New Bedford, Massachusetts, is synonymous with whales, wealth, struggle websites, and waterfront enjoyable.
The adventures begin on Buzzards Bay, however ferries can take you thru the fantastic thing about Nantucket, Martha’s Winery, and Cape Cod.
New Bedford isn’t to be confused with the town of Bedford, the latter of which is a northwest suburb of Boston.
New Bedford sits within the South Shore area, typically ignored for the treasures alongside Cape Cod.
Make no mistake about it – New Bedford is nicely definitely worth the go to.
This place was as soon as known as “The Metropolis that Lit the World” as a consequence of its industrial ability set of turning whale fats into lantern oil that was shipped domestically and internationally.
It was as soon as probably the most prosperous metropolis on the planet per capita, even with whale carcasses lining the streets throughout manufacturing.
Whereas the Whaling Capital of the World is now not an acceptable title, the fishing trade continues to be strong right here and among the many highest-grossing ports within the nation.
Tourism virtually occurred in New Bedford as an afterthought.
The wealthy economic system of the whaling turned textile industries with a gradual revenue from fishing and scalloping made this a working city.
You received’t discover an abundance of lodges right here, however should you widen the search alongside I-195, extra will likely be accessible.
Warnings & Risks in New Bedford
OVERALL RISK : LOW
There is a low danger in New Bedford, and the identical could not have been stated a decade in the past. The regular decline in violent and property crime is a hit, however there’s nonetheless work to be achieved. Violent crime continues to be 40% increased than the nationwide common, however it’s not the place too many random acts of violence occur. Plus, you might have a lot to see and do in protected locations that fundamental private security steps go a good distance.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
SRTA is the general public transportation via New Bedford and virtually a dozen extra cities on this area. The Inexperienced Shuttle provides rides to Windfall and Boston. A number of rental automobile manufacturers are in New Bedford, and taxis can be found too. Seastreak boat ferry takes folks from New Bedford to Nantucket or Martha’s Winery.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : LOW
Only one pickpocket and one purse snatching was reported in 2021, displaying that both thieves are few and much between or folks actually follow the usual security steering and restrict what they carry round.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Any waterfront neighborhood in New England will face the danger of flooding and tropical climate, particularly between June and November when hurricane season is underway. Winters are blustery and chilly, with ongoing flood dangers. Extreme thunderstorms and an occasional twister or waterspout also can occur.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
Theft charges are on the nationwide common, however simply 30% of these had been freeway robberies. Staying conscious of your environment and never strolling round at night time alone will maintain your danger low.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
There is a low danger in any of those waterfront communities on the South Shore, however you’ll be able to join alerts from the U.S. Terrorism Advisory System to evaluate bulletins to see if that menace adjustments.
SCAMS RISK : LOW
Cellphone solicitors and rental scams are the largest threats right here. Rental housing will likely be costly anyplace on the South Shore, so a reduced rental value ought to be the primary signal one thing is amiss. By no means wire cash to safe a reservation. Use an area journey company to get trusted choices if you’d like a rental.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Statistically, ladies have a barely decrease danger in New Bedford. Visiting in the course of the daytime is safer than wandering the docks and city at night time. Attempt to at all times journey with a buddy or a gaggle for the most secure expertise. Report something suspicious to the native police.
TAP WATER RISK : LOW
In accordance with the 2021 Water High quality Report, all requirements had been met or exceeded, and no violations had been reported. New Water High quality studies should be posted by June of a given yr, and yow will discover these on the utility division’s web site or ask that one be mailed to you.
Most secure Locations to Go to in New Bedford
DestinationNewBedford.org and NewBedfordCreative.org are two nice web sites run by tourism officers locally.
You may search the safe web site for the most secure actions within the metropolis and area.
VisitSEMass.com covers New Bedford, Fall River, and Larger Attleboro areas too.
New Bedford Whaling Nationwide Historic Park is correct within the metropolis middle, masking 13 blocks with a number of museums and points of interest alongside the best way, together with:
- New Bedford Whaling Museum
- Ned Bedford Fishing Heritage Heart
- New Bedford Port Society: Seamen’s Bethel & Mariner’s Residence historic buildings
- Buzzards Bay Coalition: Training in regards to the ecological influence of the bay and an inventory of eco-friendly actions
- Inexperienced areas, artwork venues, and efficiency artwork phases
Since that’s all a part of a Nationwide Park, obtain the NPS app to get a full listing of issues to do, admission/parking data, and security suggestions.
The schooner Ernestina-Morrissey sits in its dwelling port of New Bedford close to the ferry terminal, and in 2023, excursions begin up once more after seven years of restoration work.
