Newton, Massachusetts, affectionately known as “The Garden City,” is a picturesque suburban community located just 7 miles west of downtown Boston. With its blend of historic charm, excellent public services, and vibrant community life, Newton stands out as one of the most desirable places to live in the Greater Boston area. This guide delves into the essential details about living in Newton, covering utilities, current trending topics, popular attractions, public school information, waste management, library services, interesting facts about Newton, healthcare facilities, and moving companies in Newton.
Utilities In Newton MA
Newton’s utility infrastructure is robust and efficiently managed, ensuring residents receive reliable services.
Electricity and Gas: Eversource Energy is the primary provider of electricity and natural gas in Newton. Residents can set up or transfer their utility accounts online via the Eversource website or by calling their customer service.
- Eversource Customer Service: 800-592-2000 (Electric) / 800-989-0900 (Gas)
- Website: Eversource Energy
Water and Sewer: The City of Newton’s Department of Public Works oversees water and sewer services. The city ensures a continuous supply of clean water and efficient wastewater management. Bills can be paid online, by mail, or in person at the City Hall.
- Public Works Department: 617-796-1000
- Website: Newton DPW
Public Schools
Newton’s public school system is renowned for its academic excellence and comprehensive educational programs. The Newton Public Schools district includes:
- Elementary Schools: 15 schools, such as Bowen Elementary, Burr Elementary, and Horace Mann Elementary, providing a strong foundation in early education.
- Middle Schools: 4 schools including Bigelow, Brown, Day, and Oak Hill Middle Schools, which offer robust academic and extracurricular programs.
- High Schools: Newton North High School and Newton South High School, both highly regarded for their rigorous academic curricula, wide range of extracurricular activities, and excellent college preparatory programs.
The schools frequently receive accolades for their performance, with strong support from the community and a focus on providing personalized education to meet the needs of all students.
Trash and Waste Pickup
Newton’s waste management services are managed by the Department of Public Works. Key details include:
- Trash Pickup: Weekly curbside collection is available for all residents. Each household is provided with a trash cart.
- Recycling: Single-stream recycling is collected every other week. The city provides blue recycling carts.
- Yard Waste: Seasonal yard waste collection is available from April to December, including leaves, grass clippings, and small branches.
- Bulk Waste: Items such as furniture and appliances can be scheduled for pickup for a fee.
- Hazardous Waste: The city organizes periodic hazardous waste collection events for items like paint, batteries, and chemicals.
Residents can access detailed schedules and guidelines on the city’s website or by contacting the Public Works Department.
- Website: Newton Waste Management
Library Information
The Newton Free Library, located on Homer Street, is the community’s literary and cultural hub. Key features include:
- Extensive Collection: Over 500,000 items including books, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs, and more.
- Programs and Events: Regular events for all ages, such as story times, book clubs, author talks, and educational workshops.
- Digital Resources: Access to online databases, e-books, and audiobooks.
- Technology Access: Free Wi-Fi, computer access, and tech help sessions.
- Community Spaces: Meeting rooms, study areas, and a vibrant children’s section.
- Contact Information: 617-796-1360
- Website: Newton Free Library
Hospital Information
Newton residents have access to top-tier healthcare facilities:
- Newton-Wellesley Hospital: A comprehensive medical center offering emergency care, specialized surgeries, primary care, and advanced medical treatments. Part of the Mass General Brigham network, the hospital is known for its patient-centered care and cutting-edge medical services.
- Contact Information: 617-243-6000
- Website: Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Additionally, residents benefit from the proximity to Boston’s world-class medical institutions, ensuring access to a broad spectrum of healthcare services.
What’s New in Newton 2024?
Newton is a dynamic community where several key issues and topics frequently arise in public discourse:
- Sustainable Development: There is a growing emphasis on environmentally sustainable development practices, including green building initiatives and increasing green spaces.
- Traffic and Transportation: Traffic congestion and the improvement of public transportation options, including the expansion of bike lanes and pedestrian paths, are hot topics.
- Educational Quality: Ensuring the high quality of public schools remains a priority, with ongoing discussions about funding, curriculum improvements, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Historical Preservation: Balancing new development with the preservation of Newton’s historical character is a significant concern, particularly in older neighborhoods.
Living in Newton, MA, provides an exceptional quality of life characterized by excellent public services, a strong sense of community, and abundant amenities. From its high-performing schools and efficient waste management to its vibrant public library and top-tier healthcare, Newton embodies the best of suburban living with easy access to urban conveniences. Whether you’re exploring the local attractions, engaging in community discussions, or enjoying the picturesque environment, Newton offers a welcoming and enriching place to call home.
Fascinating Facts About Newton, MA
1. A Unique Place to Study Thanatology
Newton hosts the National Center for Death Education, where you can pursue a certificate in thanatology. While it may not be the most joyful subject, it’s a vital field that addresses important end-of-life issues.
2. Not Ideal for the Superstitious
Newton comprises 13 distinct villages: Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Lower Falls, Newton Centre, Newton Corner, Newton Highlands, Newtonville, Nonantum, Oak Hill, Thompsonville, Upper Falls, Waban, and West Newton. If you’re wary of the number 13, take comfort in the fact that some maps include Oak Hill Park and Four Corners as additional villages.
3. Convenient Public Transit Options
Newton offers several transit options to get to Boston. The MBTA Green Line “D” train runs through Newton, while the “B” train stops at Boston College. Additionally, several express buses and the Worcester commuter rail serve the northern part of Newton. Driving is also straightforward with major east-west routes leading directly to Boston, just 7 miles away.
