8 Reasons to Move to Newton
By Thomas Kutzman on June 03, 2024
Looking for a great place to live outside of Boston? Look no further than Newton.
With plenty of local amenities and housing options in close proximity to Downtown Boston, Newton is perfect for those looking for suburban life without sacrificing convenience or culture.
Below are just a few reasons why you should consider moving to Newton.
Easy commute to Boston
For anyone who lives in or around Boston, the close proximity of Newton is a major perk. The short distance from the city means that commuters can take advantage of one of the best commutes possible.
There are many transportation options available, and the trip only takes a few minutes, depending on which village you live in. Route 90 is the main transportation corridor in the city, and the Framingham/Worcester line of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA Commuter Rail) has three stops in the region.
Newtonville Station serves Newtonville and Nonantum, while folks living in West Newton and Auburndale have stations of their own. For drivers heading to the south, 95 cuts right through Newton, providing easy access to Route 9.
Newton also is serviced by the light rail system (The T) that connects with Boston. There are 7 stations in Newton that offer a reliable and low cost commuting option.
These different commuting options make Newton a perfect place to live for anyone who wants the convenience of a close train ride or drive to Boston.
History of Newton
The history of the thirteen villages of today’s Newton is a long and complicated one. Each village was originally composed of several small hamlets that were gradually consolidated into larger municipalities.
Over time, the villages began to diverge in terms of their economic and social character. Some became wealthy enclaves while others became working-class neighborhoods. Today, the thirteen villages of Newton are still very different from one another, but they all share a common history.
The 13 villages of Newton
- Auburndale
- West Newton
- Nonantum
- Newton Corner
- Newtonville
- Newton Lower Falls
- Waban
- Newton Centre
- Chestnut Hill
- Thompsonville
- Newton Highlands
- Newton Upper Falls
- Oak Hill
Housing styles in Newton
The City of Newton is home to a variety of housing styles.
One of the most prevalent is the Colonial style, which dates back to the early days of the city. These homes typically feature wood frame construction, symmetrical design, and a central chimney.
Another popular style in Newton is the Cape Cod, which is characterized by its low-pitch roof line and central front door. This style became popular in the late 18th century and remains a common sight in Newton today.
In recent years, there has also been an increase in the number of Contemporary and Mid-century Modern homes being built in the city. These homes tend to be more open in design, with large windows and minimal ornamentation.
No matter what style you prefer, Newton has something to offer. In fact, the city created a heatmap of housing styles in Newton showing where you might find your favorite architectural style.
Diversity of dining options
When it comes to dining out, Newton has a lot to offer.
Across the city, there are plenty of options, whether you're looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience. But the unofficial dining downtown of Newton is Newton Centre.
Whether you're in the mood for Italian, Japanese, or American cuisine, you'll be able to find it in Newton Centre. Farmstead Table Restaurant is a classic American eatery, where you can dine on dishes crafted using ingredients from nearby farms. On Centre Street is the extremely popular Little Big Diner, an Asian-soul food joint where you can grab a bowl of homemade ramen and a Japanese lager after a day in Downtown.
There are also several vegetarian and vegan options in Newton. The Walnut Grille in the Newton Highlands offers top-of-the-line vegan and gluten-free cuisine.
So whatever your dietary needs, you'll be able to find a meal that's right for you. Newton is a great place to dine out, and with so many options available, there's something for everyone.
Colleges in the area
The Greater Boston Area is known for its concentration of higher education institutions, and Newton is no different.
The city is home to several excellent colleges and universities, including Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Hebrew College in Newton Centre, Lasell University in Auburndale, Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst in Oak Hill, and William James College in Newton Upper Falls.
These institutions offer a wide range of degree programs that cater to students with a variety of educational interests and backgrounds. Whether you are interested in law, business, healthcare, psychology or the arts, you are sure to find a program that fits your needs at one of these great schools.
In addition to their top-notch academics, each of these institutions is also dedicated to providing students with a supportive learning environment where they can grow as individuals and achieve their full potential.
Shopping
The city has a variety of retail options, from big box stores to small local shops. Newton residents can find just about anything you need, whether you're looking for groceries, clothing, or home goods.
There are several large shopping centers in Newton, such as The Mall at Chestnut Hill and The Street. These malls offer a wide variety of stores and restaurants, so you're sure to find what you're looking for.
If you're looking for a more relaxed shopping experience, head to one of Newton's many local shops. These shops offer unique items that you won't find at the big box stores. You can also support your local economy by shopping at these businesses.
Whether you're looking for a specific item or just want to browse, Newton is a great place to shop.
Explore nature in your own backyard
Newton is home to a variety of natural habitats, making it a great place to explore nature. The city is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Charles River Reservation, the Hemlock Gorge Reservation, and the Auburndale Cove Reservation.
Each of these locations offers opportunities to observe different aspects of nature, from the plants and animals that call them home to the geological features that make them unique.
In addition, Newton also has a number of walking and biking trails that wind through these natural areas, providing even more opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of nature. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just visiting for a short time, taking some time to explore Newton's natural wonders is sure to be a memorable experience.
Culture, music, even an orchestra
Newton is famously known as a hub of art and culture, with music playing a central role in the city's identity.
Numerous renowned orchestras call Newton home, including the New Philharmonia Orchestra, which has been a staple of the city's musical community for decades. In addition to performing a variety of concerts each year, the New Philharmonia also offers music education programs for people of all ages and skill levels.
The orchestra believes that music has an important role to play not just in cultivating artistic talent, but in bringing communities together and fostering a greater sense of connection within the city. Newton has something for everyone, whether you are a seasoned musician or simply enjoy listening to beautiful melodies.
So if you're looking for an enriching artistic experience, be sure to pay this vibrant city a visit!
