Population
Newton is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. As of the 2020 US Census, the population of Newton was 91,132, making it the 11th largest city in Massachusetts. Newton’s population is predominantly white, with 75.5% identifying as white alone, 14.8% as Asian alone, 5.7% as Hispanic or Latino, and 3.7% as black or African American alone, according to 2019 Census Bureau estimates.
Originally settled in 1630 as part of Cambridge, Newton was incorporated as its own town in 1688 and became a city in 1874. It is located approximately 7 miles west of downtown Boston and is considered part of Greater Boston. The city is divided into 13 villages including Newton Centre, Newton Highlands, and Newton Upper Falls.
For more information on Newton’s demographics, see the Newton, Massachusetts Wikipedia page.
Economy
Newton has a thriving economy with a mix of commercial, retail, and industrial businesses. According to the City of Newton’s economic development site, major industries include education and healthcare, financial services, tech and life sciences, manufacturing, and retail.
Some of the largest employers in Newton include Boston College, Mount Ida College, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, State Street Corporation, TripAdvisor, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. The city also has a robust small business community with many restaurants, shops, and services located in its villages.
In 2019, Newton had an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, well below the national average, indicating a strong economy with ample job opportunities for residents. Median household income in Newton is among the highest in Massachusetts at over $140,000.
With its skilled workforce, high education levels, proximity to Boston, transit access, and great quality of life, Newton is well-positioned for continued economic growth and prosperity.
For more on Newton’s economy and major employers, visit the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce.
Culture and Recreation
Newton is home to many cultural institutions that enrich the lives of its residents. The New Arts cultural district in Newtonville promotes music, art, theater, and dance. Live music can be found at venues like the New Repertory Theatre Company.
Newton’s recreation department operates programs and classes year-round and maintains parks, playgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pools, jogging paths, and conservation land for public enjoyment. Popular recreation spots include Crystal Lake, Newton Centre Playground, and Newton Commonwealth Golf Course.
For shopping and dining, locals and visitors alike frequent the boutiques, restaurants, and cafes located in Newton’s quaint villages like West Newton, Newton Highlands, and Newtonville.
With its excellent cultural attractions, recreation opportunities, and amenities, it’s easy to see why Newton ranks highly as a desirable place to live and visit in the Boston region.
History
Newton was originally settled by English settlers in 1630 as part of the town of Cambridge. It was incorporated as a separate town named Newton in 1688 and was named after the English town of Newton in the county of Lincolnshire. Newton was subsequently made a city in 1874.
During the colonial era, Newton was largely agricultural with some small mills along the rivers. In the 19th century, it developed into a streetcar suburb for Boston and the population grew rapidly. Newton annexed several bordering towns over the years leading to its current borders.
Historic homes like the Jackson Homestead and Durant-Kenrick House provide a window into Newton’s past. The city has 21 sites on the National Register of Historic Places including the Newton City Hall and Newton Centre Railroad Depot.
To learn more, visit the Newton Historic Commission website or take a self-guided Historical Walking Tour of Newtonville.
Landmarks
Some of the most notable landmarks in Newton include:
- Newton City Hall – built in 1847, the historic city hall is an iconic Newton landmark in Newton Centre.
- Crystal Lake – a picturesque 27-acre lake popular for swimming, boating, and strolling the 1.5 mile loop trail.
- Newton Centre Falls – a scenic waterfall area spanned by a stone arch bridge on the Charles River.
- Newton Free Library – originally established in 1865 with a main branch designed by architect Henry H. Richardson.
- Jackson Homestead – an 1809 farmhouse museum that preserves Newton’s agricultural past.
- Newton Fire Museum – traces the history of Newton’s firefighters back to 1794.
For more on landmarks, visit the Self-Guided Walking Tour brochure published by the City of Newton.
Sports
Newton is home to one major professional sports team, the Boston Celtics basketball team. The Celtics practice and play games at the TD Garden arena and have won 17 NBA championships, more than any other NBA franchise.
At the local level, the city operates Newton Public Schools Athletics with varsity teams competing in the Bay State Conference. Popular sports include football, soccer, basketball, baseball, track & field, and volleyball.
For participants, Newton has a vibrant youth sports scene with clubs and leagues for sports like hockey, basketball, baseball, and football. Adults can join recreational sports leagues run by the city’s parks and recreation department.
The City of Newton has an official Facebook page to connect with residents and visitors. You can find upcoming events, news, job openings, and more at the City of Newton Facebook page. Be sure to like and follow the page!