4. From Speakeasy to Modern Tavern
The Biltmore Bar and Grill, now a friendly suburban tavern, has a storied past. It opened in 1921 during Prohibition as a speakeasy. Today, you can enjoy craft cocktails and microbrews without the need for secret knocks, though ordering a Sazerac might evoke a bit of the old speakeasy spirit.
5. A Peaceful Crystal Lake
Newton’s Crystal Lake is a serene spot for fishing and swimming, far removed from any horror movie associations. It’s a popular recreational area, especially on sunny days, but maybe steer clear on Friday the 13th just in case.
6. Home to Heartbreak Hill
Heartbreak Hill is a famous segment of the Boston Marathon, challenging runners with a steep half-mile incline from Grant and Commonwealth to Hammond Street. After conquering this hill, runners find the rest of the race downhill, and Newton’s spectators head to local bars to celebrate.
7. Historic Cemeteries
Newton’s oldest cemetery, East Parish Burying Ground, dates back to 1664 and features eerie gravestones with winged skulls. Other historical cemeteries include West Parish Burying Ground (1781), and 19th-century sites like South Burying Ground, St. Mary’s, and Newton Cemeteries, showcasing Victorian monuments.
8. Birthplace of the Fig Newton
Although the Fig Newton cookie was created in 1891 at the F.A. Kennedy Steam Bakery in Cambridge, it was named after Newton. The town celebrated the cookie’s centennial with Nabisco, featuring a performance by Juice Newton.
9. Literary Legacy
Newton has been home to notable authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Harriet Beecher Stowe. It has also appeared in various books, including Robert B. Parker’s “The Godwulf Manuscript,” David Foster Wallace’s “Infinite Jest,” and William Landay’s “Defending Jacob.”
10. Patriotic Connections
Katharine Lee Bates, author of “America the Beautiful,” lived in Newton, and Samuel Francis Smith, who wrote “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” is buried in Newton Cemetery.
11. Musical Heritage
Newton boasts two symphony orchestras: the Newton Symphony Orchestra and the New Philharmonia Orchestra. Both groups perform locally, with the NSO even playing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall.
12. Abolitionist History
The Jackson Homestead, now the Newton History Museum, was a stop on the Underground Railroad, providing refuge for runaway slaves.
14. Picturesque Park
The Chestnut Hill Reservoir, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, is a beautiful park offering a peaceful retreat, despite its origins as swampland.
15. Relaxing Spa Experience
La Residencia, a popular spa in Newton, offers a cozy atmosphere within a residential setting, providing a relaxing escape with a touch of home comfort.
16. Prestigious Educational Institutions
Newton is known for its emphasis on education, hosting elite institutions like The Fessenden School and Boston College, alma maters of notable figures like John Kerry and Tip O’Neill.
17. Vibrant Jewish Community
With about one-third of Newton’s population being Jewish, the city is a great place to learn about and celebrate Jewish traditions, including Hanukkah.
18. The Longyear Museum
The Longyear Museum in Newton showcases the life of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Christian Science movement, distinct from Scientology.
19. Luxurious Movie Experience
The Showcase SuperLux in Chestnut Hill offers a premium movie-watching experience with leather recliners, gourmet food, and a selection of fine beverages, including champagne.
20. Annual Jazz Festival
Newton’s annual Jazz Festival, held in late September, coincides with Newtonville Village Day, featuring live jazz performances and celebrating the city’s cultural vibrancy.
21. Newton Community Farm
Newton Community Farm sells fresh organic produce through a subscription plan or at the Newton Farmer’s Market, offering a hands-on farming experience.
22. Farm-to-Table Dining
Farmstead Table in Newton serves dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, offering a rustic-chic dining experience that appeals to locavores and food enthusiasts.
23. Jewish Film Festival
The Boston Jewish Film Festival, headquartered in Newton, screens contemporary Jewish-themed films at venues across the Boston area, including the West Newton Cinema.
24. Buff’s Pub
Buff’s Pub is famed for its delicious chicken wings and house-brewed Buff’s Pub Pale Ale. The pub’s quirky decor includes a buffalo head mounted over the bar.
25. St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Newton’s Irish pubs, like Paddy’s, Mick Morgan’s, and Dunn-Gaherin’s, offer a festive atmosphere for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with traditional music and drinks.
26. Diverse Sports Programs
Newton offers a wide range of youth sports, from traditional activities like soccer and basketball to unique options like fencing, horseback riding, and even circus arts at Simply Circus.
27. Celebrate Newton Craft Fair
Celebrate Newton is a holiday craft fair showcasing high-quality handmade items, perfect for finding unique gifts without the need for DIY skills.
28. Dog-Friendly Dining
Restaurants like Sol Azteca and Johnny’s Luncheonette offer outdoor seating where diners can enjoy a meal with their dogs. J.P. Licks provides a special sorbet treat for pets.
29. Bullough’s Pond
Bullough’s Pond, a historic mill pond, is now a beloved spot for ice skating, bird watching, and literary inspiration, having appeared in works like Diana Muir’s “Reflections in Bullough’s Pond.”
Popular Places to Visit in Newton MA
Newton offers a variety of attractions that cater to history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking community activities:
- Crystal Lake: A beautiful natural lake located in Newton Centre. It offers swimming during the summer months, boating, and scenic picnic spots.
- Newton Centre: This bustling village features a mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
- Jackson Homestead and Museum: This historic home was a stop on the Underground Railroad and now serves as a museum showcasing Newton’s history and abolitionist heritage.
- Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds: Another historic site that offers insights into colonial life and local history.
- Chestnut Hill Reservoir: A scenic spot perfect for walking, jogging, and enjoying nature.
If you live in Newton or need movers in Newton MA, Mastodon Moving is the premier moving company in the area and able to help with: