Newton

Welcome to Newton

Comprised of 14 villages developed around seven hills, Newton is a diverse suburban city located seven miles west of Downtown Boston. Newton was settled in 1630 and developed further with the introduction of the streetcar in the 19th century and the automobile in the 20th century. These successive waves of development have left Newton’s 14 villages with an eclectic real estate mix. Newton, MA's real estate options can feature many historic properties, including some dating back to the 17th century. When it comes to Newton, MA's homes for sale, the area can showcase large modern homes exhibiting the finest in contemporary home design. Newton, MA enjoys excellent accessibility, providing a leafy refuge within a 10-minute drive to Downtown Boston.

What to Love

• 14 distinctive historic villages

• Diverse and upscale dining scene

• Pastoral landscape close to Boston

• Picturesque outdoor recreation areas

People & Lifestyle

Newton is comprised of the villages of Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Newton Centre, Newton Corner, Newton Highlands, Newton Lower Falls, Newton Upper Falls, Newtonville, Nonantum, Oak Hill, Thompsonville, Waban, and West Newton. Each has its own distinctive characteristics. (The village of Nonantum even has its own language! Many of Nonatum’s older Italian-American residents use a unique dialect called Lake Talk.) All of Newton’s villages are within easy reach of Boston, but they offer a pastoral lifestyle far removed from the bustle of the city.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

The 14 villages that make up Newton offer a diverse and upscale dining scene. Sycamore on Beacon Street is a trendy bistro where you can enjoy seasonal cuisine alongside local beer, wine, and craft cocktails. Buttonwood in the Newton Highlights village serves sophisticated New American cuisine with craft beer, classic cocktails, and small-production wines. 

Newton’s lively Irish-style taverns and gastropubs include Paddy’s Public House, Dunn-Gaherin’s, and O’Hara’s. Lumiere offers sublime French cooking and a five-course tasting menu, while The Local brings French flair to its innovative reinterpretations of classic American dishes such as Cajun salmon risotto and New England lobster rolls. The Landing Pizza and Max & Leo’s are two of the Boston area’s best Italian-style pizzerias. You can also grab tasty ramen bowls at Little Big Dinner and delicious pan-Asian cuisine at Jean and Lee Kitchen. 

Other popular spots include Mexican taqueria Patzcuaro, refined Italian restaurant Fiorella’s Cucina, and traditional East European eatery Moldova. The Shops at Chestnut Hill features two floors of premium retailers anchored by the only Bloomingdale’s in New England.

Things to Do                                                        

In April, the Boston Marathon comes to Newton. Four of the community’s seven hills provide some of the marathon’s most challenging terrain—Heartbreak Hill is particularly famous for its difficulty. Newton’s idyllic landscape features lots of large parks and greenspace. 

Hammond Pond Reservation has dozens of trails surrounding its namesake pond. Popular activities on the pond include canoeing, fishing, and kayaking. The reservation also has rock formations ideally suited for climbing. In winter, it’s a good place to try cross-country skiing. Crystal Lake in Newton Highlands is a swimming lake with a sandy beach surrounded by a seven-acre park. Chestnut Hill Reservoir is surrounded by a looped trail for walking, running, and biking.

Mount Auburn Cemetery was built in 1831 as the United States’ first garden cemetery. Many of Boston’s most prominent individuals are buried at Mount Auburn, and its beautiful landscaping makes it a captivating place to explore. 

Schools

Newtown operates its own public school district. Highlights include:

• Countryside Elementary School, Public, K-5

• Underwood Elementary School, Public, K-5

• Bigelow Middle School, Public, 6-8

• Oak Hill Middle School, Public, 6-8

• Dearborn Academy, Private, 4-12