Living in Newton, MA
Top Things to Know about Living in Newton
Recently rated by Money Magazine as one of the top places to live in America, Newton Massachusetts is one of the most sought after communities in the Greater Boston Area. Located minutes from Boston on the Mass. Pike, Newton offers its residents the convenience of city living in a more suburban environment.
The Villages of Newton
The City of Newton offers thirteen distinct villages, most with their own town center and all with their own character. The villages are Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Newton Centre, Newton Corner, Newton Highlands, Newton Lower Falls, Newton Upper Falls, Newtonville, Nonantum, Oak Hill, Thompsonville, Waban and West Newton.
Auburndale
Auburndale, a village in the western part of Newton, is a must-visit for its stunning parks and picturesque homes. Named after William Auburndale, a well-known philanthropist, this charming village is split in two by the Massachusetts turnpike, allowing easy access to the rest of Newton and downtown Boston. The Charles River borders the area, offering plenty of activities like kayaking in the summer and ice-skating in the winter.
Chestnut Hill
The affluent Chestnut Hill village is home to the prestigious Boston College and some of the most beautiful estates in the Boston area. It's best known for its grand homes, excellent shopping options, and recreational spots like the Hammond Pond and Chestnut Hill Reservoir. A visit to the Old Chesnut Hill Historic District is a must for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts as it is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Newton Centre
As Newton's largest village, Newton Centre is the heart of the city known for its vibrant downtown and fantastic restaurants. It's home to the city government and the Newton Centre Green Line station, making a trip to Boston quick and easy. Newton Centre is perfect for families looking to enjoy highly-rated public schools and small-town vibes.
Newton Corner
South of the Mass Turnpike, Newton Corner village sits North of Commonwealth Avenue along Waverley Avenue, playing host to several historic buildings such as the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds which was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Newton Corner's proximity to Newton Commonwealth Golf Course makes it an excellent village for golfers, and commuters have multiple options to go to Boston.
Newton Highlands
Newton Highlands, located on both sides of Route 9, is a charming village in the southwestern part of Newton. The village is best known for its beautiful neighborhoods and variety of shopping and dining options. The Hyde Community Center organizes a variety of programs for residents, while the major mixed-use development project along Needham Street awaits completion.
Newton Lower Falls
Newton Lower Falls, located in the southern part of Newton, boasts of its historic mills, some of which have been converted into luxurious apartments and condos. The village provides easy access to major thoroughfares, making it a convenient commuter location. Golf enthusiasts can also enjoy the Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course that runs along both sides of the Charles River.
Newton Upper Falls
Newton Upper Falls is a quiet and picturesque village known for its tree-lined streets and family-friendly parks. Echo Bridge, a part of the Boston Aqueduct, is one of the historic sites to visit in the village. A major mixed-use development project on Needham Street is underway, adding to the village's charm.
Newtonville
Newtonville, situated north of Newton Centre, is known for its diverse population and excellent schools. The village is also home to several historic sites, including the Jackson Homestead, which was once a station in the Underground Railroad. Movie buffs and foodies should visit the famous and family-owned Cabot’s Ice Cream and Restaurant, operating since 1969. Newton North High School, one of two high schools in Newton, is also located in Newtonville.
Nonantum
Nonantum, situated in the northeastern part of Newton and north of the Mass Turnpike/Interstate 90, is a bustling village that boasts of a vibrant commercial area and excellent restaurants and bakeries. Once home to Silver Lake, now lost to development, people still fondly refer to the area as "the Lake."
Oak Hill
Oak Hill, located in the southwestern part of Newton, is an idyllic village with quiet streets and beautiful homes, perfect for families to settle down. The Charles River Country Club and several parks, including ones owned by nearby colleges, make Oak Hill a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Newton South High School and the Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst are also located in Oak Hill.
Thompsonville
Thompsonville is a village that is located in the southeastern part of Newton, just west of Chestnut Hill shopping areas and along Route 9. The village is conveniently located close to Newton South, one of Newton's two high schools. Tucked between two conservation areas, Lost Pond and Webster, Thompsonville still manages to feel like a serene retreat amidst nature.
Waban
Waban, located in the western part of Newton, is one of the larger villages claimed for its quiet neighborhoods, beautiful houses, and easy commuting options. A visit to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital, one of the larger medical facilities in the area, is a must-see. Two golf courses, Woodland Golf Club and Brae Burn Country Club, also await golf enthusiasts in the village.
West Newton
West Newton, situated in the western part of Newton, boasts a lively downtown area and fantastic restaurants, a perfect spot for foodies. The West Newton Cinema, operational since 1937, is a popular movie theater in the village. Beautiful historic homes with larger lots dominate the West Newton Hills, making it a National Register Historic District. The Mass Turnpike/Interstate 90 offers easy commute options to Boston.
Housing in Newton
Due to the high ranks and quality of life in Newton, it does come at a premium cost. According to Trengraphix Data pulled from MLSPIN, the town's single family prices average over $1.2MM (Apr-Jun 2016), and single family homes ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet will run between $800,000 to $900,000.
There are also both MBTA Commuter Stops as well as Green Line T stations that offer ease of access into Boston. “Newton is very often at the top of a buyer's list of desired locations,” states Jon Ufland, Broker/Owner of Unlimited Sotheby's International Realty. “The easily accessible location and great schools are always a big attraction.”
Public Transportation in Newton
Newton offers several different options when it comes to public transportation including bus routes, MBTA commuter rail and the green line train.
Recreation & Entertainment in Newton
Newton has a lot of offer its residents that enjoy the outdoors including many public playgrounds, parks a swimming pool that is open in the summer as well as Crystal Lake. Other popular parks include Auburndale Cove and Cold Spring.
When it comes time to eat, Newton does not fall short of a lengthy list of dining establishments. Restaurants of all types of food and ethnicity can be found scattered throughout the city. Here are some of our favorites. For dining: Brio, Lumiere, Sycamore, Farmstead Table, The Farm Grill and Rotisserie and Fiorella's. For a bite: Rox Diner, Village Café, Buffs Pub, Paddy's and O'Hara's. For pizza: Max and Leo's and Bill's Pizza. And for a tasty treat: Cabot's has delicious ice cream!
There's plenty to see and do around town. The Shops at Chestnut Hill and Chestnut Hill Square offer a wide variety of retail, dining and shopping options. For those who are museum goers, Jackson Homestead and Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds are popular destinations.
