Welcome to Newton
Newton is a residential, cultural, and commercial community in Middlesex County, just west of Boston and Brookline. Located along the Mass Turnpike (I-90) freeway and Boylston Street (Route 9) corridors. It proudly boasts 13 village centers within its city limits, each with unique character, shops, and restaurants. Served by the MBTA green line, commuter rail, and bus routes, Newton is a convenient location for commuting to various locations in Boston and its surroundings. With slightly more affordable housing than Brookline, Newton attracts a broad range of residents.
History
Newton was incorporated as a separate town in 1681, known as Cambridge Village, then renamed Newton in 1766. It became a city in 1874 and is known as the Garden City. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, several mills were built due to the water power provided by Newton Upper Falls and Newton Lower Falls. Products produced ranged from chocolate, glue, and paper amongst others. From 1902, Newton was home to the Stanley Motor Carriage company, the maker of the Stanley Steamer.
The Boston and Worcester Railroad was one of America's earliest and contributed to Newton's transition to one of the first commuter suburbs in America. Bostonian businessmen took advantage of the railroad to build grand homes on farmland in the West Newton hills and along Commonwealth Avenue. They commuted to the rail stations by horse and carriage. Streetcar lines were built in the 1920s, and the growing use of automobiles further contributed to Newton's development as a suburban commuter community.
Why Newton
There are many reasons to live in Newton, from excellent educational opportunities, easy commuting options, cultural sites, and events. Newton's 13 villages, Newton Centre being the largest, provide convenient local shopping and dining options. Its reputation as the Garden City is well-earned due to the many parks and green spaces throughout Newton.
Patriot's Day in April each year brings the Boston Marathon runners through Newton along Washington Street and Commonwealth Avenue on their way from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, to Copley Square in Boston. Residents and visitors line the streets to cheer on the runners along the infamous Newton Hills portion of the race route.
There are several popular shopping districts or plazas in Newton; most prominently are the Newton Centre, Newton Highlands, and the Needham Street shopping corridor. Other nearby shopping centers include the indoor The Shops at Chestnut Hill and an outdoor plaza called The Street at Chestnut Hill. If you're looking for world-class culinary experiences, luxury retail therapy, or just a fun night out on the town, these districts have enough to keep every member of your party entertained.
To learn more about some of the amenities, public transit systems, and academic institutions Newton has to offer and see why this sought-after suburb of Boston has stood the test of time visit our Newton community guide, read about top Newton schools, from private and public Pre-K–12 and higher education, and discover more of Newton's luxury shopping and fine-dining experiences.
Find Your Forever Home in Newton
There are many reasons why you should consider moving to Newton, from our excellent public and private schools to our preserved historic buildings, architecturally diverse homes, and scenic grounds. If you are considering purchasing or selling a home in Newton, Chestnut Hill, or Brookline or if you simply want to learn more about Newton I can handle all of your questions.
Newton Community Guide
County: Middlesex
Area: 17.8 square miles
Population: 87,455
Demographics: The breakdown of racial and ethnic groups are: White (67%), Asian (14%), Mixed-Race (9%), and Black (3%). The median age is 39.1 years, and the median household income is $183,208 (2020).
Brief History: Newton was incorporated as a separate town in 1681, known as Cambridge Village, then renamed Newton in 1766. It became a city in 1874 and is known as the Garden City. The Boston and Worcester Railroad was one of America's earliest and contributed to Newton's transition to one of the first commuter suburbs in America.
Historic Sites & Cultural Places of Interest: Jackson Homestead and Museum with permanent and rotating exhibits about the history of Newton. The Jackson Homestead was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Built in 1734, the Durant-Kerick House and Grounds Museum explores the lives and contributions of three families over three centuries.
Amenities: There are several popular shopping districts or plazas in Newton, most prominently indoor shopping center Shops at Chestnut Hill and outdoor shopping center The Street Chestnut Hill. If you're looking for culinary experiences, luxury shopping, or movie night, these centers will keep you coming back time and again. Other shopping areas to note are Newton Centre, Newton Highlands, and the Needham Street shopping corridor. Newton is also in close proximity to major area medical centers and hospitals.
Parks and Recreation: Newton, known as the Garden City, has numerous parks and green spaces including: Hammond Pond Reservation, Chestnut Hill Reservation, Bullough's Pond Park, Cabot Park, Cold Spring Park, Crystal Lake Park, and Waban Hill Reservoir.
Public Transportation: Several commuter options exist for Newton residents including MBTA tram lines, commuter rail service, and various bus lines.
Education: Newton's public school system is highly ranked nationally, and the city has two public high schools: Newton South and Newton North. Read about private pre-K schools including Chestnut Hill School, Dexter Southfield, Beaver Country Day School, and Brimmer and May, or our top-tier higher educational institutions such as Boston College, University of Boston, and more here.
Discover What Newton has to Offer
Newton is a popular commuter city west of Brookline and Boston that offers fabulous green spaces, great shopping and dining, excellent educational options, and convenient commutes throughout the greater Boston area. Read more about the area's vibrant shopping and dining scene and check out the area's top schools and academic institutions!
Start Your Property Search with Ingvild Brown
Whether you are looking for a new single-family house, condo, or investment property, I will help you navigate the current market to find the place you can call home. Contact me online or call my office at (571) 481-0440 to get started on your journey!
