Real Estate Investing in New Bedford, Massachusetts (02746)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 02746 (New Bedford, MA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- Elevated poverty: 31.5% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
- Lower household income: $39,545 median — tenant affordability is tighter.
What’s happening in New Bedford, MA (02746)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 02746 New Bedford
Investors eyeing 02746 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $441K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
For an experienced owner, 02746 can be a an appealing option for hunting ground — but the discount at $441K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Statewide comparisons place 02746 among MA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
A impressive renter share of 81% in 02746 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The right play in 02746 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in New Bedford:
Property Strategy for 02746
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $348,276 | $1,490 | 3.1% | +10.1% | $174,138 |
| 3BR | $421,450 | $1,790 | 3.1% | +8.8% | $140,483 |
| 4BR | $439,997 | $2,230 | 3.6% | +8.5% | $109,999 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 02746 Compare?
| Metric | 02746 | New Bedford | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $440,754 | $298,232 | $645,115 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.7% | 6.7% | 7.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,815 | $1,853 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 3.2% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 02746 (New Bedford, MA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $440,754 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,815 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.2%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 02746
Population: 16,791
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 02746
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Alfred J Gomes
James B Congdon
Sgt Wm H Carney Academy
Elizabeth Carter Brooks
Ellen R Hathaway
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 3,250 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should investors consider New Bedford, MA?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, New Bedford, MA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $441K and rents of $1,815/mo drive the underlying numbers.
Can I live-in-and-rent in New Bedford, MA?
The house hack math a challenging in New Bedford, MA. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $1,815/mo rents and $441K home values.
What is the smart move for investors in New Bedford, MA?
In New Bedford, MA the resilient play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $441K prices and $1,815/mo rents suits that approach.
How expensive is real estate in New Bedford, MA?
The median home value in New Bedford, MA is roughly $441K. That puts it reasonable relative to the MA statewide average.
How much rent can I charge in New Bedford, MA?
New Bedford, MA rentals go for roughly $1,815/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $441K acquisition costs.
You know 02746 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 02746 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 02746 ranks in Providence-Warwick, RI-MA
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