Halfway between Cape Cod and Providence RI, New Bedford gets a bad rep, so here's a list of things I love about my home.

1. Beaches

The beaches are probably my favorite thing about New Bedford. Mostly because I love swimming, but we have some of the nicest beaches around. East Beach is where you can find me every day in the summer.

2. Parks

I have to say my favorite is Buttonwood. I have never ran anywhere else where so many people say "hi", "good morning", and "good job" as I run by.

3. The People

People are not only friendly at the parks, but everywhere in New Bedford.

4. Restaurants

Just looking at the downtown area, we have the best restaurants around for coffee, burgers, grilled cheese, and Mexican. People come from all over to eat our food, especially all those good seafood and Portuguese restaurants. Where else would people go?

5. The Shops

New Bedford is filled with unique shops that could keep someone busy for hours.

6. Working Waterfront

What is prettier than a bunch of different colored fishing boats in a harbor? This is along with the benefit of fresh seafood

7. Location

The perfect distance between the Cape and Providence, while only being an hour away from Boston. It's perfect, especially because it's still right on the water.

8. The Festivals

The Portuguese Feast is the largest Portuguese feast in the world and people come from around the country to go to it. But on top of this there's the Folk Festival, Working Waterfront, Jazz Fest, etc.

9. AHA Night

This is separate from the festivals because it's one that happens every month! How amazing is that?

10. Downtown

The downtown area is just a fun place to be on top of being picturesque. I'll never get sick of looking at those cobblestone streets.

11. History

I know way too much information about whaling and I'm not sad about it.

12. Art

Ranked in the top 10 most artistic towns, it stays true to its word with all of it's amazing art galleries and street art.