The ship first launched in 1894 and made a number of arctic journeys throughout her working years.
Examine the web site ernestina.org nearer to your journey to see up to date tour data.
The New Bedford Museum of Glass is a chic expertise displaying why New Bedford was often called the artwork glass headquarters of America.
Greater than 7,000 show items really astound you with impeccable and distinctive glass artistry.
Don’t miss the Crystal Kingdom, with miniature animal replicas made out of colourful crystals.
Fort Taber Park is dwelling to Fort Taber and Fort Rodman.
Why are there two forts in a single place?
Fort Taber was a rapidly constructed earthen construction developed when it turned clear that Fort Rodman wasn’t going to be accomplished quick sufficient to interact within the Civil Struggle.
Fort Rodman can also be listed as Fort at Clark’s Level.
There’s a army museum at this park that can clarify the dynamics significantly better than I simply did.
A sandy seashore strains the east aspect of this park.
Town additionally oversees East Seashore and West Seashore, along with the seashore on the park.
West Seashore has amphibious wheelchairs to accommodate these with mobility points.
The one draw back to West Seashore is that you should have a seasonal cross to park there, and as of 2022, that can price you $60 as a non-resident.
You should use money to pay for a seasonal parking cross.
Among the best methods to see the town and bay is alongside the Harborwalk.
That is really a hurricane barrier, however for the reason that Nineteen Sixties has additionally been a well-liked strolling path alongside the water.
It does lengthen to a barrier island, the place you’ll be able to see Fort Phoenix State Reservation, a small historic fort.
You’ll should drive across the peninsula to get that fort, however extra historical past and seashores abound in that reservation.
Locations to Keep away from in New Bedford
In case you follow the nationwide park, seashores, and historic areas, you received’t have to fret a few unhealthy neighborhood or a harmful a part of city.
Whereas this was as soon as an prosperous neighborhood, it now has a median revenue of $50,000 yearly with an almost 20% poverty price.
The locations which might be price exploring are clearly detailed on the tourism website.
Summer time guests ought to examine the state web site’s Present Public Seashore Postings part to examine the water high quality earlier than selecting a seashore.
Algae blooms and micro organism could make the water too harmful for swimming.
Indicators will likely be posted on every seashore, however wouldn’t you relatively know earlier than you park and get to the sand?
Some companies will likely be closed throughout winter or have restricted seasonal hours.
You must examine along with your most well-liked points of interest and see the schedule in the course of the time of yr you propose to go to.
Whereas there’ll at all times be loads of issues to see and do on the South Shore any time of yr, slightly little bit of analysis goes a good distance.
Security Suggestions for Touring to New Bedford
- New Bedford Police Division (NBPD) has an internet site part known as “Police Logs,” the place you’ll discover crime statistics, every day arrest studies, and updates on main incidents. Whereas official crime information is just launched yearly, this gives you a greater sense of crime traits nearer to your journey.
- NBPD is on Twitter, Instagram, and Fb, however the Fb web page is up to date most frequently. The deal with is @NewBedfordPolice. The primary cellphone quantity for the division is (508) 991-6350. It’s sensible to avoid wasting that quantity in your cellphone in case you have questions earlier than or throughout your journey.
- In case you discover suspicious exercise or drug crimes taking place that aren’t pressing, you’ll be able to report crime suggestions anonymously to 508-99-CRIME (508-992-7463). Whilst you can go away your title and make contact with data, you aren’t required to take action.
- Whilst you won’t assume a busy fishing city has gangs or drug trades, this metropolis is battling an issue with each. Police raids previously few years have turned up unlawful gang-owned weapons and a drug bust that ranked as the most important within the state’s historical past. It’s necessary to report any graffiti you see, as that’s an indicator of a gang and drug exercise.
- New Bedford makes use of the CodeRED notification system to alert residents and guests to climate, civil, and security emergencies. You will have to enroll in an account, and it’s nicely price it since most cities on this area, together with Windfall, use the identical instrument. The Massachusetts Emergency Company additionally provides a Ping3Alerts! app that provides statewide data whereas additionally permitting customers to add storm harm data or pictures.
- Throughout snow occasions, a snow emergency declaration will tremendously restrict the place you’ll be able to park. As a part of the Winter Storm Equipment on the town’s web site, you’ll be able to evaluate public parking heaps open throughout winter climate. Whilst you’re there, evaluate the automobile security equipment data should you’ll be driving within the storm.
- If storms trigger energy outages throughout any time of the yr, calling the town or police division received’t do any good. It is advisable name the facility supplier, Eversource (previously NSTAR), at 1-800-592-2000. The Eversource web site additionally has an outage part the place you’ll be able to examine and report outages.
