Moving to Newton, MA: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Imagine living in a city with every feature a modern settlement should have. 

In fact, take your imagination a bit further; what if there’s that one area that doesn’t just have all the amenities it needs, but its close proximity to another major city means even better opportunities?

Newton, Massachusetts, is the literal description of such a thought.

However, aside from its prime location, moving to Newton, MA, has certain unique peculiarities you should know about.

Let’s get right into it!

The Villages: A Bit About Them

If you didn’t already know, Massachusetts has plenty of historical cities, especially those that played significant roles in the American Revolution… and Newton is one of them.

The Garden City comprises 13 villages, each with its own unique feel. Whether you’re looking for the highly desired Waban area, the expensive Chestnut Hill village, or perhaps the city’s commercial hub, Newton Centre, there’s a place for you. 

You should know that almost all 13 areas offer a good mixed taste of vintage architecture, fascinating history, lovely parks, and a friendly, welcoming community spirit.

• City Population: 87,381
• Median Age: 43.1 years

Living Costs on Steroids

When moving to Newton, MA, you must know that it’s not going to be easy on your wallet. 

The cost of living in Newton, MA, is about 80% higher than the national average. Now, depending on what city or area you’re coming from, it could be an easy or burdened cross to bear.

In all your spending while moving here, it’s best to have your housing budget in order — it’s going to be tough. Meanwhile, every other expense might seem close to the national average unless you decide to live in one of the more upscale neighborhoods with expensive tastes.

Living Costs	Compared to the National Average
Housing	273% higher
Utilities	19% higher
Healthcare	22% higher
Groceries	6% higher
Transportation	1% lower

Note:

Newton’s tax rates are considerably fair. Currently, the city follows the state’s flat-rate policy of 5% for all personal income taxes below $1 million and a 4% surtax for earnings above.

Coupled With A Competitive Real Estate Market

Remember the 273% higher pricing for real estate mentioned earlier? It gets worse!

Suppose you intend on buying a home for your family in Newton; your worry will be not only the premium value placed on properties here but also the bidding wars.

It’s a seller’s market in most parts of Newton, meaning there are more buyers than homes to sell. At the same time, the time homes stay open on the market is kind of low—29 days currently.

• Median Home Value: $1.5 Million
• 1-year Change: +6.5%
• Market Temperature: Hot

Luckily, if you’re simply looking to rent, there’s a much better glimmer of hope. Many of the realtors and moving companies in Newton, MA would say it’s much easier to find a place to rent than buy. It’s less competitive, and prices usually tend to drop at different times of the year.

• Average House Rent: $3,300
• 1-year Change: -2.79%
• Market Temperature: Warm

The Penny’s Worth: A Booming Economy

Is Newton, MA, a good place to live?

If you’re moving to Newton, MA, searching for work or a place with a stable economy, then you’re in luck. 

Not only does the city employ over 46,000 of its residents, but with Boston, just a few minutes drive away, your options for employment increase.

The leading industries and employers are healthcare, education, tech, and professional services. Plus, the average resident here earns just enough to meet every need.

• Median Household Income: $185,154
• Unemployment Rate: 3.80%
• Poverty Rate: 4.57%

Crazy Winters: Test Your Might

Winters are cold and summers are hot, but you might want to prepare dearly for the freezing temperatures that come with snow.

While you can get warm temperatures around the mid-80s in summer, expect temperatures to reach the low 20s (or less) with about 50 inches of annual snow. 

January is usually the worst time of winter. The temperature drops even more, and it can get dangerous. Icy roads, the need for snow shovels and tire chains… it’s a whole lot of struggle.

An Educational Marvel City

But once the storm passes and the sky begins to clear, you’re reminded of the many benefits Newton offers, like its top-notch educational system.

Truly, it’s the pride of every Newton resident—exceptional public schools that consistently rank among the best in the state and country.

The schools here are well-funded, have dedicated teaching staff, and offer a range of academic opportunities for every student.

So, as a parent or young adult moving to Newton, MA, here is a list of the best schools in the city:

• Ward Elementary School
• Mason-Rice Elementary School
• Charles E Brown Middle School
• Newton North High School
• Newton South High School

Deep-Rooted Art and Entertainment Culture

Whether you’re an artist or just an admirer of the fine things of art, you’ll have a lot to talk about while in Newton.

From amazing galleries and theaters where live performances and art exhibitions are displayed to cultural festivals that invigorate every local community group.

If you haven’t set a date for your move, consider moving to Newton, MA, before May. That’s when all the true Newton festival spirits come alive! 

A Paradise for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Parks, recreational facilities, trails—once you decide to explore Newton, you’ll find a lot to love.

Should hiking, biking, or soaking the sun in the summer be your go-to “fun” activity, there’s a place for you. Or perhaps it’s a cold retreat or snow sports moment during winter; you’re not missing an adventure.

Even the shoppers and exquisite dining fanatics aren’t left out of the amenities of being in Newton. If you want a good mix of everything in one place, you should find your way to Newton Centre — diverse dining options and ritzy boutiques.

Some fun places to experience with your family or partner include:

• Newton Cemetery and Arboretum
• Crystal Lake
• Hemlock Gorge Reservation
• Durant-Kenrick House & Grounds
• The Rose Art Museum

Limited Nightlife Options

Suppose you’re one of those night owls that come alive just before dawn; you might be a little disappointed with what you’ll find in Newton.

Sure, a couple of bars and restaurants will stay open a few hours to midnight or after, but not so much. Boston is where to expect more of that sort of fun, and Newton doesn’t seem to have much of it.

It’s a little trade-off for the other benefits that you might just get to enjoy.

A Safe Haven for the Family

Why live in Newton?

Let’s say all the other benefits don’t quite give the impression of Newton being the perfect spot for your family, then how about security?

On average, Newton is safer than 60% of all areas in the U.S., and crime reports are so low that it feels like there’s a guardian angel at every corner.

Here’s the crime stat:

per 1,000 residents	Newton Average	Massachusetts Average	National Average
Violent Crime	0.7	3.22	4.0
Property Crime	6.8	10.7	20.0

Conclusion — Into The Garden City

While Newton’s high cost of living and expensive real estate is true, there’s a lot more about the city that keeps folks coming.

For instance, curious minds and art lovers will always be drawn to the city’s historic heritage, nature’s beauty, and love for the arts. Meanwhile, families with kids will be more interested in the excellent schooling system and almost unbeatable security.

All you need to do is plan, create a budget, and stick to it while moving to Newton, MA. It might not be easy at first, especially if you don’t have a job waiting for you, but eventually, it will always be the best decision.