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Newton, MA

Frequently asked questions

Newton, MA

Newton is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is approximately 7 miles (11 km) west of downtown Boston and comprises a patchwork of thirteen villages without a city center. It is home to the Charles River, Crystal Lake, and Heartbreak Hill, among other landmarks. It is served by several streets and highways (including Route 9, Hammond Pond Parkway, and the Mass Pike), as well as the Green Line D branch run by the MBTA.

At the 2020 U.S. census, the population of Newton was 88,923.

Historically, the area that is now Newton was settled in 1639, and was originally the first part of Cambridge (then called "the newe towne"). It split from Cambridge in 1681 and became known by its present name Newton in 1766. It then became a city in 1874.

Newton was originally part of "the newe towne", which was settled in 1630 and renamed Cambridge in 1638. The first English settlement of what is now Newton began in 1639. Roxbury minister John Eliot persuaded the Native American people of Nonantum, a sub-tribe of the Massachusett led by a sachem named Waban, to relocate to Natick in 1651, fearing that they would be exploited by colonists. Newton was incorporated as a separate town, known as Cambridge Village, on December 15, 1681, then renamed Newtown in 1691, and finally Newton in 1766. It became a city on January 5, 1874. Newton is known as The Garden City.

In the early 1600s, Watertown had claimed a large area of land on the south side of the Charles River (modern-day Newton). They gave it up to Newtown, except for a strip "two hundred rods long and sixty rods wide" to "protect their fishing privileges".

Newton is a suburban city approximately 7 mi (11 km) from downtown Boston, in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It is also bordered by Waltham and Watertown on the north, Needham and the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston on the south, Wellesley and Weston on the west, and Brookline and the Brighton neighborhood of Boston on the east.

The Charles River flows along the north and west parts of Newton, and Route 128 passes through the west part of the city.

The Massachusetts Turnpike goes through the more urbanized northern section of the city before heading into Boston. Additional major highways in Newton include Route 9, serving the southern parts of the city, and Hammond Pond Parkway, which is the main north-south route through Chestnut Hill and provides access to Brookline and West Roxbury.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.2 square miles (47.1 km2), of which 18.0 square miles (46.6 km2) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 km2) (0.82%) is water.

The city places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Newton-Wellesley Hospital is a comprehensive medical center located in Newton. We provide the services and expertise of a major medical facility with the convenience and personal attention of a community hospital. Cardio High operates a clean gym with a friendly atmosphere in Newton, MA. They have an innovative approach to fitness that combines fast-paced interval training with low-impact movement so that their clients get a great workout that leaves them with a cleansed, energetic feeling. Experience holistic wellness services including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition counseling at Whole Minded Health. Explore cutting-edge wellness treatments such as cryotherapy, IV therapy, and infrared sauna sessions at Restore Hyper Wellness. Indulge in Thai-inspired spa treatments including massages, facials, and body scrubs at Thai Villa Spa. Pamper yourself with a range of spa services including electrolysis, facials, and waxing at Christine's Day Spa & Electrolysis. Enjoy personalized spa experiences including massages, facials, and body wraps at The Bella Boutique Spa. Attend workshops focused on mindfulness, meditation, and stress reduction at the Cultivate Calm Wellness Workshop.
 

Top Sites in Newton, MA: Hammond Pond Reservation,  Hemlock Gorge, Jackson Homestead and Museum, and Rose Art Museum.

Population: 87,381 (2022). ZIP Codes: 02458–02462, 02464–02468. Elevation: 100 ft (30m). Area: 18.2 square miles (47.1 km2). Area code: 617/857.

FAQs

What is Newton, MA known for?

In the area now known as Newton, English settlement goes back to the early 1600s. By the 1630s, Newton was known as “Cambridge Village.” It was part of "the newe towne" which was renamed Cambridge in 1638. In 1688, Cambridge Village officially became an independent township known by several names: Cambridge Village, New Cambridge, Newtown, and New Town. On December 15, 1691, Newton became the official name and the area became a city on January 5, 1874.

What are the 13 villages in Newton, MA?

The City has a population of 88,817 (2017) and occupies a land area of 18.33 square miles. The City is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages – Auburndale; Chestnut Hill; Newton Centre; Newton Corner; Newton Highlands; Newton Lower Falls; Newton Upper Falls; Newtonville; Nonantum; Oak Hill; Thompsonville; Waban; and West Newton.

Is Newton MA a good place to live?

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.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Newton

Massbaymovers

Newton-Wellesley Hospital

Cardio High

Whole Minded Health

Restore Hyper Wellness

Thai Villa Spa

Christine's Day Spa & Electrolysis

The Bella Boutique Spa

Cultivate Calm Wellness Workshop

Hammond Pond Reservation  

Hemlock Gorge 

Jackson Homestead and Museum 

Rose Art Museum

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.