New Bedford, Massachusetts lies on the coast within the limits of Bristol County and is the seventh largest city by population in that county. New Bedford is also a port city that is bordered by Dartmouth, Freetown, Acushnet, Fairhaven and Buzzards Bay. The nearest large cities are Boston, 47 miles to the north and Providence, Rhode Island, 28 miles to the north west. Nearby towns include Smith Mills, Dartmouth, Bliss Corner, Mattapoisett and Mattapoisett Center.
Those moving to New Bedford will discover a beautiful and exciting port city.
Economy:
The mainstay of the economy of New Bedford is its port, which not only handles cargo, but also cruise liners. There are several marinas within the port's boundaries.
Fishing remains a large contributor to the city's coffers and in 2005 New Bedford Port had the largest income from fishing in the United States.
The manufacturing and healthcare sectors continue to employ large numbers of the residents of New Bedford and tourism is an up and coming income generator.
The Cost of Living Index for New Bedford, as reported in January 2011, is high – at 34.7 points above the average for the United States. Unemployment figures reported in December 2010 stood at 14 percent.
History:
The original inhabitants of the area were the Wampanoag Native Americans. During the 17th century the first European settlers arrived in the area and an area of land known as Bedford Village as renamed New Bedford in 1787 and incorporated into a town which, in 1847, was incorporated as a city.
Tourism:
Visitors to New Bedford will enjoy the several parks in the city and the fishing and sea related activities on offer. The Acushnet Cedar Swamp State Reservation is interesting, as is the Buttonwood Zoo.