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.
Map of Newton, MA
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.
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.
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
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