Upscale suburban living in a historic city in Greater Boston
Newton, partially outlined by the Charles River, sits about 10 miles west of Boston. For over 12,000 years, the area was occupied by Native American tribes and later settled by English Puritans in 1645. Newton was officially named in 1691 and became a city in early 1874.
Today, the city has a population of about 88,415 and a median household income of $176,373, slightly double the national median. Some of Newton's top employers are concentrated in the education, health and financial fields, including Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston College and CCS Global Holdings, and over 80 percent of community members hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Also known as “The Garden City,” Newton has expansive green and forested areas, historic landmarks and a top-performing public school system, making it an ideal suburban destination for many. “I’m seeing a lot of people moving from the city into Newton because it’s so desirable,” says Dino Rossi, Realtor and owner of RE/MAX Preferred Properties in Newton. “It’s very close to Boston, yet it’s outside of the city and offers parking and great schools.”
Newton-Wellsley hospital supports the health and economy of the Newton area.
Beautiful gardens can be found throughout the residences of Newton Upper Falls.
Many Newton residents come to enjoy all the amenities that Cold Spring Park has to offer.
Auburndale neighborhood offers a suburban lifestyle just miles outside downtown Boston.
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From Colonial-inspired estates to mixed-use development projects
Newton is divided into 13 distinct villages, and home prices vary slightly with each neighborhood. Overall, the median home price is $1,493,166, compared to $802,750 in Boston, with a year-over-year increase of 10.2%. “Newton is very affluent, and often people can’t afford to live here, but the city is working to get to a 10% threshold for low-income housing,” Rossi says. New development projects will create mixed-used areas for retail and low and moderate-income housing.
The city’s four protected historic districts—Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Newtonville and Newton Upper Falls—have retained much of the village structure and architectural styles from the nineteenth century. Chestnut Hill holds a selection of the city’s oldest residential homes, most of which date to the mid-1850s in Shingle, Colonial Revival and Georgian styles.
Waban and Newton Highlands have a mix of historic and new homes, and prices are usually between $1 million and over $4 million for a new estate. Newton Centre, which has the city’s largest downtown area, has mostly single-family Colonial Revival, Georgian Revival and Garrison-style residences that go for $1 million to over $5 million. Auburndale has a selection of waterfront properties overlooking the Charles River from around $1 million to $2 million. Nonantum has more multi-family dwellings, listing from about $700,000 to over $1.5 million. Condos are more densely concentrated on the north side of the city, running from $300,000 to just under $2 million for a two-bedroom in a golf course community. Townhouses in the city, which are more common in the north and central portions, can fetch from $500,000 to about $2.5 million.
Homes in Newton Upper Falls offer a lot of green space.
Thompsonville is filled with many Tudor style homes that bring a historic charm.
Variations of Colonial Revival homes can be found among the older homes in Newtonville.
Homes can be found renovated to a more modern style in Newton Highlands.
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A “parks Renaissance” in Newton
With nearly 20 percent of the city’s land use dedicated to open outdoor space, Newton has hundreds of acres of conservation land, 73 parks, 64 playgrounds, many sports fields and trails, such as the Charles River Wetlands Trail, available for public use. The city has also implemented a 2020-2027 Open Space and Recreation Plan, with projects underway such as upgrading aquatics complexes and sports fields. “We have been saying over the past four years that Newton is undergoing a parks renaissance,” says Nicole Banks, Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Culture for the city. “Our parks tighten the fabric of our community by bringing people together for rest, relaxation, play and social connectedness.”
Newton has many golfing opportunities, including public courses and private country clubs. The wooded Webster Conversation Area is a popular spot for hiking, cross-country skiing, birding and rock climbing, and people can fish at Hammond Pond. Crystal Lake has a beach and swimming area, and parks such as Cold Spring Park offer comprehensive sports fields and facilities, play areas and off-leash dog parks. Residents can also use the city’s recreational programs, ranging from youth golf lessons to adult softball games. In addition, Newton has one of Massachusetts’ largest therapeutic recreation programs, serving over 300 athletes with disabilities.
