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West Newton

West Newton

4.1
$1,763,674 Average Value
$605 Average Price per Sq Ft
28 Homes For Sale

Suburban charm and highly rated schools draw buyers to West Newton

West Newton is one of 13 villages that make up the city of Newton, a leafy suburb on the western outskirts of Boston. Its residential streets surround a walkable village center edged with historic brick buildings. Newton gained a reputation as a commuter suburb with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s, and it still carries that transit-friendly character today. While homes here offer just as much charm as those in surrounding neighborhoods, they often sell at lower prices. And students have access to Newton Public Schools, one of the state’s highest-rated districts.

West Newton sits about 10 miles west of Downtown Boston.
West Newton sits about 10 miles west of Downtown Boston.
A walkable village center brings everyday conveniences to West Newton.
A walkable village center brings everyday conveniences to West Newton.
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Older students can attend the highly rated Newton North High School.
Older students can attend the highly rated Newton North High School.

Newton Public Schools is a top-rated district

Newton Public Schools receives an A-plus from Niche and is widely regarded as one of the top districts in Massachusetts. At Newton North High, students are encouraged to take on non-traditional electives to help them prepare for life after graduation. The high school also has a Center for Civic Engagement & Service that allows students to build strong bonds within the community.

The West Newton housing market offers plenty of variety

West Newton homebuyers can choose from an array of housing styles, with construction dates ranging from the late 1800s to the 2020s. Single-family homes outnumber condos and townhomes by a wide margin. Around West Newton Hill, Victorian homes with wraparound porches and ornate millwork sit on shaded lots. Colonial Revivals, ranch-style homes and Cape Cods add variety to the architectural landscape. The median sale price of $1.3 million is a bit lower than Newton’s median. Prices typically range from the lower $600,000s to around $5 million, and properties only stay on the market for about a month on average. “Houses around here don’t stay available for long,” says Realtor Dan Demeo of Demeo Realty, who’s lived in the area since 2000.

Some West Newton homes were built within the last decade.
Some West Newton homes were built within the last decade.
Colonial Revival-style homes give West Newton plenty of New England charm.
Colonial Revival-style homes give West Newton plenty of New England charm.
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What commuting looks like from this well-connected neighborhood

Since many properties include parking spaces, owning a car isn’t as much of a hassle here as it is in Boston. Interstate 90, also known as the Mass Pike, bisects the neighborhood and connects to Downtown Boston, about 10 miles away. The drive can take 20 to 30 minutes in light traffic; however, downtown parking is notoriously difficult. From the West Newton commuter rail station, you can take the Framingham/Worcester Line, which will usually get you downtown in about half an hour. Multiple MBTA bus lines serve the area as well.

West Newton has bike lanes for residents and visitors.
West Newton has bike lanes for residents and visitors.
Commuters have numerous public transit options, including MBTA buses.
Commuters have numerous public transit options, including MBTA buses.
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A walkable village with restaurants and a local cinema

Near the rail station, local restaurants dot the streets in the village center. “When you live in the village, even for just a little bit, you form a really solid connection to it,” Demeo says. “My family had a restaurant in the area when I was younger, and people still remember it.” You can grab a bite to eat at these places:

  • Judith’s Kitchen, a corner sandwich shop
  • Blue Ribbon BBQ, a Southern-style barbecue spot featuring oak- and hickory-smoked meats
  • The Bluebird Bar, known for its cocktails and dollar oyster hours
  • Blue Salt Restaurant, specializing in Mediterranean-Middle Eastern fusion cuisine
  • Sweet Tomatoes Pizza, a regional chain that dishes up Neapolitan-style pies
The village is also home to West Newton Cinema, an independent six-screen theater that’s been operating for nearly a century. For groceries, there’s a Trader Joe’s right down the road toward Newtonville.

You can catch the latest releases at West Newton Cinema.
You can catch the latest releases at West Newton Cinema.
Stop by Blue Salt Restaurant in West Newton for creative Mediterranean-inspired plates.
Stop by Blue Salt Restaurant in West Newton for creative Mediterranean-inspired plates.
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Neighborhood parks offer playgrounds, trails and sports facilities

You’ll find several public green spaces a short walk from the village. At West Newton Commons, locals relax on shaded benches while the kids romp on the playground or toss balls around on the athletic fields. The Dolan Pond Conservation Area is a dog-friendly retreat with boardwalk trails carving through wooded wetlands alive with birds, turtles and frogs. And Wellington Park adds another playground with swings and loop-style monkey bars, plus tennis and basketball courts.

West Newton Commons has a playground that's popular with the younger crowd.
West Newton Commons has a playground that's popular with the younger crowd.
Wellington Park is one of several public green spaces in the neighborhood.
Wellington Park is one of several public green spaces in the neighborhood.
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Seasonal events add spice to the community calendar

West Newton hosts several community gatherings throughout the year. Here are some highlights:

  • Strawberry Festival, a May fundraiser with cocktails, wine and chocolate tastings and a silent auction
  • Newton PorchFest, a summer afternoon of live music performed on porches and lawns
  • Newton Thanksgiving Market, a holiday market showcasing local vendors
Many of these events take place at the Allen Center on Webster Street, where concerts enliven the stage during the Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts. West Newton Cinema holds special screenings during the citywide festival, typically held in May and June.

Comparing West Newton to nearby neighborhoods

If you broaden your search to surrounding neighborhoods, you can expect home prices to be slightly higher, but the conveniences might be worth the cost. The downtown area in Newton Centre surrounds a charming village green, and shopping and dining options are plentiful. However, while the Green Line serves the neighborhood, there’s no commuter rail station. In Newtonville, residents have access to a commuter rail stop, and Boston College’s Newton campus — home to its law school — is a short drive away. Auburndale also offers commuter rail access, and the village sits along the Charles River, with waterside parks, trails and monuments. It's also home to Lasell University, a private college with a residential campus.

Adrienne Ryan
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Anhella Sanchez
Photography Contributed By
Anhella Sanchez
Mark Barakat
Video By
Mark Barakat

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

21 min drive

Train

West Newton

Bus

37 Elm St

Bus

Washington St & Auburn St

Bus

River St & Pine St

Bus

Lexington St & Whitlowe Rd

Bus

Crafts St & Waltham St

Bus

Elm St & Washington St

Bus

Washington St Opp Armory St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.1 22 Reviews
5.0 Niche User
6/5/2015 Niche Review
There are a bunch of little shops in the town that I live in which is great because there is always something for everyone
5.0 Niche User
5/13/2015 Niche Review
There are so many options for food in this area. Practically every country and culture is represented in restaurant form.
5.0 Niche User
9/30/2015 Niche Review
I will buy a house here if i can
4.0 Niche User
3/17/2016 Niche Review
It's very quiet. Not much happens
Are you familiar with the West Newton neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime West Newton US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
3,460
Number of Homes for Sale
28
Median Year Built
1930
Months of Supply
2.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,610
Significantly above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,661
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,294
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
942
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
35
Median Rent
$3,600
Median Single Family Home Rent
$4,525
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$5,500
Median Townhouse Rent
$3,800
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,863
Median Condo Rent
$3,325
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$3,050

Demographics

Total Population
11,792
Median Age
43
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$175,117
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$193,241

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97%
College Graduates
78.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
46.7%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Fairly bikeable

Bikeability®

50 / 100

Moderately walkable

Walkability®

70 / 100

Good public transit

Transit®

60 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
West Newton