Welcome to Newton
Historic small-town charm with unique Burroughs and convenient access to Boston
Newton is a dynamic city filled with a range of activities and attractions for all ages. It is home to numerous parks and greenspaces and boasts a variety of cultural centers, libraries, performance venues, and recreational centers. Newton, located west of Boston, was first settled in 1630 when it was known as Nonantum. In 1638 it was renamed Cambridge Village and was considered part of Cambridge until 1688 when it became its own town and changed its name to Newton.
In 1821, Newton was incorporated as a city and quickly earned a reputation as a prosperous industrial center, with flourishing brickyards, machine shops, granite quarries, and more. In recent decades, Newton has become known for its high-quality public schools, which are consistently some of the top-ranked in the state.
The architecture of Newton consists mostly of colonial-style homes built in the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as several churches. The downtown area features a mix of modern and historic buildings, most notably the Newton Centre Historic District, which has several 19th-century buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
What to Love
- The ideal balance between urban and suburban living
- Walkable downtown centers with bustling activity
- Easy access to Boston via the commuter rail, highway, or subway
Local Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Newton is a mix of city and suburban living. Situated just seven miles west of downtown Boston, Newton offers its residents a unique blend of urban amenities and suburban comforts. The city has excellent public schools and is home to several nationally ranked medical centers and healthcare facilities. Newton offers its residents a variety of housing options, from beautiful single-family homes to luxurious condominiums. The town is known for its lively nightlife scene, with plenty of restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, music venues, and theaters to choose from. It also boasts many specialty shops and boutiques that sell everything from boutique clothing to unique trinkets. Newton is a great place to live, offering its residents an unbeatable combination of premier residential amenities and big-city conveniences.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Thistle & Leek is a rustic restaurant located in the heart of Newton. The restaurant serves classic dishes with a modern twist and has been in business since 2013. Their menu is seasonal and changes regularly but features high-quality ingredients sourced locally. Nearby Tatte Bakery & Cafe is a local favorite providing residents with fresh-baked pastries, breakfast items, lunch entrees, and other delicious treats.
Family-owned and operated for over 35 years, Barry’s Village Deli is a classic deli with an array of delicious sandwiches and salads. This community hotspot offers a wide selection of freshly prepared food and is a neighborhood staple.
Unique to the Boston area, the Heartbreak Hill Running Company is an athletic specialty retail store and a training center dedicated to helping runners improve their performance. They provide a wide variety of services, including custom fitting for running shoes, group training with professional coaches, nutrition and health advice, and a full calendar of races throughout the year.
Things to Do
Newtown provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Crystal Lake is a popular recreation destination and has plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, including fishing, swimming at their two public beaches, and even bird-watching. Another excellent place to get out in nature is the Hemlock Gorge Reservation. Great for photography and scenic views, the reservation has a well-maintained walking path that leads to a stunning, picturesque waterfall.
Newton Centre is a bustling place full of fun activities. Depending on what you’re in the mood for, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There are plenty of shopping opportunities, from local boutiques to larger chain stores.
Heartbreak Hill is a notorious location in the Boston Marathon. The steep incline and long, winding course of the Marathon is located in Newton between miles 20 and 21. It has acquired its name due to the surge of emotions runners often experience as they make their way up the grueling hill.
Schools
The town of Newton has several excellent educational opportunities. Top-tier options include:
