✓ Better transit
Bike Score	N/A	36/100 ✓ More bikeable
Commute	76 min	15 min ✓ Shorter commute
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	F	A ✓ Safer
Violent Crime	High	Low ✓ Lower risk
Property Crime	High	Low ✓ Lower risk
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Moderate	Good ✓ Cleaner air
Community
Schools	7.1/10	7.6/10 ✓ Better schools
Best for	budget familiesremote workersseaside lovers	FamiliesCommuters to BostonHigh income professionals

New Bedford, MA vs Newton, MA

Bottom line