📍 Location & Geography
New Bedford is a city located in Bristol County, in the southeastern part of the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated along the southern coast of Massachusetts, on the western shore of Buzzards Bay. The city covers a total area of approximately 24.1 square miles, of which about 20.0 square miles is land and 4.1 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of New Bedford are approximately 41.6362° N latitude and 70.9346° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
New Bedford is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts and is part of the Providence metropolitan area. The city is divided into several neighborhoods, including the North End, South End, and West End.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the city of New Bedford had a population of approximately 95,363. The city has a diverse population, with a large number of residents of Portuguese and Cape Verdean descent. The median age in the city is around 37 years.
🏛️ History
New Bedford was first settled by Europeans in 1652 and was officially incorporated as a city in 1847. It was a major whaling port in the 19th century, earning it the nickname “The Whaling City”. The city’s historic district, which includes a large number of preserved 19th-century buildings, is a testament to this rich maritime history.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
New Bedford is known for its beautiful coastline and numerous parks. The city is home to the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, which includes a museum and several historical sites. Buttonwood Park, one of the largest parks in the city, features a zoo, pond, and several walking trails. The city’s location on Buzzards Bay also provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
🏫 Education
New Bedford is served by the New Bedford Public Schools district, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. The city is also home to Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School and New Bedford High School. Higher education institutions in the city include the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Bristol Community College.
🚧 Transportation
New Bedford is served by a number of major highways, including Interstates 195 and 495. The city also has a public transportation system operated by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA), which provides bus service throughout the city and surrounding areas. The New Bedford Regional Airport provides air travel options, and the city’s harbor allows for ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
📜 Trivia & Events
New Bedford hosts several annual events, including the New Bedford Folk Festival and the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, the largest Portuguese festival in the country. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and art festivals. In addition, New Bedford was the setting for Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby-Dick.