What $500K Gets You on the SouthCoast: New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven & Fall River

by Donald Wagnon

What $500K Gets You on the SouthCoast: New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven & Fall River

If you're wondering how far $500,000 will go when shopping for a home in our area, the answer really depends on where you're looking. I've broken it down with the latest July 2025 data so you can see the difference clearly—and decide which town fits your lifestyle and budget best.

1. New Bedford – Affordability Meets Culture

Median Sale Price: ~$465,000
Typical Home: Updated single-family, 3–4 bedrooms, around 1,400–1,500 sq ft
Why It Stands Out: With a population over 100,000, New Bedford offers vibrant downtown energy, waterfront parks, cultural festivals, and evolving commuter access via South Coast Rail. $500K places you above median—perfect for move-in-ready homes with charm and convenience.

2. Dartmouth – Space & Schools, At a Cost

Median Sale Price: ~$702,500
Typical Home: 3 bedrooms, 1,900–2,000 sq ft—older, on larger lots
What Makes It Unique: A town of about 34,000 residents, known for excellent schools, wide open space, and beaches. Your budget will lean toward smaller or older homes, though you gain yard space and privacy.

3. Fairhaven – Cozy Coastal Living

Median Sale Price: ~$550,000
Typical Home: 3-bedroom Capes or Colonials, about 1,500–1,600 sq ft
Neighborhood Feel: Just under the median, Fairhaven blends history, walkable charm, and seaside vibes into a tight-knit community of around 16,000. Think historic downtown, Fort Phoenix, and peaceful streets.

4. Fall River – Size and Savings

Median Sale Price: ~$490,000
Typical Home: Larger single-family homes—2,000 sq ft or more—or multi-family options
What’s In Its Favor: With close to 95,000 people, it offers more home for your dollar and easy commuter access via Route 24. Great for buyers who value space or investment potential.

Quick Snapshot

Town	Median Price	What $500K Gets You	Local Benefits
New Bedford	~$465K	Updated 3–4 bed home, ~1,400–1,500 sq ft	Culture, walkability, budget-friendly
Dartmouth	~$702K	Older home with yards, below-average size	Schools, beach access, privacy
Fairhaven	~$550K	Charmer coastal home, ~1,500 sq ft	Community, historic character, coastal charm
Fall River	~$490K	Larger home or investment property	Value, size, commuter-friendly

Final Thoughts

Choosing where to spend your $500K comes down to what matters most—whether it’s affordability, space, walkability, community, or lifestyle. I’m here to help you explore listings side by side and find the place that feels like home.