- New Bedford and the South Shore area have the nation’s largest gathering of Portuguese People. A number of Portuguese occasions are held yearly, and the Portuguese Instances web site and newspaper provide native tales and data. Whereas native tv protection comes primarily from Windfall and a few from Boston, you’ll be able to learn the South Coast Right now or Normal-Instances to get hyper-local data.
- If you wish to fish right here, you’ll want a Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife license. Non-residents pays greater than residents, and there are tiers of licensing for various actions or sorts of water. You should purchase the license on-line and you should definitely maintain it with you always whereas fishing, together with a photograph ID.
- Visiting the New Bedford Whaling Nationwide Historic Park differs from conventional rural parks. That is a part of a working metropolis, so that you’ll should cope with site visitors and pedestrian-sharing areas. Don’t cross a avenue outdoors a crosswalk, and at all times affirm the drivers see you earlier than strolling forward. The streets are made from cobblestone, which may result in journeys or falls. Don’t put on heels right here, and watch your step.
So… How Secure Is New Bedford Actually?
New Bedford has made unimaginable strides over the previous decade to scrub up the crime locally.
Whereas there’s nonetheless work to do, the town’s total crime price is down practically 40% since 2011.
It’s particularly spectacular since many cities noticed violent crime surge throughout and instantly after the pandemic.
“We’ve deliberately centered on constructing partnerships throughout the town and with each member of our neighborhood,” Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro stated.
“The time period ‘we’re on this collectively’ utilized to New Bedford lengthy earlier than the pandemic.
“We’re really a metropolis of 1.
We’ve patrol officers working in live performance with clinicians, well being service suppliers, landlords, and enterprise house owners to assist resolve issues.
We persistently deal with the foundation explanation for points which might be arising locally.
It makes an enormous distinction once we join with the neighborhood.”
Violent crime continues to be 1.5 occasions increased than the nationwide common, however 23% of that crime entails strangers, in order that lowers your danger proper off the bat.
One other 46% of violent crimes occur at dwelling.
The lower in crime parallels the town revitalization and enhancement of the tourism trade.
Whereas it could lack the luster of locations like Newport, Martha’s Winery, or Hyannisport, it actually has earned its place in historical past and provides lots of the similar sorts of points of interest with out inflated costs.
How Does New Bedford Examine?
Helpful Data
- Visas – The U.S. State Division requires all worldwide vacationers to have a legitimate passport greater than six months from expiring and a visa or visa waiver. You may evaluate the method on the division’s web site, however do not waste any time. This course of can take a number of months. You will have to do an in-person interview, listing any legal historical past, and supply an inventory of social media websites from the previous 5 years, whether or not they’re nonetheless energetic or not.
- Forex – The U.S. Greenback is the one foreign money accepted in Massachusetts and Rhode Island areas. You must carry some money for locations that will not take bank cards however maintain it in a hidden pocket or one other protected, much less apparent place. Exchanging present in your house nation will provide decrease conversion charges. Some U.S. banks will purchase again the unused foreign money.
- Climate – You must plan for all 4 seasons, though this can be a waterfront neighborhood. Winters may be blustery and chilly, with snow, ice, or sleet. Fall and spring have vast temperature swings, so carry a number of layers of clothes. Convey waterproof outer layers and cozy strolling footwear or snow boots any time of yr. Bug spray and sunscreen are wanted in the summertime.
- Airports – New Bedford has a regional airport, however flights solely go to the close by islands. You will get to Boston Logan Worldwide Airport or Rhode Island T.F. Inexperienced Worldwide Airport in an hour however plan for longer should you’re utilizing a shuttle or touring throughout rush hour.
- Journey Insurance coverage – We suggest journey insurance coverage for all journeys, particularly as a result of danger of climate cancelations right here. As I write this, it is on the peak of the journey nightmare following Christmas 2022, and 1000’s of flights are canceled, leaving folks stranded. You need to shield in opposition to these worst-case situations.
Click here to get an offer for travel insurance
New Bedford Climate Averages (Temperatures)
-1° C
0° C
4° C
9° C
15° C
20° C
24° C
23° C
19° C
13° C
8° C
2° C
Common Excessive/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Might | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive °C |
3 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 19 | 25 | 28 | 27 | 23 | 17 | 12 | 6 |
| Low °C |
-5 | -4 | -1 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 8 | 4 | -2 |
| Excessive °F |
37 | 39 | 46 | 55 | 66 | 77 | 82 | 81 | 73 | 63 | 54 | 43 |
| Low °F |
23 | 25 | 30 | 41 | 50 | 59 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 46 | 39 | 28 |