Explore the rock climbing at Webster Woods Conservation Area in Newton.
Cold Spring Park offers Newton residents many opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Newton offers many opportunities to hit the links.
Enjoy beautiful lake views at Hammond Pond Reservation in Newton.
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Newton schools receive As across the board
Students here are served by Newton Public Schools, which has an A-plus Niche grade and is recognized by Niche as the No. 8 best public school district in the state. The school system has a student-teacher ratio of 11-to-1, and all the public schools in the city earn an A-minus or higher. There are also plenty of private school options, including the A-plus Newton Country Day School.
Boston College, Lasell University, William James College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst – Mount Ida Campus are in the city. Boston College has a significant economic and social impact on the Boston area, generating 17,700 jobs and contributing $16.7 million annually toward social causes in Boston, Newton and beyond.
Newton South High School has 1837 students attending.
Bigelow Middle School entrance view has adequate seating for lunch in Newton Corner, MA.
Boston College has a significant economic and social impact on the Newton area.
The historic campus at Laselle University seamless blends into Auburndale in Newton.
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Shopping and Dining
Many of the city’s big-box retailers, department stores, business shops and restaurants are concentrated along Needham Street, and popular grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market line Washington Street. The Shops at Chestnut Hill is an upscale indoor shopping mall with Bloomingdale’s, various fashion labels and familiar chain restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory. Located in Newton Centre, Piccadilly Square is dotted with consignment stores and independent restaurants serving anything from traditional French or Italian fare to authentic Asian and Thai cuisine.
History fans can explore one of the city's many landmarks. The Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds is a 1734 farmhouse converted into an educational space on colonialism, abolitionism, slavery and the Revolutionary War. The Jackson Homestead, which belonged to Revolutionary War veteran Timothy Jackson and is now open to the public as a museum, served as a station on the Underground Railroad. The Allen Center, another home formerly owned by an abolitionist, now hosts cultural events such as orchestra concerts and book talks.
The Chestnut Hill mall in Middlesex has high end retail stores and some great dining too.
Enjoy a chef driven dining experience at Thistle and Leek in Newton.
Get a Newton history lesson from the Durant-Kenrick House museum.
Learn about Newtons roll in the underground railroad at the Jackson Homestead Museum.
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Boston Marathon runners climb Newton’s “Heartbreak Hill”
The annual Boston Marathon is one of the most exciting events in Greater Boston, and Newton’s “Heartbreak Hill” is a well-expected challenging obstacle on the journey from Hopkinton to Boston. The city celebrates Independence Day by hosting the July Fourth Open Air Market, featuring a children’s carnival, food trucks, live music and fireworks. In October, the Foothills Folk Art Festival recognizes regional and local art by showcasing works by contemporary folk artists. Several Newton neighborhoods also have a “Village Day,” with food, vendors and kid-friendly activities. The St. Mary of Carmen Society has been organizing the Annual Italian American Festival for 89 years, bringing together the Nonantum community with food, raffles and a procession honoring the lady of Mt. Carmel.
Trains and buses go from Newton to Boston
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority makes it easy to get to Boston. Locals can take the commuter rail via the Framingham/ Worcester line or take the buses to downtown Boston. Running through Newton, Interstate 90, more commonly known as the Pike, is an east-west route that goes to Boston and the Boston Logan International Airport, which is about 13 miles away. Heavy rush hour traffic is to be expected on weekdays.
Beginning in 2024, Newton will adopt a five-year Bicycle/ Pedestrian Network Plan to improve pedestrian safety. It will improve corridors that have high levels of pedestrian and bicycle crashes, build a network of bike lanes and create off-road segments for point-to-point walking and biking.
Weather conditions and low crime rates in Newton
According to FBI data, there were 12 total violent crimes and 133 property crimes reported in Newton over the past year, both of which are lower than the state and the national average.
Newton’s temperature is usually between 20°F and 82°F, with humid summers, snowy winters and year-round rainfall. The city, like the rest of Massachusetts, has a humid continental climate, and many residents keep humidifiers in their homes to remove the excess moisture from the air.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
