Immortalized in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, New Bedford was the center of the world’s whaling industry in the 1840s, with more than 400 whaling vessels sailing out of the city’s port. Once a leader in the whale oil industry, New Bedford was nicknamed "The City That Lit the World.” Today, New Bedford is America's #1 fishing port with a large fishing fleet, spoiling visitors and locals alike with fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants.
As an old post-industrial city, New Bedford has reinvented itself without losing its identity. The city’s historic downtown is also a thriving commercial center, complete with museums, galleries, green spaces, and an expanding restaurant scene. New Bedford’s refurbished waterfront, improved civic infrastructure, and flourishing arts and entertainment scene have helped revitalize the diverse and culturally-rich community.
New Bedford has a wealth of historic and cultural attractions, including the New Bedford Art Museum, New Bedford Whaling Museum, and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum. Parks, recreation, and beaches are all within easy access to downtown, and the community hosts many free family events. There are bike paths and boat launches, nature trails and playgrounds, and shopping experiences that range from antiques to boutiques. New Bedford is one of the three largest cities on the South Shore. Interstate 195 is the city’s main highway, and US 6 leaves New Bedford toward Cape Cod.
New Bedford does not have any rail connections, construction of MBTA commuter rail stations is currently underway in Fall River and New Bedford as part of the South Coast Rail project. Upon completion, these will offer railway connections to cities including Taunton, Brockton, Braintree, and Boston.[41]
One more reason to love to live here.
