New Bedford Apartments and Rentals

Located in southeastern Massachusetts, the city of New Bedford is famous for its whaling and seafaring history but the seaside municipality has much to offer today's residents as well.

People seeking New Bedford apartments for rent will find themselves in a conveniently located, modern city that has not just great views of the water, but a vibrant and entertaining culture as well.

The history of New Bedford actually predates that of the Pilgrims' landing on Plymouth Rock by 18 years. In May of 1602, English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold - who is responsible for naming Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and other New England locations - investigated the harbor of the area now known as New Bedford. The area was settled later on in the 17th century by European settlers.

However, the 19th century was really when the city came into its own through its excellence at fishing, cotton goods manufacturing and, of course, whaling. While Nantucket was initially known as the whaling capital of the world, that title would eventually reside in New Bedford. By 1857 New Bedford was sending out more whaling ships than all over American ports combined. Whaling was highly lucrative and for a time, New Bedford was the wealthiest city per capita in the world.

Much of this history shapes the city today, as the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park - a cobble-stoned, 13-block area next to the water - is one of the main attractions the city presents today.

Still people looking for New Bedford rentals need not be concerned with whaling in order to enjoy the city as it has all sorts of places to live and work. In addition, the hard-working spirit of a harbor town still permeates the city today.

While the whaling ships that once employed many people in the area are now gone, New Bedford still has a vibrant economy. However, instead of whaling, healthcare is the top industry in the city.

St. Luke's Hospital on Page St. has more than 5,000 employees and Southcoast Health System has a payroll in the thousands. There are a number of other medical service companies and providers operating in the area as well.

New Bedford still maintains some of its seafaring ways as commercial fishing vessels are a common site along the area's waterfront.

As one might expect from a town on the ocean, New Bedford has some great educational opportunities in the marine science field.

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's School for Marine Science and Technology is located in the city and has first rate facilities for those looking to study the ocean.

As with any city with a population of over 95,000, there are many different areas for people to find apartments for rent in New Bedford, Mass., with some being more appropriate for families and others more suited to young people.

According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median gross rent in New Bedford for the three-year period from 2008 to 2010 was $734.

As mentioned previously, a visit to the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is a must for any resident or visitor to the city. The area contains the New Bedford Whaling Museum, which has incredible exhibits that tell the story of the industry that once dominated the town.

Another key attraction of New Bedford is its location. It is less than 60 miles north to Boston and less than 35 west to Providence, giving residents a chance to experience all both those cities have to offer.

If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in New Bedford, Mass., search for rental properties at Rent.com®.