Newton is a diverse community that consistently is ranked as one of the best cities to live in the country. Rather than having a single city center, Newton is composed of thirteen villages, each with it’s own distinctive character and neighborhood feeling. Real estate in Newton is highly coveted as the city is known for its excellent schools and close proximity to Boston.
Auburndale
Auburndale lies along the banks of the Charles River and is bisected by the Mass Pike. The village has a long history with the oldest home dating back to 1730. Auburndale provides excellent commuting options with easy highway access, commuter rail and MBTA stations and numerous bus routes.
Chestnut Hill
Chestnut Hill is named for a series of small hills that overlook the Chestnut Hill Reservoir and shares its name with neighboring areas of Brookline and West Roxbury. The village is a mix of residential and commercial properties and is the home of Boston College. The Chestnut Hill Mall and local shopping plazas provide numerous shopping venues for residents. A large section of the village has been designated as a Historic District and some unique architectural styles are found throughout – from Colonial to Italianate and Tudor Revival to Victorian.
Newton Centre
Newton Centre is the largest and most centrally located village and is often referred to as the “Downtown” area of Newton. The core of Newton Centre is located at the intersection of Beacon, Langley and Centre Streets and contains many diverse restaurants and upscale shopping. The Newton Centre Green hosts many summer festivals, weekly summer musical performances and children’s performances. Just outside of the Centre is the popular Newton Free Library and Crystal Lake. Crystal Lake is a deep, glacial pond which is open to residents for swimming in the summer.
Newton Corner
Newton Corner is a major transportation hub with easy access to the Mass Pike and numerous bus routes proving direct, express service to Downtown Boston. The village is home to the oldest European settlement in the city.
Newton Highlands
Newton Highlands is a more suburban village that has a small historic district and small commercial district on Lincoln Street. The village contains some of the most unique Victorian homes in the city – true Painted Ladies! The village has a great community and hosts Village Day in June, among other special festivals and gatherings.
Newton Lower Falls
Lower Falls is located in the northwest corner of the city and is very suburban with parks, access to the Charles River and a public golf course. One of the country’s first paper mills was built in Lower Falls.
Newton Upper Falls
Upper Falls is the smallest village of Newton. Most of Upper Falls is a local historic district, with more than 150 structures. The highlights of Upper Falls are Echo Bridge and Hemlock Gorge. Echo Bridge was built in 1876 and is a 500 foot long granite bridge. It contains the highest stone arches in the world and really “echoes” when you stand under it! Neighboring Hemlock Gorge is a serene area and contains great walking trails.
Newtonville
Newtonville is a predominantly residential neighborhood. The village is divided by the Mass Pike and is the home of Newton North High School. The small commercial section on Washington and Walnut Streets has diverse restaurants and shops.
Nonantum
Nonantum is located on the northern edge of the City. Silver Lake was at the heart of Nonantum until it was filled in and built over from the 1930’s to 1950’s. Despite no longer existing, residents still refer to this village as “The Lake.” There is a large Italian population in Nonantum and the restaurants and shops reflect that heritage.
Oak Hill
Oak Hill/Oak Hill Park is the most suburban of the villages. It was one of the last villages to be developed by the City of Newton. After World War II, a housing shortage existed for veterans. In response, Newton built 412 new homes, a shopping center and school for the veterans. It became incorporated as a village in 1950. Many of the original homes have been demolished or expanded into larger homes.
Thompsonville
Thompsonville is little known outside of the residents. There is no zip code specifically for this village. Rather, residents use the neighboring Chestnut Hill and Newton Centre zip codes.
Waban
Waban is one of the most easily accessible of Newton’s villages with close proximity to Route 128 and the Mass Pike as well as an MBTA station in the center of the village. Waban has a strong community and very active neighborhood organization. The village organizes many special events for the community.
West Newton
West Newton is a village that is constantly bustling with activity. The Mass Pike and commuter rail are both very easily accessible. The commercial district – West Newton Square – contains a variety of restaurants and pubs, shopping and the West Newton Cinema (which typically runs independent or eclectic film options). West Newton Hill contains some of the most sought after homes in all of Newton and many homes throughout the village are historic.