Living In Newton MA: An Insiders Guide
Newton is a unique collection of thirteen separate villages situated around seven hills. First settled as part of “the New Towne” in 1630, and after several name changes, the community finally became the town of Newton in 1766. A mill town in the late 1700s and 1800s, the city produced snuff, chocolate, glue, paper, and other products. In 1902, the Stanley Motor Carriage Company, the maker of the Stanley Steamer, began manufacturing there.
The Boston Marathon runs through Newton each April on Patriots’ Day, which features four infamous hills, including Heartbreak Hill. Newton is an attractive community to live and work in due to its excellent public school system, beautiful, safe neighborhoods, many community events, multiple transportation systems, and its proximity to Boston. In 2018, Newton was ranked #1 in Massachusetts and #12 in the country as the best place to live. Newton is also known as “The Garden City” due to its many open spaces. It’s no wonder people love living in Newton.
Where Is Newton, Massachusetts?
Newton is located in Middlesex County, along the Charles River. Newton is about 7 miles west of downtown Boston. The city is made up of thirteen villages and doesn’t have a city center. Its proximity to Boston makes for easy commutes.
Newton MA Population and Demographics
The City of Newton actively promotes community engagement and inclusion, which consists of developing relationships with residents, communities, groups, and others throughout the city. Newton provides information and resources for communities such as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+), and persons with disabilities to promote community engagement, participation, and inclusion in all city departmental programs and events.
There are lots of notable people from Newton, including comedian BJ Novak, comedian Joe Rogan, actor John Krasinski, and actor Matt LeBlanc.
The Newton population is 88,923. Newton strives to be an inclusive, welcoming community, treating residents of all ethnicities and races fairly and with respect. The racial and ethnic demographics of Newton are White 74.7% (73.4% non-Hispanic White), Black or African American alone, 2.7%, American Indian and Alaska Native alone, 0.2%, Asian alone, 14.3%, Two or More Races, 5.9%, Hispanic or Latino, 3.6%.
Here’s an overview of Newton’s demographics:
- Population density: 4,987.83 per square mile
- Median age: 41.1
- Sex ratio: 48.6% Males, 51.4% Females
- Median household income: $176,373
- Educational attainment: 97.5% high school degree or higher, 80.4% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 22.0%
- Veteran population: 1,696
Newton has been ranked as one of the safest cities in America over the past 10 years, thanks to the Newton Police Department. The violent crime rate in Newton is 65 per 100,000 people, which is 83% lower than the national average. The property crime rate in Newton is low as well, with 655 crimes per 100,000 people.
Newton MA Cost of Living
Newton is an expensive city, with a cost of living 91% higher than the US average, although it’s only 69% higher than the Massachusetts average. The most expensive part of moving to Newton is the cost of housing. The median sale price of a home in Newton is $1,355,000. Of the houses for sale in Newton MA, the average square foot cost is $562. Check out some of the many homes for sale Newton MA has to offer.
If you’re buying Newton MA real estate, you’ll want to be familiar with the Newton MA Assessors Database. Rental prices in Newton can be expensive as well. According to RentCafe, apartments for rent in Newton MA are plentiful. The average rent in Newton is $3,520 for a 1,008-square-foot apartment. You can find Newton MA apartments for rent and homes for rent in Newton MA on RentCafe.
Typical Newton Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $24.00
- Domestic beer: $8.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.72
- Dozen eggs: $4.90
- 1 pound of chicken: $6.55
- Average Newton monthly utility bill: $204.87
Source: Numbeo, Boston Metro
The Best Neighborhoods in Newton
Newton is unlike most cities in that it has no city center or common downtown area. Instead, it’s made up of 13 distinct villages. Each village has its own unique qualities, amenities, and character. Here are some of Newton’s best villages to consider:
An upscale community with historic mansions, tree-lined streets, and exceptional schools. The village offers a wide range of shopping and dining options at The Street and The Shops at Chestnut Hill. Hammond Pond Reservation offers walking trails along scenic routes.
One of the oldest villages in Newton, with well-preserved older homes, many built well over 100 years ago, a historic movie theater, and many parks, including the scenic Norumbega Park. Newton North High School is known for its academics and extracurricular activities.
The village features sprawling homes and a charming downtown with shops, restaurants, and cafes. The annual Newton Harvest Fair is held there. Boston College Law School, Newton Country Day School, the Newton Free Library, and the 33-acre natural Crystal Lake are located in Newton Centre.
Newton MA Weather & Climate
Newton, MA has cold, snowy winters, hot, humid summers, and mild fall and spring seasons. The weather in Newton MA is typical of New England. Temperatures can average in the low 20s in the heart of winter, but warm up to the mid-80s in summer. The average yearly snowfall is 43 inches, making Newton a desirable location for winter activities. You’ll need an umbrella as it rains quite a bit in Newton, as much as 131 days per year. The best time to visit Newton is from mid-June to mid-September for summer activities.
