Newton is a city of about 90,700 people just west of Boston, made up of 13 villages, each with its own center, and known for its public schools, tree-lined streets, and easy commute into the city. It suits families, professionals who want more space than Boston offers, and anyone who values schools and quiet neighborhoods. It is one of the most expensive places to live in Massachusetts. The median home value is about $1,264,900, and about 70 percent of homes are owner-occupied. For the move, plan for large single-family homes, long driveways, and village streets that get busy around school times. Book early for summer, avoid Patriots’ Day weekend if you live near the marathon route, and confirm parking and access for the truck before move day.
Stark Moving and Storage is based in the Boston area and moves households into Newton and its neighbors, including Waltham, Watertown, and Brookline. We handle large home moves, packing, storage, and piano and fine art moving, which many Newton homes call for. Here is what to know about living in Newton and how to plan the move.
Newton by the Numbers
From the U.S. Census Bureau’s Newton QuickFacts:
| Measure | Newton |
|---|---|
| Population, 2025 estimate | About 90,741 |
| Median household income | About $190,304 |
| Median home value | About $1,264,900 |
| Median rent | About $2,370 per month |
| Homes that are owner-occupied | About 70 percent |
| Average commute | About 26.6 minutes |
| Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher | About 81 percent |
Best Villages in Newton
Newton is not one downtown. It is a collection of villages, and where you live shapes daily life.
| Village | What it is like |
|---|---|
| Newton Centre | Shops, restaurants, and a Green Line stop |
| Newtonville | Commuter rail stop, walkable center |
| West Newton | Small-town center with commuter rail |
| Chestnut Hill | Large homes near Boston College |
| Waban | Quiet residential village with a Green Line stop |
| Auburndale | Near the Charles River and the Mass Pike |
| Newton Highlands | Green Line stop and village shops |
| Newton Corner | Closest to Boston, quick highway access |
The others are Newton Lower Falls, Newton Upper Falls, Nonantum, Oak Hill, and Thompsonville.
Why People Move to Newton
Schools
Newton’s public schools are a major draw and a large part of why families choose the city.
Getting Into Boston
The Green Line D branch runs through Newton, the commuter rail stops at Newtonville, West Newton, and Auburndale, and the Mass Pike cuts across the north side. Many residents commute to downtown Boston in under half an hour.
Space and Green
Compared with Boston, Newton offers larger lots, yards, parks, and the Charles River on its western and northern edges.
If you are deciding between the city and the suburb, our comparison of Boston and Newton lays out the trade-offs.
Housing
Newton is mostly single-family homes, many of them large and older, with a smaller share of condos and apartments near the village centers.
For the move, that means:
- More furniture and boxes per household than a typical city move
- Basements, attics, and garages to empty
- Long driveways and walkways
- Heavy items such as pianos and antiques
- Some steep lots in hilly parts of the city
Tip: Ask for an in-home estimate. A phone quote based on bedroom count will miss the basement, the garage, and the piano, which are where Newton moves run long.
Cost of Living in Newton
Newton is one of the most expensive places to live in Massachusetts, mainly because of home prices. The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates these yearly costs for Middlesex County, which includes Newton:
| Yearly cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Housing, one adult | $28,402 |
| Food, one adult | $5,118 |
| Transportation, one adult | $8,013 |
| Income needed before taxes, one adult | $70,707 |
| Income needed before taxes, two working adults and two children | $176,193 |
These are county averages. Newton’s own home values are far higher than the county as a whole, and property taxes on a large home add a real yearly cost.
Weather in Newton
BestPlaces lists these climate averages:
| Measure | Newton | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| July high | About 83 degrees | Varies by region |
| January low | About 18 degrees | Varies by region |
| Snow per year | About 50 inches | 28 inches |
| Rain per year | About 48 inches | 38 inches |
| Sunny days per year | About 204 | 205 |
Winters are cold and snowy, so a home with a long driveway means regular plowing or shoveling.
Schools in Newton
Newton Public Schools serves about 11,600 students, with a student-teacher ratio of about 10 to 1. Niche gives the district an overall grade of A plus. The city has two public high schools, Newton North and Newton South.
Crime and Safety
NeighborhoodScout, using FBI data for 2024, reports these rates:
| Crime per 1,000 residents | Newton | National median |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | About 0.5 | About 4 |
| Property crime | About 6.0 | About 18 |
Both rates are far below the national median, which makes Newton one of the safer cities its size in the region.
What the Move Costs
A move into Newton from Boston or a nearby town is a local move billed by the hour, so the size of the home and access drive the price. Our guide to Boston moving costs shows typical ranges by home size, and larger Newton homes usually fall at the upper end.
Timing the Move
Avoid Patriots’ Day Weekend
The Boston Marathon runs through Newton on Patriots’ Day in April, including the famous hills along Commonwealth Avenue. Roads close along the route. If you live near it, pick another date.
Book Ahead for Summer
Families often move between school years, so June through August is busy. Book six to eight weeks ahead.
Plan Around School Hours
Village centers and streets near schools are busy at drop-off and pickup. A mid-morning start avoids the worst of it.
Your First Month in Newton
- Enroll children in school with proof of residency
- Find your trash and recycling schedule
- Learn your village’s train or Green Line stop
- Register for any parking permits your street requires
- Update your address with the Registry of Motor Vehicles
Pros and Cons of Living in Newton
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top-rated public schools | Very high home prices |
| Low crime | Few rentals compared with Boston |
| Green Line and commuter rail into Boston | Larger homes mean bigger, longer moves |
| Quiet villages, parks, and yards | Busy village traffic at school times |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newton, MA a good place to live?
For many families, yes. It offers strong schools, quiet villages, and a short commute to Boston, at a very high cost.
How expensive is Newton?
The median home value is about $1,264,900, according to Census figures, one of the highest in the state.
How do I get from Newton to Boston?
By the Green Line D branch, the commuter rail, or the Mass Pike. The average commute is about 27 minutes.
What are Newton’s villages?
Newton has 13 villages, including Newton Centre, Newtonville, West Newton, Chestnut Hill, Waban, and Auburndale.
When should I avoid moving in Newton?
Patriots’ Day weekend if you live near the marathon route, and busy summer weekends.
Are Newton moves more expensive?
Often, because homes are larger and hold more. The hourly rates are the same as nearby towns.
Moving to Newton
Stark Moving and Storage provides reliable local and long-distance moving services in Newton, MA, and throughout the greater Boston area. Our services include professional packing and unpacking, secure storage, custom crating, and specialized piano and fine art moving. Whether you’re relocating a home or transporting valuable belongings, our team works to make your move organized and efficient.
As a BBB-accredited company, Stark Moving and Storage values honesty, transparency, and efficiency throughout every relocation. If you’re looking for experienced Newton Movers, contact our team at (866) 656-6029 to discuss your moving requirements and request an in-home estimate for your upcoming move.