Things To Do in Newton MA
Newton offers an array of activities and attractions sure to delight and interest residents and visitors alike. There is also convenient shopping at The Shops at Chestnut Hill and The Street. You can also get daily household needs at Whole Foods in Newton MA, CVS, and Walgreens in Newton MA.
A popular attraction in Newton, the cemetery spans 100 acres and is also an award-winning horticultural site with picturesque, well-manicured grounds. The Civil War Soldiers’ Monument, erected in 1864, is listed on the National Register for Historic Places.
791 Walnut, Newton Centre, MA 02459, (617) 332–0047
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds
Built in 1734, the farmhouse has been restored and renovated, giving visitors a glimpse of colonial life. Listen to stories about the Revolutionary War, slavery, and abolitionism in the museum, complete with period rooms, or stroll through the breathtaking and historic gardens.
Hemlock Gorge Reservation, spanning 23 acres, is a wild area situated along the banks of the Charles River that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewing areas. Echo Bridge is a popular attraction where you can enjoy stunning views of the river.
Additional Attractions Near Newton, MA:
Newton Parks and Recreation maintains 74 parks, playgrounds, municipal grounds, recreational buildings, and school grounds that cover about 1,200 acres. Amenities include baseball fields, basketball courts, lacrosse, picnic areas, pools, soccer fields, tennis courts, and walking trails. In addition, the city manages a museum that once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Check out the City of Newton’s Events, Fairs, and Festivals page for upcoming events, fairs, and more throughout the year.
Restaurants in Newton MA
Newton MA restaurants offer you excellent dining options, from local eateries to wood-fired pizzas to family-friendly establishments. Enjoy delicious dishes at some of the best restaurants in Newton MA, such as:
You’ll find the best Italian cooking in Newton at Fiorella’s. They prepare their homemade, Italian-inspired cuisine fresh every day, using locally sourced ingredients, and their hospitality is second to none. Experience Fiorella’s creative twists on classic dishes cooked in their wood-burning brick oven.
187 North St, Newton, MA, 02460, (617) 969–9990
O’Hara’s is a family-owned and operated Irish restaurant serving distinctive and creative dishes that are prepared fresh daily using only the finest ingredients. If you’re looking for a delicious bakery in Newton MA, O’Hara’s has some delicious dessert options. It’s been featured in Boston Magazine’s Best of Boston, Boston Globe’s Dining Out, and Cheap Eats.
1185 Walnut St, Newton, MA 02461, 617–965–6785
At Max & Leo’s, every pizza is cooked in their coal-fired oven to perfection. You won’t find a more delicious pizza in Newton MA. Max & Leo’s also serves wings, nachos, sandwiches, calzones, salads, and more in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
325 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02458, (617) 244–7200
Jobs in Newton MA
Newton provides job opportunities in fields such as science and technology, education, and healthcare. Newton’s proximity to Boston offers many additional employment possibilities. The average salary in Newton is $62,974 or $30.28 per hour.
The major employer in Newton is Newton-Wellesley Hospital, an award-winning, community teaching medical center with an exceptional medical staff that includes more than 1,000 affiliated doctors. Other major employers include Boston College, TechTarget, CyberArk, and Upromise. If you’re looking for a job in Newton, check out Indeed and the City of Newton MA Job Board.
Schools in Newton MA
The highly-rated Newton Public Schools includes 15 elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, and two alternative high school programs. The district is committed to achieving academic excellence and educational equity for all students through educational, social, emotional, and extracurricular activities. In addition to public schools, the area also offers charter and private school options to accommodate various educational needs. Popular options include Dearborn Academy and Newton Country Day School. Newton educational institutions are dedicated to educating, preparing, and inspiring all students to achieve their full potential as lifelong learners, thinkers, and productive contributors to today’s global society. Looking for school movers?
Some of the major colleges and universities in the Newton area include Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, and the UMass Amherst — Mount Ida Campus.
If you’re looking for a fun day, check out the Newton Free Library, which offers an extensive collection of print, non-print, and electronic resources, as well as many educational and cultural programs for people of all ages.
Newton MA Statistics & Information
- Newton MA County: Middlesex County
- Area: 18.16 square miles
- Newton MA zip code: 02458–02462, 02464–02468
- Area code: 617, 857
- Elevation: 100’
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5)
- Closest airport: Boston Logan International Airport
There’s so much to love about living in Newton. If you’re relocating, you need the best movers in Newton to get you to your new home. Mastodon Movers is here to help you get to your new destination quickly.
